Page 59 of Pervade London
A chill slithered up my spine.
James Ballad strolled into the room with a confident swagger, his long woolen black coat and neatly combed dark hair giving him the air of a gentleman. A sleek briefcase hung by his side.
Despite his calmness, danger emanated from him. “How long has my client been here?” he asked with an edge.
“You’renotmy lawyer,” I snapped.
James raised his hand. “Em, I’ve got this.”
Stewart moved closer to him. “Let’s talk outside, Mr. Ballad.”
He stared at her. “Why are you interrogating my client?”
“Ms. Rampling appears emotional, Mr. Ballad. Want to tell me why?”
James looked around the room. “This isn’t exactly The Savoy.”
“That’s the hotel where your client states she first met you.” Stewart held her ground.
He glanced over at me. “I saw her there once.”
“I was there with my friends,” I clarified. “And with Xander.”
James arched a brow. “Em, it would be best if you remained quiet. You could be held on alleged suspicious behavior outside Gordon House.”
“You mean the place I used to live?”
Stewart pivoted toward me. “Emily, there’s no record of you living there. Though there is footage from CCTV cameras outside Gordon House of you coming and going. There’s no footage of the man you describe as Xander. And I need you to remain calm when I tell you this—” She swapped a wary glance with James. “There’s no record of a Xander Rothschild living there either. In fact, we can’t find proof he even exists. No birth certificate. No social security number. No driver’s license. No tax records. No property records. No footage of him leaving or entering the building…ever.”
My mouth went dry as I realized there were no bank records.
“There’s no evidence of the man you describe at The Savoy,” Stewart added. “Or The Biltmore.”
“No footage at all?” I stuttered.
Her tone was sympathetic. “So why do you like hanging around Gordon House so much?”
James shrugged it off. “Let’s take a closer look at that footage.”
My knees went weak, but I forced myself to remain standing.
James turned to face Stewart. “May I see it?”
“Sure.”
“I appreciate that, Jenny. First, I need a momentalonewith my client.” He placed his briefcase on the table.
Stewart glanced my way. “Not sure she wants that.”
“Are you trying to keep me from doing my job?” he said flatly. “Let’s not break the law before lunch.”
“Do you need me to stay?” Stewart’s expression was sympathetic.
“Why would my client refuse to talk with her attorney?” James’ intensity was infused with manipulation. “Unless you told her something that would be misconstrued—”
“Everything has been conducted by the book,” Stewart said quickly.
James gestured to the door. “Then please bring me the footage.”
