Page 17 of Relinquish

“You’ll never understand.” He grew up with a silver spoon in his mouth and has never wanted for anything. He was given a job at his father’s company and has never had to work a day in his life. All he must do is show up at some board meetings and collect a check. He even lives for free in a guest house on his parent’s property.

“Try me.”

“Living in a bubble is stifling. I needed to get out, get a job, and live on my own for a while. I couldn’t do anything without my father telling me when and where I could go. For God’s sake, Trent, he was going to force us to marry because your parents are scared that you’re going to go off and marry the hired help.”

“You know I would never have gone through with it, but it took the focus off me. If I realized you were going to do something this drastic, I would have tried harder to convince them it was a stupid idea.” He conveniently ignores my comment about the hired help.

“I know going with me to those events kept the focus off Lacey, but I couldn’t keep up the charade any longer. I got in touch with Rachel, and she offered to help me get established here. I’m sorry I ignored your calls, but I was afraid you’d convince me not to leave.” I lean into the chair. “Or in this case, convince me to go back. This place isn’t that bad.”

“I don’t want to talk about her.” His eyes turn dark, and his nostrils flare. He can’t even say her name.

Trenton fell in love with the daughter of his parents’ maid. Lacey had resisted his advances for months, but he’d finally worn her down over a Christmas holiday. They’d kept their relationship secret and continued to see each other when he returned to college. Unfortunately, his father suspected something was going on, and a large settlement was written to get her family out of their lives. That was over a year ago, and he’s still livid about it.

“I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have brought it up.” I cross my legs and my arms. Beating him over the head about Lacey isn’t my idea of a good time. Change the subject. Even if it’s switching to my father. “What did my father have to do to convince you to come to check me out?”

“Edward didn’t have to do anything. I was worried about you, and obviously, I have good reason to be.”

“Thanks for the concern, but I’m doing fine. I have a job, a place to stay, and a vehicle. Okay, the car isn’t exactly reliable, but I’ll be all set once I get the alternator replaced. I plan to go home in a couple of weeks for a visit. I know he’s mad right now, but he always wants me by his side for the annual charity event.”

I wasn’t planning to go back, but when I put my paperwork away before going to the parking garage, I’d looked inside the folder Cade had given me. According to the file, four individuals are suspected of stealing jewels and other valuables while charitable events are going on. I recognized one of the names–Randall Maitland. All the cases are in the East Coast area, making my father’s upcoming fundraiser a perfect opportunity to put out some feelers.

The year after my mother passed, my dad established The Marianne Sutherland Cancer Foundation to honor his late wife’s memory, and it’s been held each year since–attending the event is a perfect front for the investigation.

“How familiar are you with Randall Maitland?” Randall was a regular at several functions I’ve attended in the past, but we’ve never traveled in the same social circles. The most we’ve had was a passing conversation about the weather.

“I’ve met him a few times. He’s a charming man. Works in investments and rakes it in. The widows seem to gravitate toward him. He has a different woman on his arm at each event.” He shrugs. “I’ve never heard a bad word spoken about him, so they don’t appear to mind the revolving door. Apparently, he’s making them money, so no one cares.”

Why would he need money? Shit. Maybe it’s not him. Just because I recognized his name doesn’t mean he’s the culprit. “What’s his investment strategy?”

“I couldn’t say. He seems to focus mostly on the ladies. Why do you ask? Has he approached you?”

“No. I’ve only spoken with him on a few occasions.”

“I’m not sure you’re his type. He tends to be attracted to a more middle-aged clientele. Not that he doesn’t have other investors. I’ve seen him out with a few younger ladies. Do you remember Patricia Young?”

“Yes, her parents were killed in the car crash a few months ago, right?”

He nods. “Yes. That’s her. She was with him last month at a charity event up in Manhattan. I think our fathers discussed some business opportunities with him in the past, but I don’t think his family went far enough back to the Mayflower. You know how pompous they are.”

“Yes, I do,” I mutter. Stop spinning webs. This investigation probably has nothing to do with Randall. I can’t get laser-focused on one person and not keep my eyes and ears open during the gala. This is my golden opportunity to do something helpful with my life.

Chapter Ten

Three Days Later

Cade

As Lola steps out of the darkened alleyway with her arms outstretched, I frown. What is she carrying? It looks like Chewbacca. Or it’s the mangiest dog I’ve ever seen. “What in the hell are you doing?”

She jumps, and her bright eyes jerk up to meet mine. “You scared me.”

Seconds later, her eyes soften, and her lips curve upward. Her smile is like the sun setting over the ocean. My heart skips a beat. What in the hell is wrong with you? She’s just a woman. A woman you haven’t talked to since dropping her off with her ex-boyfriend. He’s probably her on-again boyfriend by now. My jaw tightens, and I inhale to push the thought out of my head.

“Meet my new puppy, Sam. It’s Sam because I haven’t had time to look and see if he’s a boy or a girl, but I’m betting he’s a boy. He looks like a boy.” Her rambling is an obvious indication of her excitement.

I shake my head. “That isn’t a puppy.”

“Sure, it is. He’s still got his baby teeth. I checked.”

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