Page 46 of Retribution

‘And she said yes?’ I ask dubiously.

‘I believe that Philip has specifically asked her tohang outand I’ve been reliably informed that he is considered by many of the female staff to bethe hot one.’

‘So, he’ll keep her busy until late,’ I clarify.

He nods. ‘That’s my understanding, yes.’

‘Great. Thanks, Stephens.’

The butler leaves and I sit at the small table with my dinner. As soon as I raise the silver dome, I moan at the smell of steaming pie, mashed potatoes, and greens.

I eat as much as I can, gorging myself on it until I feel sick. Under the smaller dome there’s a crumble with English custard, one of the very few things I’ve missed since leaving The Heath. I eat that too, and then sit back, holding in my full tummy and sighing with contentment. A decent meal really is second to none.

I grab my phone and turn it on, finding messages from my guys and Lu, too. I scroll through the group chat, re-reading our previous conversations leisurely. It makes me feel closer to them even though they’re not here.

And then I get to the part where they explained what happened to them while I was in the hospital, how they were picked up by Pierre Sauvage.

I consider everything I know about the gangster. He’s wealthy, connected, dealing with the stalker, has a lab, and owns more than one property around Richmond.

And an idea begins to take shape. The more I consider it, the nuttier the plan sounds even in my own head, but I’m not one to shy away from crazy.

It might just be the answer to at least half of my problems.

SHADE

Istare up at the Novelle house from my car. I’ve never liked it all that much here. It was never a home, if I’m honest. Even with the good memories I have here with April, a shadow hangs over it. This is where the girl I love is being held prisoner.

It sounds so dramatic, but it’s true. She tells us things, messages updates when she can. She let us know she made a deal with my father to get Joe and his hired guns to back off a little. I can’t help but think, though, that she’s hiding stuff, things she knows would upset us. I’ve tried to get Stephens on my side more than once, but the butler seems more loyal to Daisy than he is to me. He’s tight-lipped when it comes to her. I guess the same way he was with April.

I open my door, grab the bag I brought, and get out of the car, making my way up the stairs just in time for Stephens to open the door.

‘Do you ever miss one?’ I ask as I step into the house.

‘Rarely, Master Jack,’ he says, bowing at the waist.

‘My father here?’

‘In his office, sir.’ Stephens lowers his voice. ‘Speaking to Master Banderville.’

‘And Nasty Nurse?’ I mutter.

‘Still in bed, I believe.’ His lip curls as he talks about her.

‘Not a fan?’ I ask with a smirk.

‘She is a crass woman, I’m afraid, sir. The sooner she’s gone, the better.’ He glances at me and frowns. ‘I beg your pardon. I ought not air the staff’sdirty laundry.’

I snort. ‘And where’s Daisy?’

If she’s locked in her room, I might just lose my shit.

‘Running around the grounds. I believe she went in the direction of the pagoda by the lake.’

‘Good to know. Thanks, Stephens. Here.’ I hold out the bag. ‘Some stuff for Daisy. You can get it to her without the powers that be finding out?’

He nods. ‘Of course.’

‘Thank you. I think I might take a walk outside. It’s been awhile since I went down by the lake.’