Total pages in book: 192
Estimated words: 189782 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 949(@200wpm)___ 759(@250wpm)___ 633(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 189782 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 949(@200wpm)___ 759(@250wpm)___ 633(@300wpm)
Emotions are wrung out, and tempers are tight. We sit in strained silence, each of us lost in our own thoughts.
Eventually, Kody rests an arm on the table and brings us back around. “If we don’t mention Wolf, no one will know of his existence except us and the investigator. What happens if we mention him?”
“If you mention him, he’ll be known only as a victim of abuse and suicide.” The thought makes my stomach turn, but this isn’t my decision. I lost that right when I dropped off his mother at the abortion clinic. I clear my throat. “Which would he prefer?”
“He had a flair for dramatics.” Leo traces the edge of a butter knife. “He would choose negative media attention over nothing at all.”
“Wolf is ours to protect.” She grips Leo’s hand on the table. “Then and now. So that’s what we’ll do. We’ll protect him from this, even if that means keeping him a secret.”
Everyone mumbles their agreement.
I can’t look away from her hand where it entwines so casually with Leo’s. She’s pissed that I employ a woman I haven’t touched. Yet she’s fucking my nephew and my brother under my roof.
She’s not just fucking them. She loves them.
They share so many things that exclude me, including my son.
It’s fucking crushing.
The worst part is I only have myself to blame. My mistakes put me in this position.
Frankie gives me a sad smile, and for a span of several heartbeats, a flicker of understanding passes between us.
But a dark shadow remains, hovering over our fragile peace.
Leo and Kody exchange uneasy glances, knowing the battle between my wife and me is far from over.
13
Monty
—
Oliver delivers breakfast to Frankie and Kody while we discuss the safest location to do the exclusive. All four of us would be questioned by the media, so it’s crucial we get this right.
“We should hold the interviews here.” I motion at the main house. “That way, I can control the security and ensure we aren’t caught off guard.”
The conversation pauses as Oliver collects empty dishes from Leo and me and returns to the house.
When the door closes behind him, I reiterate the importance of discretion around the guards and household staff.
“We need to stay united and consistent with our story. No mention of our ties to Rurik Strakh. No mention of any crimes beyond the abductions. When they ask, you claim ignorance.”
“What about Frankie’s relationship with Kody and me?” Leo raises an eyebrow.
“That’s none of their business.”
“So we let them believe you’re still married?”
“We are still married.”
“You know what I mean.”
“Who I’m with and not with has no bearing on our abductions and captivity.” She rests her forearms on the table. “Our relationship status stays between the four of us. Let the world think what they want. Do not engage in those discussions.”
“The more controlled the environment, the better we can manage the narrative.” I meet the eyes of the bastards who are fucking my wife. “Is everyone in agreement?”
They nod, glowering.
Fuck them.
“What about the crate we had on the Turbo Beaver?” she asks. “Where are Wolf’s personal belongings?”
“Melanie is shipping everything here. Except the items that would be used as evidence if a homicide is reported.”
“You mean the bones.” Leo threads a hand through his hair.
“Yes.” I can’t help but think about Kaya’s death. When I glance at Kody, I see my sadness reflected in his eyes. “The media cannot get wind of it.” I pull out my phone. “I’ll message Melanie to get an update on the crate and the investigation.”
As I type out the message to the lawyer, I also send a quick text to Greyson. I need to make sure the attic is cleaned up.
I talked to him early this morning, so it’s probably already done. But when Leo goes snooping around up there, all evidence of my breakdown last night must be gone.
Seconds later, my phone buzzes with an all-clear from Greyson.
I breathe a silent sigh of relief. “The lawyer will get back to us soon.”
“What about the plane we saw in the hills?” Leo watches me, his eyes sharp and suspicious. “We built an SOS for it, but it never returned. Do you know anything about it?”
“It was mentioned in the journal, and I made the same assumption you did. Trophy hunters. But I didn’t see anything like that during my searches on the ground or in the air while looking for Frankie.”
“So you have no idea who it was?” His frown darkens with distrust.
“No, but we need to find out. With Denver’s threat and Rurik’s criminal history hanging over us, we can’t afford to leave any stone unturned.”
“Do you think someone was watching the cabin from the air?” She searches my expression.
“It’s possible.”
“If someone was watching us,” Kody says, “they know the cabin’s location. They could be a threat. They could be watching us now.”