Page 74 of Diamonds

Of course, that’s not the only thing I’ve done that would disturb his eternal rest.

Gimble breathes in slowly.“What… What is this about?”

I lean into his ear, lowering my voice.“Is there somewhere we can speak privately?”

He swallows.“My… M-My office.”

“Fine.”I slowly move the gun from his forehead to the small of his back.“No sudden movements, or I’ll shoot.And something tells me your housekeeper isn’t paid nearly enough to scrubthatkind of mess off the floor.”

Gimble shudders and leads us to his office.

And I realize… I shouldn’t be letting him call the shots.He probably has a panic button in his office.All these rich bastards do.

“Not here.Take us upstairs.”

He turns his head, his eyes wide.“W-Why?”

“I think youknowwhy, Gimble.”

He raises a shaking finger.“Stairs are that way.”

We go up the stairway.

I choose a door at random.“Is anybody in that room?”

He shakes his head.“Guest room.”

“There isn’t a servant or someone in there?Because if there is, I’ll be shooting you first and them second.”

“It’s empty, I s-swear.”

Small beads of sweat have emerged on his forehead.He just wants to get out of this alive.He’s telling the truth.

I push the gun into his back.“Open the door.”

He turns the handle and pushes it open.

He wasn’t lying.It’s a guest room, with lavish crimson curtains and a matching bedspread.Seven throw pillows of varying sizes and shapes on the bed, and an ornate wardrobe in the corner.The walls are lined with mustard-yellow wallpaper.

“Sit on the edge of the bed,” I instruct Gimble.

He does so.

“Alissa, keep watch at the doorway.”

She bites her lip and stands in the doorway, switching her gaze between the rest of the house and me.

I push the gun against Gimble’s temple.“All right, Gimble.This is going to be nice and easy.I have a few questions for you.If you answer them truthfully, I’ll be out of your hair, and you can go on living your perfect life in your McMansion here.Now, tell me the truth.Is there anyone else in the house besides Kendra?”

He shakes his head.“No.My wife is out to some socialite bullshit, and Kendra is our only full-time staff.”

“Onlyfull-timestaff?Are you expecting anyone else?”

“No.Not today.We have a gardener who comes every three days, but that’s it.He won’t be here today.”

“And how long until your wife gets home?”

He breathes heavily.“I don’t know, honest to God.I’m sure she told me, but?—”