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“I’ll need the accountants’ names, all the members’ businesses, hideaways, properties, bank accounts—everything.”

“I can’t,” he said as fear overwhelmed his face.

“Youcan. Think of this as your redemption.” I stared into his eyes. “For every delay, this will happen.” I used my blade and pierced his thigh again.

Twenty minutes later, Dr. Messina gave me what I needed. I walked out of the room and told Calvin that the doctor was ready for the farm animals.

CHAPTER SIXTY-FOUR

ATTIKUS

Three daysafter Dr. Messina’s death, the media storm began. My friends and I had released some information to the hungry media to nibble on. The news outlets couldn’t stop talking about the Claude family, the CIA, Harris Pharmaceuticals, or The Trogyn. Different news stations created their own theories of what had happened and the crimes that involved powerful people across the globe.

Although we also leaked information about the First Lady resembling Ashton Lindor, no other media outlet mentioned it, except for Musepaper. I was certain the President and his people had ordered the media to leave him and his wife out of the drama.

I knew those involved were busy trying to patch up all the holes in their massive organizations, but there were too many. People had already peeked in and seen things. This was only phase one of my plan.

I wanted them on edge.

Vengeance had propelled me until Vanessa entered my life and took over the steering wheel. My heart was hers. EverythingI did—and would do—was for her. Today, I needed to focus on my love.

I glanced at my watch and smiled, imagining her leaping with joy. Turning off my computer, I walked into the kitchen and found Vanessa stirring a pot.

“I have to run out. Do you need me to pick up anything?” I asked.

I loved seeing her in my kitchen. Her presence warmed the house better than any fireplace.

She didn’t know it yet, but I had bought her apartment building. When I reached out to the landlord to pay the rest of her lease, he told me he was selling it and moving to Florida. I took the opportunity and bought the building for a fair price. It was prime real estate, with a ground-level studio space. She could always go back there to paint whatever she wanted. When I bought it, I didn’t realize how handy that space would come to be.

“Can you get some scallions? I forgot to buy some. I’m making you the chicken porridge you love so much.”

“Thank you for loving me.” I wrapped my arms around my beautiful girlfriend and kissed her. “You should grow scallions in the greenhouse. Everything is growing like crazy.”

“It’s fabulous, isn’t it?” Her eyes brightened. “You checked it out? I can start cutting lettuce and cucumbers to make a salad soon. I plan on planting scallions and ginger too.” She placed a lid on the pot. “I have a proposal. Can you please start another greenhouse so I can grow everything I need for my terrarium? I can buy local, but I also want to grow my own plants.”

“It’ll be here next week.” I kissed her.

“Thank you! How did you know?”

“I can read you, Lily Pad.” I smiled. “It’s obvious. You successfully used the greenhouse to grow food for us to eat,so why not grow plants for your terrarium? That way, you can control what you’re getting.”

“You’re the best.” She threw her arms around me. “This is why I can’t stop cooking for you. One way to show you love someone is by cooking for them.” She turned back to check on the porridge.

“You’re going to make me fat.”

She rubbed my stomach. “Your abs are made of stone. Nothing can make them fat.”

“It must be those edible painting sessions that burn a lot of calories.” I grinned. “We should do it multiple times a week. We’ll have our own collection of abstract art.”

“You still want to display those paintings in your museum?”

“Of course.” I shrugged a shoulder. “It’ll be calledPaintings of Passion.”

Her eyes gleamed with amusement. “Your friends will see parts of your ass. Are you okay with that?”

“I’ve got a nice ass. Nothing to be ashamed of.” I touched her chin. “If you’re okay with your friends seeing your boobs and other parts of your body, why should I be shy?”

She sighed in defeat. “You’re a strange man, but I love you.”