Page 40 of Chandelier Sin
“He didn’t tell me that.”
“Works at Cedars.”
I shook my head, confused that a man who looked like him would be a doctor. Weren’t there rules about such things?
Oh, no.My own prejudices had blinded me.
I should have shown Atticus more respect.
Aemon gave a nod. “I have a file on him. Each one of them. Their addresses. Where they work. Their idiosyncrasies.”
“You’re spying on them?”
“Occasionally.”
“I understand.” I gave him a nod of approval.
He stepped away and watched as I put down my empty glass. “I don’t want you drinking in the afternoon.”
“I rarely do.”
“What brought this on?”
“Menstrual cramps.”
“Then take a pill.”
“You know I hate taking anything like that.”
“I need you sober,” he said sternly.
“Why not sell Pendulum for an exorbitant price? Start up elsewhere.”
His smile faded.
I already knew the answer. Members wouldn’t accept this change. It was a decades old club, and the clientele were familiar with its ways. Aemon Roper was the man who guided them in, guided them through—a circus master of the dark arts and a host with all the power, facilitating both his and their debauchery.
Moving to a new location would rattle them.
They’d never come back.
The billions that rolled through Pendulum would be lost.
Members had expressed their concerns about the previoustakeover. Years ago, Aemon brought in a Board of Directors to shield him from repercussions. But he still owned the major stake, which gave him the final say.
Things had shifted after that act of betrayal by two members of the Board, opening a slender window of opportunity for new owners to seize control.
And they were certainly close, from what I’d heard.
“Let me deal with the business.” He exhaled sharply. “Just do as you do.”
He meant continue to be that female ornamental presence, glamorously masked with a fine figure, moving about in a sea of tuxedos. I was the hostess who noticed when a guest appeared lost, or a glass was empty, or a wandering eye had fallen on a pretty sub.
“You should have joined us last night,” he said, his tone light. “Not sure why Jewel thought it best to keep you out.”
“I’m not sure anyone understands her motives.” I took a shot at his favorite person.
She challenged my authority. I could do the same to her.
