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“No, I didn’t want her to feel like I was only with her because I didn’t get Eni.”

“Well, you were smart.”

He laughs.

“Son, I saw the way Jola looked at you. It’s the same way Eni looked at Andrew. It took me a while to understand she never looked at me like that. If Jola is anything like her mother, and she has given her heart to you, I suggest you marry her quickly before you encounter any bullshit Andrew may have planned. I’m sure he loved his daughter deeply.”

“She said her parents loved her very much.”

“Undoubtedly, I believe.”

“Why did Jola and her mom live outside the US?”

“I don’t know, but with the harassment she described from Claire, Jonah’s mom, I wouldn’t be surprised if they never lived in California. Plus, I know Eni loved living in London.”

“Jonah got on his knees and begged me to protect Jola.” Dad’s brow is arched.

“It’s that bad?” he asks, concern written all over his face.

“Yes, whoever is after her really wants her dead.”

“I wouldn’t be surprised if Claire, Jonah’s mother, has a hand in it.”

“Come on, Dad.”

“I tell you, she really hated Eni and made life unbearable for her. I bet it’s the reason Jola uses her mother’s last name, not her father’s. I heard Claire had another son with someone not as rich as Andrew, and wasn’t too happy about that. Knowing how Andrew must have loved his daughter, she is probably losing her mind that Jonah will share wealth with Jola.”

“I doubt she’s the one behind the attacks,” I say, because it sounds inconceivable to me.

“Andrew probably left most of his wealth to his daughter, and I’m certain that upsets Claire. I didn’t understand why Andrew didn’t want Claire, until I met her and realized, standing next to Eni, the contrast was night and day. Though Eni had darker skin and Claire is white, the contrast between them couldn’t be more glaring. Eni’s heart was pure and bright; the woman could light up a room with her smile and beauty. But Claire,” he shakes his head in dismay, “was pure evil. She made my skin crawl, so I wouldn’t be surprised if she has something to do with the attack on Jola.”

“I’ll look into it, because the attacks started after your friend died.”

“Sounds a lot like Claire to me,” he asserts his belief.

“Are you really okay with me marrying Jola?”

He smiles.

“I’ll put it this way: if you bring another woman as your wife, I may never speak to you.”

“Relax, old man, she’s my girl.”

He smiles again. “I loved your mother. Once I closed that door on Eni, my focus was on your mother and you boys. Why I went to see her after I got the letter, I don’t know, but it was just a visit to a dear friend,” he says. We are quiet for a moment. Am I angry at him? Yes. But he never gave me a reason to doubt that he loved my mom, though something tells me Eni still holds a special place in his heart.

“Tell me about Jola,” he says, breaking through my thought.

Chapter thirty-seven

Bruce

After long talks with my dad, I return to my room. Jola is knocked out as expected. Getting in bed with her, I dislike when she takes this pill. It’s like I’m sleeping next to a breathing rag doll. She doesn’t move or hear anything. Still, having her next to me calms me, and knowing she’s Jonah’s sister is a big relief, also a big challenge. If Dad’s right about Andrew Lloyd and the way he thinks, that would mean I’m the last person Jonah would ever accept or allow to marry his sister.

No need to put myself through hoops, knowing the answer will be the same. Once we find her attacker, she can return to the Lloyds’ house and marry whoever Jonah believes is good enough for her. We had our time and that’s good enough for me.

That so? Why then is your heart rioting at the thought of your suggestion?

It’s what’s best for her.