Page 17 of The Billionaires' Gamble

Magnus is jovial enough to have maintained friendships across the northeast, but especially within the police department.

The Range Rover bounces over a pothole, jostling my arm and the phone in my hand, but I hear his answer.

“Sailing accident.”

My frown deepens as my mind spins up a dozen questions. Questions I know Magnus has already thought of and is already asking on my behalf, while, of course, not raising suspicions.

But if I’m right, it means that Lucinda had her father and a coroner killed. What’s to stop her from coming after Katherine?

“I don’t like it,” I say into the quiet cab. The man behind the wheel glances at me in the rearview mirror because I’ve trained my team to be cautious and curious.

“Neither do I. We’re on it, but I can’t make too many waves too quickly,” Magnus says.

“Of course. Keep me posted.”

I’m unlocking the door to the brownstone when my phone vibrates in my hand. Sliding the key back into my pocket, I take a deep breath. I’m sick of my fucking phone, and it’s only lunchtime.

Those days away in Paris spoiled me. Intentionally being as out of pocket as possible was amazing.

Pushing the door open, I’m met with silence. I close my eyes for a moment and soak in the stillness. No one needs anything from me right now. Not protection, not answers, not help.

Which means I can enjoy my time with Katherine.

Assuming I can pry her away from King.

Another text vibrates my fingertips, and I lift the phone, tapping the notifications, skimming the messages. Finally, some news from our apartment building. We can get back in on Thursday, but only to grab a bag. It’s uninhabitable until they fix the pipes.

Sighing, I tuck my phone in my pocket and go searching for my girl. Her ballet flats are tucked next to the sofa, and I can’t help but smile.

I find Destiny at the kitchen island, leaning over a cookbook. She whirls toward me, clutching her heart.

“You scared me.”

“Sorry.”

“You need to wear a bell.”

My lips twitch. “Then how would I sneak up on people?”

“Exactly!” Relaxing, she glances back down at the book. “Thought I’d try something new for dinner. I found the most amazing collection of cookbooks in the butler’s pantry.”

That’s news to me. I only looked around to check exits and entry points, hiding spots, and if the alarm system was working correctly.

“Sounds good. Is Katherine upstairs?”

Her smile falls, and she tucks a strand of her curly hair behind her ear. “She left about half an hour ago. I’d just come back from the market.”

Disappointment is a heavy sensation in my chest.

“Thanks.”

Phone in hand again, I move back toward the front of the house. No messages from her. I text her.

Alex: Hey Beauty. Came home for lunch but you’re not here.

Well, this sucks. I mean, I’m glad she’s living her life, but I was looking forward to some quiet time, just the two of us.

“Do you want me to fix you something for lunch?” Destiny calls.