Page 48 of The Devil’s Lair

It is. It has to be. But what if it isn’t. What if I’m making a horrible decision for a second time?

“Can I ask you something?”

Vicky nods. “You can ask me anything.”

“Is Tobias a good man?”

“The best.” She smiles, then returns to her seat on the other side of the table. “Before I married Nicholas, I thought the De Vils were well named.” She grins. “As in wicked devils. But even then, I always thought of Tobias as the best of a bad bunch. Once I became a part of this family, I saw things differently. Beyond the walls of Oakleigh, the De Vils have a fearsome reputation. But when it comes to family, no one takes them on and wins, as that ex mother-in-law of yours will soon find out.” She winks.

My shoulders relax, and the smile that comes is natural. “I hope you’re right.”

“Hope has nothing to do with it. The law might move at a glacial pace, but it’ll happen. Guaranteed.”

“Thank you, Vicky. Sorry to have kept you from your work, and sorry for crying all over you.”

“I have two shoulders, and they’re both yours whenever you need. Like I said, no apologies. I’m the one who should be sorry for interrupting your walk. Hey, want to take Daisy with you? I’ve only had time to let her out to do her business so far today. She’d love it.”

“Not as much as Isla.” At hearing her name, my daughter pops up from behind Vicky’s desk. “Pumpkin, want to take Daisy with us on our walk?”

She nods, beaming. My chest squeezes tight. I love this kid with all my heart, and I pray that the damage done to her by Marcus can be reversed with enough time and the professional help Tobias is funding.

“I’ll fetch her lead.” Vicky disappears, returning a couple of minutes later to clip Daisy’s lead onto her collar and hand it to Isla, who proudly takes it.

“Ready, kiddo?”

More nodding, and she’s out the door before I can blink.

“Thank you, Vicky. We’ll take good care of her.”

“I know you will. Have fun. If I didn’t have a ton of work to do, I’d beg to come with you.” She groans. “I love my job, I love my job, I love my job.”

I laugh, but as the door closes behind me, my smile falls, and my earlier despondency returns. I desperately want to do something and add value somewhere. To contribute and be useful. As soon as the opportunity arises, I’m talking to Tobias.

The heavy entrance door to Oakleigh opens without a squeak, and we step out into the crisp air. The snow has stopped, and there are glimpses of blue sky in between fluffy white clouds. We make our way past the stables, stopping to stroke a couple of the horses in their stalls. A groom hands Isla a carrot and shows her how to flatten her palm and hold it up to the horse. Isla squeals and giggles as the horse’s lips snaffle the treat. I thank him, and Isla sticks up her thumb—her way of thanking him, too.

She’s enjoying herself so much that I lose track of time. It’s only when my stomach rumbles and I check my watch that I realize we’ve been out for almost two hours.

“Isla, time to go.”

I’m unsure whether she ignores me or can’t hear me, but she keeps running, disappearing over the crest of a hill. I break into a jog to catch up to her.

“Isla, wait for Mummy.” As I reach the peak, a dwelling comes into view, warm, buttery lights shining from the downstairs windows. Isla’s already halfway down the other side, with Daisy’s little legs scampering beside her. “Isla, wait!”

At my harsh tone, she skids to a halt, loses her balance, and faceplants in the snow. She drops Daisy’s lead, and the little dog carries on running. I rush to Isla, scooping her up. “Oh, pumpkin, are you all right?” I brush the snow off her face, checking for cuts or bruises. Thankfully, there are none. I put her down, then look around for Daisy. She’s nowhere in sight.

“Daisy!” I yell. “Daisy, come here girl!”

Nothing.

Vicky’s going to kill me, and I can’t blame her. Daisy’s as much a child to her as Isla is to me, and I’ve lost her. I’ve lost her.

“Daisy!”

I turn a full three hundred and sixty degrees. I can’t see her. Shit. It doesn’t help that she’s white, and there’s snow everywhere. What will I tell Vicky? I thought I’d actually made a friend today. The shortest friendship in history if I don’t find her beloved dog.

“Daisy, where are you?”

“Rebecca.”