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I’ve already sent the obligatory flowers, attended the funeral, and kissed the wife on the cheek with my condolences.
But I have to admit, when Leonardo called me when they found him, I was more than surprised.
“Billionaire Commits Suicide,” Vincent announces. “Yes, I read the article this morning.” He pushes the newspaper back toward me as if he doesn’t want it in his sight anymore.
“He didn’t,” I answer plainly. “It was murder.”
Vincent blinks at me. I can see the question rising, burning in his gaze. He wants to know if I had him killed.
Honestly, there was no need. Astor wasn’t a threat to me. He never was.
Before Vincent can ask his question, I shake my head. “Not us,” I say. “Someone else.” Leaning back in the chair, it creaks with my shifting weight. It’s a welcome sound—a reminder that I’ve been doing business in this room, in this house, for a very long time. I own this house. I own the Knights of Arcadia. And I certainly own every single Knight. “I need you to find out who did it.”
Vincent’s gaze lowers. “Sounds more like a Leo job.”
I slam my fist against the table. “I’m asking you.”
He jumps, his spine straightening, but I like the way he doesn’t back down. A Jarvis never backs down.
“Leo is too close. I don’t know what his true intentions are with the Astor girl. If he’s anything like his father, he has the feeble mind to fall in love with that sweet cunt I’m sure he’s tasting.”
“You think he’s not loyal anymore.”
I fold the paper up and then throw it back onto the table. “I can’t prove it. I don’t even know if that’s what I really think, but I do know that I don’t trust him to look into this. He’s too close to the Astor girl.” I shake my head. “Someone wasn’t thinking. Two Astors dead within a short span of time.”
“So you fed the suicide lie?” Vincent guesses.
“Had to. That I can sell. Grieved father takes his own life after daughter accidentally drowns. I can’t sell two murders in a little over a year. It’ll look like a plot. It’ll look like it was planned, and we don’t want attention.”
“So, you think a Knight did it? Who does he have a history with?”
“Start with Forbes,” I tell my grandson. “I’d bet my life that Leon had something on Alistair. Maybe Astor didn’t follow through on something.”
“And it’s our business to be informed.”
“It’s our business to know everything,” I correct him, “and keep scratching at the layers until we’re sure we do.”
“I’m on it.”
He gets up, but I lean forward, placing my hand on his before he leaves. “Vincent, don’t spare any ill will. We show them we’re in charge.” I smile. “And do make sure Anne-Marie visits sometime soon, won’t you?”
Watching for his reaction, I press my lips together. I’m a calculating bastard, and there’s still time to remove Vincent as my successor. I do what’s best for the family, and I only intend to pass on my position to someone who will do the same, no matter the consequences.
He smirks. “Will do, Grandfather. I’m sure she’ll be happy to.”
He walks away with lazy strides, buttoning up his suit coat as he moves into the other room.
I grin to myself and pour a glass of whiskey. I do believe I have made the best decision. Whatever he doesn’t know, there’s still time for him to learn.
Leo, on the other hand, will experience my wrath if he’s found to be working against me.
I’ll take care of him just like I did his father.
Maybe worse.
The motion detectors go off, and a sleek, black car pulls up to the gates. I don’t immediately recognize the passenger until the camera focuses in.
Ahh, just like I wanted. Astor’s widow. I knew she would heed my invitation. They always do.