Chuckling at his overindulgent care, aware he wasn’t taking any chances on losing me again, I looked out the window once more, appreciating the torrential downpour as a blessing in disguise. For the first time in the history of the Sinclair family, a first born had lived past the age of thirty-five. Had Levana broken the curse? Surprisingly, I hadn’t had chaotic dreams since my recovery. Maybe that had been the sign, a guidance, all along.
“Saint?”
I turned away from the window. My smile halted at the expression on my father’s face. Frowning, I took a step closer. “Is everything all right?”
Glancing behind me before he neared me, he shook his head. “You have visitors. Two detectives are here to see you.”
“Detectives?” My worry skyrocketed.
“I might be wrong, but I think it relates to Snow’s disappearance.” I moved to walk past him, and he stopped me with a light grip to my arm. “I know you have a perchance for the truth, son. But be careful what you tell them. Or this may have serious repercussions for both you and Levana.”
Nodding, I headed for the foyer. Two suits, wearing tough-guy scowls, their trench coats dripping water on the laminated flooring, stood there.
“Gentlemen?” I greeted.
“Good afternoon, Mr Sinclair. I’m Detective Sawyer and this is my partner, Lincoln.” The taller of the two held out a hand which I accepted in a firm shake. “Could we have a moment of your time, please,” he continued when I was done greeting Lincoln, who, judging by the impatient twitch of his brow, appeared reluctant to afford me the same politeness as Sawyer. I got the feeling that whatever reason they were here for, I was already a potential if not the most viable suspect in Lincoln’s mind.
“Sure.” I gestured for them to follow me then paused. “You can hang your coats up on that rack.” I indicated the coat rack in one corner. When they were done, I led them into the living room. “Care for some tea or coffee perhaps? Not the best weather to be out and about.” I attempted an icebreaker.
“Yeah, bit of a shit storm out there, hence parking isn’t the greatest right now.” Sawyer grinned. “Thank you, coffee would be nice.”
“No, thanks,” Lincoln grunted.
“No one says no to simple British hospitality, young man,” father snorted, earning a grin from me.
Lincoln had the sense to blanch, his cheeks reddened. “Coffee, please, sir,” he quickly responded.
“I’ll get it, Saint.” My father walked off.
“So, gentlemen, to what do I owe this pleasure,” I asked when they were seated.
Resting his elbows on his thighs, Sawyer leaned forward in his seat. “Are you aware of the recent spate of thefts that have been in the news, Mr Sinclair?”
“Yes.” I knew to what he referred but waited to see what their investigation revealed.
“We have reason to believe that someone in the Winthrop household is responsible for these thefts.” This time Lincoln spoke, his tone condescending.
“I beg your pardon.” My father walked in, his expression thunderous. “You come into my son’s home and have the audacity to accuse my family.” He set the tray on the centre table.
“Please, sir,” Sawyer pleaded. “That’s not our intention.” He darted Lincoln a severe reprimand. “What we found is that all the stolen jewel pieces were part of the Winthrop auction, held six months ago. The pieces were stolen after being delivered to their respective buyers. My CO seems to think it might’ve been someone from the Winthrop household, not necessarily your family. Perhaps an employee.”
“Trust me, young man,” father huffed. “My employees would rather die than bring disrepute to the Winthrop name. Help yourself, gentlemen.” He gestured to the steamy coffee mugs.
“Thank you, sir.” Sawyer handed a mug to Lincoln then helped himself to one. “What about enemies, Mr Sinclair? Do you know of anyone who might want to harm your family?” He looked at me.
I could think of a few. My gaze met my father’s briefly before I replied, “everyone has enemies, Mr Sawyer and naturally I wouldn’t know has a plan to bring me down. However, if I remember any, I will inform you accordingly.”
“Thank you,” he replied, his next words catching me off guard. “There’s also rumour of a large diamond that was stolen recently. Someone mentioned having seen it in a photograph on Instagram.” I tensed. How much did they know? “Do you think its related seeing as it’s what started the recent thefts.” Sawyer sipped his coffee, his gaze darting between me and my father, obviously looking for clues in our expressions.
My father’s face was just as stone-faced as mine. I couldn’t imagine who would have knowledge of the missing diamond. Only members of the brotherhood knew about Snow and when it went missing, we figured it was taken the night of the ritual. Cameras, however, proved otherwise. The theft occurred three nights later. Right now, I knew where Snow was, and I knew it was safe. More importantly, I knew the thief wouldn’t part with it, even if they didn’t know its actual value to the brotherhood.
Slowly, I got to my feet signalling the end of this meeting. “Unfortunately, gentlemen, I have no knowledge of this diamond you speak of. Why it was stolen or whether it’s related to the other thefts, I cannot say. But, if you will be so kind as to pass onto you CO that we will help where we can, it will be appreciated. And if you feel the need to arrest someone in the Winthrop household, I will strongly advise you build an impenetrable case because I can guarantee you that your case will be thrown out on a simple technicality.” My steel lined words were accompanied by a courteous smile, challenging them argue.
“What’s that?” Lincoln asked as they both stood, setting their mugs down as they did.
“The Winthrop name,” my glib comment met their stunned expressions.
Lincoln opened his mouth to say something thought better of it and shut his trap.
