Page 71 of The Deception: Hercules Valentine and I

The Unbending Groves

Paisley Grove

Irelax now that I’m in the back seat of the car and on my way to my parents’ estate in Greenwich, Connecticut. I can always feel the staff of my building watching me and other residents, trying to figure out our stories. I didn’t want them to see my family’s chauffeured car pick me up in front of the building, which is why I took a cab to the Grove Family Investment Bank in Battery Park. Fortunately, I didn’t run into my dad, who still spends more hours at the office than he does at home. Our family car service picked me up in the porte cochere.

Even though I looked different, Greg, our driver, knew it was me. “I almost didn’t recognize you,” he said after I slid into the back seat.

“Thanks,” I replied.

The awkward silence still lingers. I don’t think he meant his comment as a compliment.

“I haven’t seen you in a while, Paisley. What are you doing with yourself these days?”

Our eyes connect through the rearview mirror.

“Just working on a project for GIT,” I say.

His eyebrows shoot up. “You’re still your parents’ star, then.”

I snort a chuckle. “I don’t know about that.”

“Oh yeah, you are. Your parents are always bragging about you in one way or another. You’re a good girl, Paisley. Well, you’re not a girl anymore. But you’re down-to-earth. And you know, I have a nephew who…”

Thank the Lord my personal cellphone rings. I don’t even check before answering. I hold the device away from my mouth and say, “Sorry, Greg. I have to take this.”

“Sure, go on.” He readjusts in his seat. I think he feels he was crossing a line in trying to set me up with this nephew.

“Where are were you?”

I groan and roll my eyes. It’s Max.

“When?” I ask.

“You know when.”

“Last night?”

He remains stubbornly silent.

“Asleep,” I say.

“Who answered your phone?”

Suddenly, it feels like an elephant is sitting on my chest.Hercules did touch my phone. Does he know? Damn it.

I massage my left temple. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“The hell you don’t, Pais. Finish it, and then get the hell out of VTI. Got it?”

Tears rush to my eyes, and my nostrils swell. I don’t want to get the hell out of VTI. I feel like I have to fight to stay.

“What you want me to do is not easy.”

“Not if you’re letting yourself be distracted by Hercules Valentine. And if you are, then stop.”

“I’m not distracted by him,” I say in a small voice.

“You’re lying. Finish it, Paisley, or I’ll end it for you.” He hangs up.