Page 89 of Secrets of the Six

"You see, I come from two powerful houses," I set my glass on the table and cross one leg over the other. "Otero Shipping is more than likely going to be my inheritance since I'm my Tia's only kin. And we know the Lozano grove is the largest producer of olives this side of the known world. Both businesses are in high demand and earn more money than any other family in Orlencia. My choosing to marry your son might be seen as a mistake. Last I checked, House Murrieta did not have a steady source of income. You earned your wealth and titles in exchange for a life of service to the Soberano." I lean forward, planting my forearms on the armrests of my chair and hold Severo's irritated gaze. "I suppose the question we should be asking is what will happen to your house when the Soberano passes? The way I see it, if I marry Rogelio, House Murrieta will continue to remain powerful and wealthy long after his reign because of my business dealings."

For a long moment he stares at me, carefully calculating what his next words should be. I'm unsure if I've angered him because he gives zero emotion away. Apart from his brows pinching together, he remains completely statuesque. Finally, his face softens and wicked delight flashes in his eyes. Then he does something I don't expect. He laughs. Loud, deep and melodious. I didn't think the man capable of genuine amusement but here I am, listening to him cackle like a child.

"No one has ever spoken to me in that manner before," he grins. "Most men cower before me, but not you. You're bold, blunt, and beautiful. A truly lethal combination."

I tilt my chin slightly higher, holding my ground. "I will take that as a compliment, Señor."

"As you should," he bobs his head. "You're exactly who Rogelio needs in his life to keep him in line." He rolls his shoulders back and swipes a tear from the corner of his eye. "Rogelio is not serious by nature nor business savvy like you. Together, we can make a man of him yet."

When a brief silence stretches, I ask, "Is that all you wanted to talk to me about?"

"Yes," he confirms, but by the way he's soaking me in, I know there's more he's refraining from saying.

"There's something else on your mind?"

"So perceptive of you, Elena," he coos. "Since you value bluntness, I will get straight to the point. I trust you have heard of Señor Montenegro's murder?"

My heart stills. "I have. A grisly crime. I understand you caught his murderer swiftly."

"Well, I'm not so sure."

Beads of sweat start to form beneath my dress and I huff a laugh. "The Master of Justice isn't sure he has the killer behind bars?"

"The warden claims a woman killed Señor Montenegro." His eyes sharpen and the hair on the back of my neck stand at attention. "A woman with green eyes."

I sit straighter in my chair and narrow my eyes, allowing my nerves to manifest into laughter. "Forgive me for laughing, Don Severo, but are you insinuating I had something to do with Señor Montenegros' murder?"

"You and the deceased did have a run in earlier in the evening."

"Do you believe I am capable of such a crime?" I spit, allowing righteous indignation to bloom in my chest. "You must have a considerably high opinion of me. I assure you, the only crime I have ever committed is being born a woman in a man's world."

Severo's left brow lifts in speculation before his gaze softens and a small smile tugs at his lips. "I find the warden's account preposterous, but as Master of Justice, I have to humiliate myself and ask you impertinent questions. Green eyes are quite rare, you know." He shrugs and clicks his tongue. "I do apologize, Elena, if I have offended you."

"Not at all!" I shake my head and press my palm to my chest. "Clearly this warden is mentally troubled. Perhaps he should be seen by a medical professional. Sickness of the mind is a terrible thing."

"Terrible indeed," he drawls. "The notion a woman could carry out such an assassination is laughable."

"Truly." It pains me to agree with him. "Well, if there is nothing else," I stand, ready to make my escape. "I should be on my way. I promised my Tia I would go shopping with her this afternoon."

He reciprocates my movement and smiles, signaling his slumbering watch dogs to leap to their feet and follow us down the stairs to the foyer. "Of course, mi querida. I appreciate your candor in my questioning. I look forward to Rogelio formally announcing your engagement. Naturally, we will have to throw a party to celebrate."

"I would be honored," I turn and grin up at him.

Don Severo drags his hands up my arms and leans to kiss one cheek and slowly drifts across to kiss the second. The fact his lips hover above mine as he makes his way makes me want to vomit, but I remain polite and wait for his prickly face to abandon mine.

"Until our next meeting then, Elena," he whispers, making my skin crawl.

"Until our next meeting." I say and quickly turn on my heel and walk out the door to my awaiting carriage.

As soon as the buggy takes off down the street, I lean my head out the window and empty my belly of its contents. I've never been so frightened before. And I know once I tell Remus and the others of this impromptu interrogation, Remus will be ready to burn the city to the ground in fury.

Chapter 31

Remus

I've spent the last few days couped in my house pouring over the blueprints Olli copied and have come to the conclusion this heist might be a suicide mission. Considering the location of Severo's office on the second floor, the fact the Murrieta men rarely leave their home after dark, and the three war dogs they claim are pets, we might be able to break inside their house, but we probably won't be able to get out. To add fuel to an already raging fire, if we are to pull off this mission, we'd have to pull the job tomorrow night.

After a couple shots of whiskey, I snap out of my melancholy ways and sit back down, determined to come up with a plan. What other choice do I have? We need the information locked in Severo's office and with the Soberano's jubilee coming up in a few short weeks, this is our only shot at figuring out their secrets.