Total pages in book: 138
Estimated words: 128980 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 645(@200wpm)___ 516(@250wpm)___ 430(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 128980 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 645(@200wpm)___ 516(@250wpm)___ 430(@300wpm)
“Camille, please. I must explain.”
I turn my most disdainful look onto my father, but before I can hit him with my scathing words, Lucinda comes flying in the door, looking grave. She claps eyes on me, assessing me up and down, and gives me a small smile. I return it, feeling so fucking remorseful for clouting her over the head and running.
She turns her focus to Jake, her face serious again. “I might have something,” she declares.
Jake goes rigid against me. “What?”
Lucinda’s eyes bat between us. I know why. It’s sensitive. Maybe not for my ears. I couldn’t suffer any more than I already have.
“Go on,” Jake prompts, and I look up, finding him staring at my father. He looks…apologetic?
Dad shifts, nervous and uncomfortable. “Go on,” he breathes, walking over to his desk and dropping onto the chair heavily. “It’s too late, now.”
Lucinda marches over to the desk, pulling her laptop out as she goes. “I have a contact who tells me Scott had an unusual friendship in prison.”
She’s talking gibberish. I haven’t the first idea what she’s going on about.
“‘Unusual’ usually means ‘significant,’” Jake says, turning us toward Dad’s desk. My father holds my attention. He looks like a broken man sitting in his chair, a far cry from the man I know.
“He shared a cell with Vladimir Sochinsky.”
I draw a total blank, the name meaning nothing to me. At least, it doesn’t for a few seconds.
Dad’s eyes enlarge. “Sochinsky?” he questions. “Sochinsky was TJ’s mother’s maiden name. Vladimir was her eldest brother.”
And like an omen or something, TJ bursts into the office. “Oh God, you’re safe!” He launches himself at me, knocking me back with the force of his hug. “Jesus, Cami, I’ve been so worried.”
One minute I’m warm in my brother’s hold, the next I’m not. Jake’s claimed me and pulled me in, giving TJ a murderous glare. “Where have you been? How did you know Cami was missing?” Jake asks suspiciously.
“Dad called me.” TJ frowns, taking in everyone in the office. I know what’s running through Jake’s head right now, and I have to put it to rest. Never. TJ loves me!
“No, Jake,” I warn, wriggling free of him.
“Don’t you dare throw your accusations around!” Dad’s disgusted boom comes from behind, and I’m suddenly facing him again, courtesy of Jake moving us. “TJ is loyal through and through!”
“Forgive me,” Jake grates, beginning to twitch, his potent anger making a swift return, “but I have little faith in your family’s integrity.”
Dad backs down in a second, his eyes flicking to mine. “TJ wouldn’t do such a thing,” he whispers. “He’s my son. Camille’s brother!”
“What?” TJ asks, truly exasperated. “Is someone suggesting I’d kidnap my own sister for a ransom from my own father? How the hell would someone come up with that stupid explanation?”
“Because,” Lucinda pipes up, walking forward, eyeing TJ carefully. I don’t like all this suspicion pointing at my brother. It’s crazy! “The man who took Camille, and the man who is now lying on a factory floor with a bullet in his head courtesy of Jake, shared a cell in Borstal with your uncle.”
TJ’s face drops. “My uncle?” he whispers quietly, looking at me. He looks lost. A bit confused. He hasn’t seen his mother since Dad divorced her and won TJ in the custody battle. She went back to Russia.
“Vladimir Sochinsky. Your mother’s eldest brother.” Lucinda goes on, looking for TJ’s reaction. “He’s been blackmailing your father.”
“She tried to connect with me,” TJ breathes, his hand coming up to his chest and applying pressure. “I told her I didn’t need her.” He looks to Dad, his idol, and deflates. “I told her that Dad and I were fine and she wasn’t wanted. I haven’t heard from her since.”
“When was that?” Jake asks.
TJ shakes his head, confused. “I don’t know…three months ago?”
“When did you get the first threat?” Jake asks my dad.
“Two months ago,” he says. “Her brother’s always hated me. But I have no idea how they got those pictures.”
“They were obviously following you, Logan. Looking for something, anything to use against you. Probably even set you up.” Jake gives my father an accusing look. “And you gave them what they wanted.”
What they wanted? What did they want?
TJ looks at me, sorrow drenching his eyes. “This is all my fault.”
Dad’s up from his chair and racing to his son, taking him in his arms and hugging him. It’s a strange sight. I’ve never seen my father hug my brother. It’s always been hard love. Cruel to be kind. “It’s not your fault, son. It’s all me. My choices. My mistakes. I’ve made some terrible mistakes.”
I could pass out with shock. My dad has admitted to making mistakes? “What mistakes, Dad?” I ask. “What did you give them to use against you?”
He stops comforting my brother and kisses the top of his head before facing Jake. “You’ve not told her?”