Page 320 of Eight of Swords, Part Two

‘I understand.’

‘You don’t,’ Jules says, walking away. ‘But one day you will.’

✴

CHAPTER THIRTY

On January eighth, Penhalyx video-calls Lachlan.

He explains that a private medical team, not the one in-house, will arrive at the Estate today to perform a medical examination on Jules.

Lachlan isn’t surprised.

Very little about this man surprises him anymore.

He knows very well the medical team will leave with Julian’s blood.

‘Yes, sir.’

‘Jessamine too.’

Lachlan goes entirely still. ‘Sir?’

‘Jessamine is greatly overdue for a medical examination.’

‘She’s fine.’

‘This is a complete predictive work-up: genomic sequencing, proteomic and immunological profiling, cellular-ageing analysis and screening for malignant markers years before conventional medicine would know to look for them. You will have her ready.’

‘No.’

‘I beg your pardon?’

Unable to heed the warning given by the cold tone, Lachlan swallows his nerves. ‘Sir, she’s six years old.’

‘Jessamine is no stranger to medical procedures. Have both my children ready.’

‘Sir, I really would beg you to consider—’

‘Lachlan.’ His own name spoken by the old man tightens like a noose around his neck. ‘Your performance of late has deteriorated greatly. Do not compound that decline by mistaking a direct instruction for an invitation to negotiate. They are my children. I decide the manner in which their wellbeing is maintained. Do you think me ignorant of your most recent slip?’

Lachlan closes his eyes.

He fucking knew it.

Knew Penhalyx would find out.

‘Sir, I’m—’

‘Consider yourself fortunate that you recovered my son safely. It is the only reason I have not had the scars on your back continued across your chest. I am under no illusion as to who caused the breach, but you should understand by now that every failure of security in my house belongs to you. I am returning to the Estate on the thirteenth.’

‘For how long, sir?’

‘Indefinitely.’

Oh God, no.

What has he done?