Page 37 of Five for Silver

“Vincent manipulated him. He messed with hishead so much he killed people just to please him.”

James sighed. “All I’m saying is, Vincenthelped you. Is it so crazy to think he might want to help usnow?”

Yes, Chad thought, but didn’t say.

“We’re meeting Lucy Hastings in reception,”James’s lip pulled with a sneer. “Unfortunately, she has to beinvolved.”

“Why unfortunately?”

“All you need to know about Lucy Hastings isthat she’s a spiteful, bitter liar. Don’t believe anything thatcomes out of her mouth.”

The car slowed to a stop, and James flunghis door open. He buttoned his suit jacket as he climbed out, andafter a deep breath, Chad joined him.

Press vans and cameras on tripods were setup in the distance. They were too far away for the press to screamtheir questions, but they no doubt recorded every moment as Jamesled the way into reception with his head held high, and hisshoulders back.

Chad paused when he saw Lucy waiting forthem in reception. She perched on a chair, biting her nails.

James passed her like she didn’t exist, andLucy didn’t acknowledge his presence either.

She got to her feet and attached herred-rimmed eyes to Chad. “I’m sorry,” she whispered, shaking herhead. “I know you didn’t want this, but Vincent is a man that willstoop low to get what he wants.”

Her eyes flashed to the door, the fence, thepress beyond it. Her hatred for them tightened her brow and flaredher nostrils.

“You should be thanking them.” James said,looking straight ahead as he was patted down.

“What?” Chad asked.

James shrugged. “They’re the reason youcalled me, right? Without Chad, Vincent stays silent. I know youand Harriet never got on—”

“Don’t you dare—”

“But I’m willing to put our past aside forHarriet’s sake.”

Lucy’s voice grew shrill. “He’s never goingto tell us where she is.”

“How do you know that, huh?” James raisedboth eyebrows.

“I justknow.”

“How?” James shouted. “How do you know!”

He slapped his hands on his hips, staringLucy down until she tipped her chin to her chest and eyed thefloor. He crowded over her, until Chad intervened, pushing himselfbetween them. It didn’t matter that James was older—there wassomething menacing about him, some withheld rage, that seemed toweary him as he settled down again.

“Your turn, Chad.”

He startled, twisting to face the prisonofficer. She tapped her name badge and shot him a warm smile.

“It’s Lynn in case you forgot from lasttime.”

“I hadn’t forgotten. It’s nice to see youagain.”

She chuckled. “Is it? Is itnice?”

“Well, I would’ve preferred to have seen youat a supermarket or something, you know, said hi and then we’d haveengaged in small talk about the weather.”

“Maybe one day.” She laughed softly.

Chad dropped his phone, wallet, and keys inthe tray she held out for him. She passed the tray back to theofficer manning the reception desk, then gestured for Chad tospread his arms out. Lynn patted him down while a silence hungbetween Lucy and James.

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