Page 23

Chapter

Twenty

Robbie walked into the spacious office with Priscilla Lavity.

The lady appeared sweet. She was a small sixty-something lady wearing expensive clothing and jewelry.

If Ollie’s research proved correct, this unassuming-looking lady might tell him much more than how to get along with his future mother-in-law.

Priscilla blinked up at him. “Marianne is a hard woman, but she cares deeply for Alice.”

She was close by his side. Really close.

“So if I prove how much I love Alice and treat her right, I might win her approval?”

“Might.” She smiled.

He smiled back. “Is there a chance I can convince her murderous best friend to not have me killed next?”

Her eyes widened. “What in the world are you talking about?”

“Aiden’s people found the money trail, Priscilla.

It was cleverly hidden. James has been Marianne’s financial consultant under an assumed name since her husband overdosed.

Does Marianne know you hired a killer to take out Jack, Ruby, Natalie, and Odie, or was it James or Preston’s plan?

I assume the hope was Alice would turn to Preston and you’d get even more money out of Marianne. ”

“I’ve put up with that witch for thirty years,” Priscilla sneered, all pretense of sweetness disappearing. “I deserve much more than I’ve taken, and Preston deserves sweet Alice for a wife and to inherit Marianne’s money.”

Robbie lifted his eyebrows, folding his arms across his chest. “Sounds like you’ve got it all worked out.”

“I do. Except for you.”

“Sorry to mess up your plans.”

“Don’t worry. I won’t let you.”

Robbie chuckled at that.

Priscilla drew out a knife from her pocket and flipped it open. He was shocked she’d even attempt this. She was crazier than he’d imagined. She’d never get close to him with that knife.

Turning the knife, she sliced her arm, dropped the knife on the floor, and then screeched at the top of her lungs as she backed to the office door, flung it open, and screeched, “Big Buddha! Robbie is Big Buddha!”

Robbie had to hand it to her. He hadn’t seen that one coming.

He followed her out of the office and into the hallway as the security guards converged around them. Alice, Preston, and Marianne ran their way. Marianne was at the back of the group, huffing and puffing.

James came in through the front door holding an asthma inhaler and a pill bottle. “What’s happening?” he demanded.

“He’s Big Buddha,” Priscilla hollered. “He tried to kill me. I turned and he cut my arm instead of sticking a knife through my chest.” She held up her arm as proof. “It makes so much sense. He’s always wanted Alice. Of course he would kill those close to her.”

Robbie’s gut churned. He looked at Alice. She’d never believe this garbage. Would she?

“It does make sense,” Marianne said in a high wheezy voice. “How could you?” she hurled at Robbie, then turned to Alice. “I knew I was right about him.”

Preston and James looked as pompous as ever but also fearful. They both stepped back behind the security guards as if he’d come for them and kill them next .

“Call the police,” Marianne yelled to her guards. “And keep us safe from him.”

“Help, help,” Priscilla screeched, holding her bleeding arm.

“Stop it, Mother,” Alice called to be heard over the commotion. “Enough, Priscilla. Robbie is not Big Buddha and would never hurt anyone innocent. He especially would never hurt me.” She focused her dark gaze on him. “I love you, Robbie, and I trust you. I’m sorry Priscilla is acting insane.”

Robbie smiled, relief pouring through him. He had the proof, but Alice’s trust meant everything. “Thank you, Alice.”

“Shoot him, shoot him,” Priscilla screamed to the guards.

The guards all pulled their guns and pointed them at him.

“Yes! Shoot him!” Priscilla cheered even as she backed toward the front door. She would probably try to make her escape during the bedlam. Her husband was already close to the front door, having come in with the medications. “James,” she whispered, tilting her head.

The security guards turned their guns on James and Priscilla.

“What are you doing?” Marianne shrieked.

“He’s the bad guy!” Priscilla hollered. “Keep your guns on him.”

Robbie smiled at Price, River, Merrick, and Curtis. They’d taken out the other guards and Alice hadn’t even noticed them.

“Price?” Alice whispered, leaning against a side table as if weak from all the stress. He wished he could hold her up, but they had to play this out first.

He unbuttoned the top few buttons of his shirt.

“What are you doing?” Alice asked, staring at his chest.

Chuckling, he revealed the listening device tucked into his shirt and then he pulled out the camera disguised as a pin in his shirt pocket.

“No!” Priscilla gasped.

“Priscilla Lavity, and probably James and Preston, have been scamming Marianne Marshall for almost twenty years. The investments through the Portsmouth Company started shortly after your father’s death, Alice.

When I asked if she’d murdered Jack, Ruby, Natalie, and Odie, Priscilla said she’d put up with the ‘witch’ for years and she and Preston deserved much more money than they’d taken and Preston deserved to be married to the angel Alice.

Isn’t that how you phrased it, Mrs. Lavity? ”

The lady’s face was turning an ugly purple. She flung herself at Robbie. Metal glinted in her hand. Dodging to the side, Robbie grasped her hand and twisted. She cried out in pain.

“You need a little help?” River asked, smirking.

“Nah. It’s all under control.”

“Looks like you’re struggling there, pal,” Price added. “I’ll take her so you can hold Alice. She’s looking a little pale.”

Robbie handed Priscilla off. The woman crumpled, sobbing, against Price. James and Preston looked as if they were going to bolt.

“Watch them,” Robbie cautioned River, Merrick, and Curtis.

The men nodded and approached the Lavitys as sirens sounded in the distance.

Marianne looked confused and paler than Alice.

Robbie swooped Alice off her feet and against his chest. She leaned into him and all was right with the world.

“You’re safe,” she whimpered.

“Thank you for believing in me.”

“Always.” The pledge was intense and the kiss she gave him even more so.

Robbie had to stay grounded so he wouldn’t fall over with Alice in his arms, but he was soaring from her kiss and her love.