Total pages in book: 155
Estimated words: 156029 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 780(@200wpm)___ 624(@250wpm)___ 520(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 156029 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 780(@200wpm)___ 624(@250wpm)___ 520(@300wpm)
He laughs again. “Good Lord, if Prescott doesn’t kill you first, I’m quite sure one of your cellmates will fuck you to death once you go inside for my ex-wife’s murder.”
I roll the scotch around in my mouth with a smirk. “It would be worth it to rid you of that wench.”
He exhales heavily. “So, what am I buying?”
“King-size orthopaedic cushion-top mattress. Make it hypoallergenic.”
“Okay, I’ll call you from the store.”
“I have these Chinese clients in town so I’ll be with them most of the day. I can be home from four for the delivery.”
“I’ve never heard of a bed being delivered on the same day as the purchase.”
“Can you just make it happen?” I sigh, holding my forehead. “Fuck the saleswoman in the back room if you have to.”
He chuckles. “Where are you? It sounds noisy.”
“In the hotel bar. I’m waiting for Charlotte’s guards. I want to talk to them with her not around.”
“Why, what’s up?”
“I want to know why she’s so guarded.”
“Yeah, me and Masters were talking about this the other night. Something must have happened in the past, we reckon.”
“I agree.” I sigh.
The stool next to me shifts, and Anthony and Wyatt slide into the seats. “Got to go,” I tell Seb. I hang up and turn to the boys. “Did you get the film?”
Anthony exhales heavily. “Nope, there were two of them with cameras. If we were caught manhandling them, it would have all been caught on camera.”
“Shit.” I sigh. “You guys want a drink?”
“No, I’m good,” Wyatt says.
“We’re off the clock now. You’ve finished for the day,” I urge. I want them relaxed.
“Okay, just a beer. Make it two Coronas,” Anthony replies.
“Can I have two Coronas and another scotch, please?” I ask the waitress.
“Sure.” She smiles as she moves away to grab the drinks.
“Well.” I sigh. “Those pictures will be live in a few days. They’ll be selling them to the highest bidder as we speak. You’re both going to have to call your boss and let him know that Charlotte and I have been on a date if you want to keep your jobs.”
Anthony nods. “Looks like it.”
“I’ll take care of Edward,” I tell them.
Wyatt smirks. “Edward Prescott is not someone you can take care of.” The waitress puts the drinks down in front of us. “Thank you,” they both mutter before taking a sip.
I rub my fingers through my two-day growth. “What makes you so sure that he won’t approve of me seeing Charlotte?” I ask.
Anthony shrugs. “Nobody will ever be good enough for her in his eyes.”
“I can see why,” I mutter under my breath. “Most certainly not me.”
Wyatt smirks and sips his beer.
“Tell me, for interest’s sake, why is she so guarded?” I ask.
They exchange looks.
“I won’t say anything to her or anyone else, of course. I don’t want her frightened.” I sip my beer. “But I would like to know what we’re dealing with here.”
Their eyes meet again, and Wyatt shrugs.
“There was another car involved in Francesca Prescott’s fatal car accident.”
I frown. “Her mother?”
“Yes, but it’s never been known who was driving the other car.” I think for a moment. “Does Charlotte know this? Are they sure the other car was there intentionally?”
“No, not at all. Charlotte’s not to be told. The tyre marks suggest that she was run off the road by another vehicle. No trace on who, though, and no proof that it is actually sinister, but it’s just enough for the fear of God to have been put into them about Charlotte’s safety.” Anthony drinks his beer. “She’s adored.”
“By all that know her,” I agree.
They nod.
“And that’s it?” I ask. “The car accident five years ago is what keeps you two in a job?” I shrug.
Anthony exhales, and his eyes hold mine. That’s when I know there is more. “What else?” I ask sharply.
“I’ve been with the Prescotts for ten years,” Anthony says. “I’ve witnessed a lot of meetings going on, and there is bad blood around the family… a lot of it.”
“Such as?”
“When it comes to business, they’re ruthless. Nobody stands in their way.”
I frown. “Just Edward?”
“Both of them. If someone wanted to hurt them, Charlotte is the way to do it.” He sips his beer. “The only way to do it.”
“Do you feel she’s in danger?” I ask, my eyes holding his. “I mean amongst the people you’ve seen them deal with, in your honest opinion, is Charlotte a target?”
“Massively,” he answers flatly. “Why do you think she has two guards on her all the time? Why do you think they keep her hidden at the estate and away from paparazzi?”
I exhale heavily, and my mind begins to race. We remain silent as we fall into our own thoughts.
“Can you do me a favour?”
“What?” Anthony asks.
“Give us a few days before you tell them, if you can. I’ve organised to sublet an apartment in my building for you two. Charlotte will be staying there with me from now on.”