Page 65 of Chandelier Sin
“In what way?”
“Pendulum is not for sale.”
I hesitated and then said, “The Board—”
“Were not given the authority to move your proposal forward.”
Thiswe didn’t know.
“Who owns Pendulum?” I studied him carefully.
He ignored that. “How long until Ben recovers…if he does live?”
A veiled threat launched with unyielding precision.
“A higher level of care is indicated.”
He was silent for a beat, and then added, “My concern is that you’ve been brought into a private situation that should have remained, well, private.”
“I respect that.”
“I’d appreciate it if you don’t mention to anyone else what you saw here today.”
“Of course.”
My heart contracted when I thought of Eve being his wife.
Why would anyone want to be around this man? Maybe his money? She might have gotten used to a certain way of life. Maybe she liked the status.
I took in his office, searching for clues to discover more about him. I needed to know how much influence he had at the club.
“At Pendulum,” I said, digging for more, “can you arrange a meeting with the senior members?”
“It’s pointless.”
I persisted. “We’re waiting for an invite into the more select sessions.”
His smile didn’t reach his eyes.
“Next time I’m there, let’s meet for a drink,” I said. “How about that?”
“Dr. Sinclair, there’s not going to be any takeover of Pendulum. We enjoy the status quo. Some members of the Board overreached. They have been dealt with.”
“Dealt with?” I noticed we were no longer on a first name basis.
“They are no longer with us.” He put on a false expression of sympathy. “Unfortunately.”
“At Pendulum?” I ventured to ask, cause it sure as hell sounded like they’d been knocked off one by one.
Standing here in the Hub of Hell, I wanted to accuse him of importing women against their will, but I knew I’d jeopardize their rescue by doing so.
“The only reason you and your friends are still permitted to attend,” he chided, “is because you offer a certain level of showmanship. A theatrical flair my—our—members covet. You bringvalue in that respect. Continue to serve in that manner and you may remain.”
One hell of a revelation.
He’d just admittedheowned Pendulum.
Eve, the woman from Pendulum I’d casually charmed, and the one who had invited me to her secluded cottage, was married to the Harbinger of Doom.
