Page 107 of Brutal Truths

“Typical Del Markov behavior,” Trent scoffs.

My first thought is that’s typical bad guy behavior, but I keep it to myself. When I look over at Aiden, he tilts his head, as if he can read my mind, and the corner of my mouth lifts before I can stop it.

Aiden presses forward. “What is it you thought I’d find? It wasn’t the brooch, was it?”

“No.” He takes a moment to catch his breath. “Rico was a smart man. He never conducted business with his special clients without recording the meeting.”

“That’s not true.” I shake my head, holding firm. “He refused to let me install any cameras so I could check in on my grandmother. He told them, in no uncertain terms, ‘I don’t need everyone, including you, knowing my business.’”

“And I don’t allow cameras at Soulcombe.” A barely perceptible smile appears on Trent’s lips. “You want people to behave? You watch them. The only areas not under surveillance are my private residence and office. Everywhere else is covered.” He glances at Aiden, a warning settling in his expression. “Keep that to yourself, or you’ll end up in the same plight as Mr. Theiss.”

My blood goes cold. “Where is he? Is he dead?”

“Not yet,” Trent admits with zero regret. “But I’d wager he wishes he was. I haven’t decided what to do with him. Silas thinks he’s learned his lesson. That we should let him live. What do you think, Aiden? Mercy?”

“Not my call, sir.”

“I vote for mercy.” I share my opinion, knowing it won’t carry weight. “Back to the cameras. You really think my grandfather had those, because I don’t. He valued his privacy.”

Trent shifts against his pillow, closing his eyes. “There’s only one way to find out.”

Aiden pushes up from his seat and reaches for my hand. “Looks like we’re heading back to London. Would’ve saved us some trouble if you’d mentioned that sooner.”

Without opening his eyes, Trent smirks. “Didn’t want to make your job easier. Maybe next time you’ll think to look for them.”

I’m not sure what drives my next move. Maybe I’m developing a soft spot for the man who once loved my mother. Before I second guess it, I lean down and place a brief kiss on Trent’s cheek. “Rest and don’t die on us while we’re gone.”

“Not planning on it.” He opens one eye, studying me. “You shouldn’t go. It’s not safe.”

Behind me, Aiden lets out a quiet chuckle.

I straighten, unimpressed.

“I hate when men try to pull that shit.” My voice stays even, but there’s no missing the edge. “If it’s not safe, then no one should go. I trust Aiden to handle whatever comes our way. He and his friends won’t let anything get past them. And if something does, we’ll deal with it.”

Taking a step back, I huff, “And if that fails, my sister won’t. No one fucks with Gabby and lives to tell about it.”

Chapter 32

Aiden

The looks I receive from the hospital staff as I pass tells me everything I need to know. They don’t trust me. They shouldn’t. Not after what I did to Rurik.

We’re closing in on the lobby when I spot a couple of coppers talking to Dr. Miller. “Fuck.”

Isabel glances up and turns it on me as she mumbles, “What the hell did you do?”

“What needed doing.” I pull her off course, down a corridor that’s less crowded.

As we hurry along, I turn to Lane. “Tell me we’ve got a Plan B.”

The shuffling behind us signals that we’ve been made. The order that follows tells me it’s time to go.

“Stop! Police!”

Lane, having already scouted the small hospital for Drake, confidently takes the lead. “This way!”

We pivot, pushing down another hallway. A nurse and a patient block the path, forcing us to adjust on the fly and maneuver around them. I guide Isabel through the narrow space, keeping us moving without drawing more attention.