Page 49

49

JAMIE

W hile my left hand sprinkles a crushed sleeping pill from Allendale’s room into his food, my right hand pours mushroom gravy over the top to dissolve the powder.

All three of us will be eating off holiday china with Christmas trees around the edge, but the man’s made it easy to identify his drugged portion because he’s said no to baked apples with black walnuts, which both Sawyer and I are having.

I set Allendale’s dish next to the full wine glass he’s just refilled. I’ve been careful not to consume anything Allendale’s handled. Working for my cousin’s Crue has made me paranoid, as has the conversation of the past two hours where Allendale seemed determined to hear about the dead younger brother I haven’t admitted I have.

Sawyer fills water glasses, and we join Allendale at the table. I’m craving a pint but need a clear head, so I resist when Allendale indicates again that I can help myself to any bottles on the bar cart.

His flushed face is puffy from alcohol and salty appetizers, making the hollows below his eyes more pronounced. He’s lumbering through middle age. Something my brother will never get to do. A flash of Jude’s small coffin fills my mind.

Just a little farther, Jude. This part is almost done.

Sawyer doesn’t eat much and is noticeably on edge. Setting a hand between her shoulder blades, I massage her tight muscles as a subtle reminder to keep her game face on.

“If you’re tired, Sawyer, why don’t you lie down?” her dad says.

“I think I will. I’ve got a headache.”

“I’ll get you some medication,” Allendale says, rising.

My eyes narrow, and I stand as well. She’s not consuming anything from his hand. “You don’t need meds, do you?”

Her head turns toward me sharply. Following my lead, she says, “No, just sleep.”

Once she’s set her dish on the counter and disappears upstairs, Allendale leans back in his chair.

“The food is delicious.” Despite saying so, he’s only eaten half a portion. Combined with the wine, it should still be enough to knock him out long enough for me to get into the cabinet he’s keeping locked tight. I’d bet my last quid his dirty secrets are in there.

I finish my dinner, leaving the plate clean enough to see the ornaments on the trees. An army marches better with a full belly as my grandfather used to say.

Allendale leans forward. “Since Sawyer’s gone to bed, maybe I’ll join you for that swim?”

“Sure.”

“Do you need to borrow swim trunks?”

“Nah, I’m grand. Not the first time I’ve swum in my kex . Won’t be the last.” I catch myself smirking and nearly curse. Being friendly is a habit and seeming relaxed is what I want, but it’s a kick in the balls to think this man might get the impression I’m after being his friend.

Allendale says he’ll bring the towels out.

An uneasy feeling causes me to head upstairs to check on Sawyer. It’s a hard thing I’m asking of her, even if it is only for a night.

I enter her darkened room and sit next to her on the bed. “Cranberry Sauce, you still awake?”

“Yeah, just resting.”

Setting my hand gently on the side of her head, I stroke her hair. “Almost done. I promise.”

She turns her head and kisses my palm. “I’m all right. Just need a break from it.”

“Take your break for as long as you like. Till it’s time to pack if you want.” I lean down and kiss her temple. “I can’t say I’ll be able to make up for this. Not sure anything could. But I will take you away for Christmas if you’ll allow it. Anywhere you’d like and sparing no expense.”

“Dangerous offer. I used to be an Allendale. I know the most expensive holiday destinations in the world.”

“Do your worst. I plan to prove you won’t miss a thing by trading them for me.” Licking my lips, I study her. “I love you, Sauce.”

Her eyes widen, and I nod to emphasize how serious I am.

She sits up and kisses me. “Same.”