Page 208 of Saving Her

“Nobody has heard much from Benji lately. Not even me. Apart from being in and out of phone range, he’s needed space.” She crosses the hall to look at me head-on. “He hasn’t told me as much, but I think he holds himself responsible for what happened to you and the other women. He feels guilty for not figuring out what my father was up to. I do, too.”

I wince with renewed remorse. Her husband sounds honorable, despite how relative that term can be in this world. If only I could quit questioning Abi’s death. “I’m sure it’s a heavy burden to bear.”

“Sorry.” She cringes. “I don’t mean to be insensitive if that’s how it came across.”

“Not at all.” I offer a half-hearted smile. “I appreciate you trying to make conversation.”

“I’ve been trying to figure out how to approach you for hours.” She lets out a whisper of a chuckle. “This situation isn’t easy.”

I nod, no longer capable of words. Every kindness she utters makes me question my theory about Abi’s suicide. I don’t want to lose faith in my sister. I refuse. The Torian family are still my enemy.

“Why don’t you come cook with me and the kids?” Layla waves for me to get up. “I’ve been left in charge of making lunch, and it may not be edible if I don’t get an extra set of hands to keep Stella and Tobias under control. I still have no idea when the nanny will show up.”

My heart stutters. Not only at the kind offer, but the carefree image of Toby she inspires. I want to see that side of him again. I yearn to be involved. “You wouldn’t mind?”

“Not at all. It will give me an opportunity to get to know you.”

Yes. And it will give me the ability to shed my weakness and dig deeper on her husband.

21

Luca

I’m relegatedto a private room at the back of the house with my MacBook, given a burner phone, and told to substantiate Penny’s claims.

It’s my job to prove Robert is alive.

I’m also left to establish whether Abi’s death was murder or suicide, and I don’t know which conclusion is preferred when I can’t get hold of my fucking brother.

Penny has gotten into my head. Those instinctive feelings of hers are wearing me down. She’s making me question everything—Robert’s execution, the protection I’ve provided, and worst of all, Benji.

I haven’t doubted him before.

His sanity, maybe. His loyalty? Never.

I can’t quit scrutinizing Robert’s actions as I scour hours of video surveillance. I fast forward and rewind unending vision from the gas station, trying to get a better view of the man who stole the money. Or his fucking car. I watch different angles of the same timespan over and over, attempting to catch a glimpse of familiarity until my headache builds into a migraine. And still, all I think about is my brother.

Something isn’t right. Benji isn’t usually distant. He keeps me updated to the point of annoyance. Yet today, alone, he’s already left ten of my calls unanswered and hasn’t responded to a single text.

He’s gotta be in trouble.Bigtrouble. And I’m having a fucking painful time digesting the possibilities.

It isn’t until mid-afternoon that I’m disturbed from the isolated hell of my thoughts by a light rap on the door. But the prospect of company isn’t welcomed. For the first time in weeks, I’m not excited at the possibility of seeing Penny. Not when I don’t have answers.

“Come in.” I remain on the spare bed, my back against the headboard, the Mac on my thighs.

There’s a rattle of cutlery, then the door creeps open.

It’s not Penny who stands on the other side. It’s Tobias, his tiny frame leaning over to lift a wooden tray of food off the floor, his shoulders taut as he marches inside.

“Do you need help, little man?” I slide my Mac to the mattress.

“No. I can do this.” He keeps his gaze firmly affixed to the rattling glass of juice and the plate of sandwiches, his footsteps cautious until he reaches the bed to dump it at my feet. “It’s a late lunch.”

“I can see that.” I smirk. “Thanks. Did you make it yourself?”

“I helped.” He steps back, crossing his kiddie arms over his tiny chest. “Layla did most of it.”

“Well, thank her for me, okay?”

---