Jess
Jess wandered around Mitch’s house. It was large, but not a mega-mansion as one would expect him to have. She found herself drawn to the ornamental koi carp pond outside and strolled over to it, where she sat, trailing her fingers in the water. Without the noise from her siblings, Jess was at a loss.
Movement caught her attention, and Jess looked up and spotted a tall man walking through the gardens towards her. He was dressed casually in jeans and a button-down, but Jess was on guard. There was an aura surrounding him which screamed danger and oiliness. He smiled when he saw her, but it didn’t reach his eyes.
“Jess Mayhew?” he asked as he approached.
“Who are you?”
“I’m Mitchum’s cousin, Frederick. The whole family is agog with the news Mitchum has a girlfriend,” he said smoothly. Frederick came closer, and Jess refused to back away. Respect lit Frederick’s eyes as he sat on a stone bench.
“I’m aware of who you are. If you’re here to harm me, think again. I’m not defenceless,” Jess replied. The Loch Ness Monster would bite his head off if he attacked.
“Martial arts?” Frederick inquired.
“Try me and find out,” Jess challenged.
Frederick laughed. “In another life, I would have liked you, Jess Mayhew.”
“Sadly, I don’t feel the same. What do you want? Mitch isn’t here.”
Frederick chuckled again, but this time it lacked mirth. Jess was on guard and wary. This man was a snake and would strike when she least expected it.
“Mitchum is at a meeting with Alexander. While he’s occupied, I came to give you a warning.”
“Take it and stick it up your ass,” Jess replied bluntly. Frederick’s words rocked her. Why was Mitch visiting his family home? Fear rose; was Jess about to be betrayed again?
This time, Frederick didn’t smile. “Mitchum will be excommunicated from the family. No longer will he have the Weideman name to fall back on.” Whether Frederick realised it or not, he’d just reassured Jess.
Jess smiled coldly. “Mitch hasn’t used Weideman for over twelve years. That’s no loss.”
“If you weren’t my cousin’s girlfriend, I’d have great pleasure taking you to my bed and breaking you,” Frederick taunted.
Jess saw the evilness hidden behind Frederick’s good looks. “And I’d cheerfully kill you in your sleep.”
“You’re Mitchum’s girlfriend, not his wife. If Mitchum ever dumps you—”
“I still wouldn’t touch you with a bargepole,” Jess snapped.
“This is a warning, Jess. Tell my cousin to fall in line; he won’t like the consequences,” Frederick threatened.
“There you are!” a voice exclaimed. Both Jess and Frederick looked up and spotted Diar sauntering through the gardens. “Mitch was worried about you being alone.”
“As you can see, Jess had company,” Frederick snapped. “You’re interrupting, McDonald.”
“Tough. You’re not welcome here, Frederick. Best leave before I call Mitch and tell him this was a setup to get at his girlfriend,” Diar threatened.
Frederick scowled, and Jess smiled. Frederick stood up and checked the cuffs of his shirt. “Mitchum is at Weideman Manson, discussing his return to the fold. Although Alexander is prepared to excommunicate him, I wonder what Mitchum will give up to secure his place once more. Of course, he wouldn’t be the reigning heir anymore, but I’m sure he’ll fall in line.”
Frederick walked away before he saw the blow he’d just dealt. Jess sagged as old fears and worries rose. Disease hissed in triumph as her control began to slip. Jess refused to break and held on to hope. How ridiculous that the cruellest Sin was all that was keeping her from spiralling.
“Frederick’s lying,” Diar stated.
“Is he?” she murmured.
“Yes. Mitch would never return to those murdering bastards.”
“What if it were to save our lives?” Jess asked.
