“Oh, definitely. Alfred won’t learn his lesson. Unluckily for Alfred, I have other murders ready to be released.”
“What about Alexander?” Diar asked.
Mitch leaned back in his chair and steepled his hands. “My father is a cunning fuck. He’s prepared to let Alfred take potshots at me, and if Alfred is successful, all well and good. But if Alfred screws up, which he will, Alexander will walk away clean. He’ll cheerfully sacrifice Alfred and claim his seat at the Sealgair Uilebheist table.”
“Your family is warped.” Diar shook his head.
“Much the same as yours. Maybe you ought to lie low; no doubt Alexander will have eyes on you.”
“I’ve already decided to stay out of the public eye. They might start looking at me as well as you.”
“Bro, they’ll come for you because they’ll believe you’re one of those holding the information. I’m sorry to have put you in this position,” Mitch said and leaned back on the table.
“They’ve always kept a watch on me. This isn’t on you. It’s on them being murdering bastards. Anyway, change of subject, have you heard from Jess?”
Mitch flinched and shook his head. “It’s been five days, and Jess has gone silent. My messages aren’t even sending, so she’s turned her phone off. Honestly? Jess might be better off away from me with this shit going on. This will put a target on her back.”
Regret ran through Mitch. He wanted more of Jess, but how could he justify opening her to this level of danger? That would be damn selfish. Jess didn’t deserve this risk and disruption to her life.
“Well, maybe your luck’s about to change.” Diar strolled to the door.
Mitch frowned at him. Where was Diar going?
Diar opened the door and moved to one side.
“Hi, come on in, I’m just leaving,” he said and left as someone stepped inside to replace him. To Mitch’s utter shock, Jess walked in. She eyed him sideways and then straightened her shoulders, wandered over to his desk, and took a seat.
“Mitch, we should talk,” Jess said softly, and all Mitch could do was nod dumbly. Jess was here, and she’d not reported him to the police. Mitch was curious why, but right now, he was more than relieved to see her.
“Let’s go elsewhere. Somewhere we don’t need to be afraid of being overheard,” he said. Jess nodded and quietly got to her feet. Mitch noted how wary Jess seemed, and it worried him. There was a distance that Jess had put into place, and he couldn’t blame her. She’d seen Mitch kill a man. Although a thought nagged. Why hadn’t Jess called the cops? Why had she kept quiet?
Jess/Loch Ness Monster
Jess was on edge and had a compact mirror in her pocket. It would take seconds to reach safety if Mitch attacked. She was shocked that Mitch wasn’t in custody. Guns and knives were illegal in England. Did Mitch have the Manchester police under his control? Who lived in the house where he’d dumped the body?
“Here,” Mitch said and indicated the Bugatti.
“You want me to go with you?” Jess murmured.
“I’m going to take you somewhere where we can talk,” Mitch replied.
“Are you planning to hurt me?” Jess asked. Even if he were, Mitch would not admit it; that was a stupid question.
“No. Never, Jess. I’d rather die than let anything harm you,” Mitch declared.
Jess bit her lip. She could overpower Mitch, but something was warning her about him. Mitch wouldn’t be an easy takedown.
“Fine,” she said and got into the car. She wanted answers, so she’d have to trust him. They drove in silence until they reached a private driveway. The gates opened, and Mitch headed up the lane. Jess wasn’t surprised to see a mansion at the end of it.
“My home,” Mitch stated as he parked.
“Guessed that,” Jess climbed out of the car, not waiting for him. She was on edge and antsy. Images kept flashing through her mind of how easily Mitch had fought the attacker and how smooth his moves had been. Jess was very much on guard against an attack.
“Come in,” Mitch said as he opened the front door. Jess paid attention as he led her through the house and into the kitchen. Without a word, Mitch flipped the kettle on, then rested his palms on the worktop. He ducked his head and blew out a deep breath as he leaned heavily on them.
Jess gave Mitch time to straighten out his thoughts.
Mitch finally moved, made them both coffee, and placed hers in front of her. She’d already noted the exits in case he attacked.
