Page 116 of The Midnight Club

“What a price.”

Ori and Maceoheld hands throughout the funeral service. Despite his rage at Alex and his certainty that he was behind Ori’s attack and Viola’s death, Ori knew Maceo was suffering. Alex had been his brother for so many years. What the hell had set him off? She knew Maceo blamed himself; if he hadn’t slept with Viola, maybe none of this would have happened.

They stayedwith Seth at the home he had rented in New York, out of the city. “I think I feel closer to Netta here,” he, said as if in explanation. “And Kate and Lisander are here for a couple more weeks.”

Maceo told him they would stay in New York too for as long as he needed and Seth had grinned ruefully. “I’m surprised your business is still up and running, but I’m grateful.”

It was in the second week that Maceo got the call from the police in Vermont. They had some questions and wanted to ask someone close to Alex Milland; could he come up? Maceo said he could, wondering why they hadn’t asked Seth. The police office had hesitated and asked Maceo to keep his visit a secret.

He told Ori that he needed to go see a client and she nodded. “I’ll go see Seth and keep him company.”

“Good idea.”

He droveOri to Seth’s house and kissed her goodbye. “I’ll be back this evening, I love you.”

He took his private jet up to Vermont and talked to the policeman in charge of the investigation.

“We’ve found a witness who spotted someone at the Milland house carrying a crossbow. Not this time, but when Viola Redman was murdered. Well-dressed, tall, dark. The witness also claims he saw the same man in the local town the day Alex Milland allegedly killed his sister. We want you to talk to him.”

Maceo nodded. He realized they wanted him to be seen by the witness; he didn’t care, he knew he hadn’t been anywhere near the house when Alex and Netta died or when Viola was murdered. “No problem.”

The police officers exchanged a look. “Let’s do it.”

The witness was an old Chinese man who shook Maceo’s hand somberly. “I don’t know what else to tell you; I haven’t seen the man much.”

“Alex Milland?”

“No, so I don’t know if he is the same man.”

Maceo nodded. “Do you mind if I talk to you for a while?” He turned to the detectives. “Could you find me something? I have an idea.”

Seth had takenher out to lunch, but Ori was uneasy. All morning he had been in a strange mood, almost hyperactive, his eyes darting everywhere. Ori wondered, with a shock, if he was on something. Netta’s death had obviously hit him for six.

“Seth, why don’t we go back home and maybe you can rest a while?”

“No, I’m fine. How’s your crab salad?”

She looked down at her plate; she’d barely touched it. “I guess I’m not hungry.”

Seth reached over to take her hand but Ori, not thinking, jerked it away.

“Are you okay, Princess?”

Princess?Okay, this was getting weirder. Ori tried to smile. “Yes, fine.”

He searched her face. “You don’t seemfine. You seem … afraid.”

With a shock, Ori realized that was just how she felt, and she couldn’t explain it. It was a gnawing feeling in the pit of her stomach. “No, of course not.” Even to her own ears, she sounded fake.

Seth laughed, but it was without humor. He glanced at her, his eyes searching her face. “You can’t possibly consider that I would harm you in any way?”

Ori couldn’t help the thought that slammed into her mind.Yes.She drew in a sharp breath, and as his eyes narrowed, she struggled to keep her face blank.

Her hesitation was a beat too long. “No, I …”

He let her hand go and sat back, hurt flashing across his face. “You do. My God.”

Guilt flooded through her. “No, of course not. I’m sorry.”