Clearing my throat, I ask, “How long?”
Now it’s his turn to act innocent. “How long what?”
“How long do I have to play your loving wife?”
“Who said there was an expiration date?”
The car comes to a halt at a traffic stop, and so does our conversation. Instead of answering him, I go back to staring out of the window.
Of course there is an end to this. There will come a point where he doesn’t need me anymore, and since I witnessed him and his crew commit countless felonies, I highly doubt he or his friends are going to let me walk away.
If I stay with him, I’m as good as dead.
6
LIAM
“Unfortunately, Mr. Crawford can’t see you without an appointment,” the receptionist chirps like she is repeating a well-rehearsed line. Her eyes remain glued to her computer screen, while her fingers rapidly tap against the keyboard. “I’m happy to get you on the schedule for the end of next week.”
“I’m afraid this matter is quite urgent,” I push, gripping the briefcase handle just a little tighter. “Let your boss know Donovan Blackwell’s daughter and her husband are here to see him.”
Recognition at the name Blackwell flashes across her features, but she remains on the fence. “I’m sorry, but he is already in a meeting and?—”
“Now!” My voice booms through the office in a menacing tone, making the receptionist flinch in her seat. Her eyes widen as she looks up at me and realizes that I won’t take no for an answer.
“I’ll see what I can do,” she says, her voice a little shaky now. She gets up and speed walks down to the end of the hall, where she frantically knocks on the door before opening it.
They are too far away to hear what they are saying, but after a short conversation, the receptionist returns to us. “Mr. Crawford will see you now.” She waves toward the open office door.
“Wonderful,” I fake cheer.
As I walk down the hall with Aurora by my side, I lean over until my mouth is close to her ear and whisper, “Remember, your sister’s future depends on your cooperation.” At my reminder, she gives me a side-eye glare that has me chuckling.
I have no intention of actually harming an innocent kid, but Aurora doesn’t know this, and as long as she doesn’t, I’m going to use it against her.
We enter the lavish office, where Crawford is sitting behind an oversized wooden desk. He sizes me up immediately, carefully calculating the situation. He gets to his feet to greet us, holding out his hand as we step up to the desk.
“I don’t think we’ve had the pleasure of meeting before,” Crawford states as I give him a firm handshake.
“Liam Knight,” I introduce myself before slamming the briefcase onto the desk.
Crawford glances down at it before turning his attention to Aurora. “I’m so sorry, I heard about the fire on the news this morning. They said your father was most likely in the house?”
“He was, unfortunately,” I cut in before Aurora can speak. I take a seat. Aurora and the lawyer do the same.
“That’s tragic,” Crawford says, his eyes going back and forth between Aurora and me. “And you two are married?”
“Recently, yes,” I confirm. “The fire was a shock for us, of course, but at least Donovan had the pleasure of meeting his daughter’s husband before his unfortunate demise.”
Crawford nods, looking at me like he doesn’t believe a word coming out of my mouth. Yet he remains painfully friendly. “How is it that I can help you today, Mr. Knight?”
“We want to make sure that everything is transferred into Aurora’s name as soon as possible and that I’m added to all the accounts.”
Leaning back into his chair slowly, Crawford crosses his arms in front of his chest. “Is that so? He questions with his eyebrows raised.
“That is so.” I grin, knowing he is about to drop the act and show me his real self.
“Unfortunately, I won’t be able to do either for you,” Crawford reveals. “First of all, the ashes didn’t even have time to cool; I doubt Donovan’s body has been identified yet. Secondly, I am quite certain yourwifeis not listed as the heir to her father’s fortune. Seems like you didn’t think your scam all the way through.”
