Page 201 of Saving Her

“And Robert is responsible?” There’s an edge to his tone, an aggressive, barely leashed skepticism.

She keeps nodding. “He has to be.”

“Right… So let me get this straight, because I’m starting to see a pattern.” He pushes to his feet and rounds the desk to lean his ass against the front edge. “The police and news outlets reported Abi’s death as a suicide. But you claim otherwise because…?”

“Because I know her.”

“Of course.” He inclines his head and crosses his arms over his chest. “And even though Luca and I assured you Robert is dead, you also think that’s a lie due to a grainy, undistinguishable image?”

“Don’t be an ass,” I snarl. “Give her the benefit of the doubt.”

“I need to get the facts straight. Here I was thinking I was dealing with a one-off situation where she truly believed Robert was alive. But this is just panic gone wild, isn’t it?”

“No.” Penny balks. “It’s not. That photo is Robert. I know it is.”

“And Abi was murdered, despite the police having labeled it an open-and-shut case?”

“Cole, stop messing with her,” Keira pleads. “Let it go.”

“Unfortunately, I can’t. Because now she’s got me thinking.” He pushes from the desk, slowly stalking toward her. “Do you know how many people were aware of her location? How many were trusted with the knowledge of her return?”

She keeps her shoulders rigid, not backing down. “I don’t know.”

“One,” he growls. “I kept everything under wraps for this exact reason. Nobody was updated on where her parents lived. Nobody knew what town or suburb. Not even me. There was only one person who knew those whereabouts. Only one person who could be held responsible for what happened if what you’re claiming is true.”

Shit.

That one person is Benji.

“Back off.” I move in front of Penny, blocking her from the man now livid from her accusations. “She’s still mourning the loss. It’s only natural to question what happened.”

“What she’s questioning is my family.Yourbrother.”

“She didn’t kill herself.” Penny raises her voice. “Iknowshe didn’t.”

Fuck.

I turn to face her. “You need to stop. This isn’t the time or place, okay?”

“Then when?” she pleads. “When’s the time and place for me to get answers? When can I be heard?” Mindlessness enters her tone and her eyes. “You don’t even believe me. I can see it on your face.”

She’s losing her shit.

Derailing.

“Get out of here.” I jerk my head toward the hall. “Go take a warm shower. Calm down. Breathe.”

“I’m not leaving.” She stands her ground. “Not until I have answers.”

And those answers will only come from scrutinizing my brother. By throwing him under the fucking bus.

“Penny, I understand what you’re going through, but you’ve gotta chill the fuck out.” I lightly grab the crook of her arm and start for the door. “Come on, I’ll run you a bath.”

“No.”

I tighten my grip as she attempts to break my hold.

“Please, Luca.”

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