Page 76 of Trust

He glanced at the other two women, then back to Lani. “Can we do this privately?”

Emily opened her mouth. “You’ve already checked him out. You know he isn’t at fault here. We’ll just step out on the lanai. You will be able to see us there.”

Emily didn’t look happy about it, but she nodded. “I’ll keep watch on you the entire time.” She was looking at Rick when she said that. He nodded and tried to take Lani’s hand. She drew away from him and walked to the sliding door that led to the lanai.

“What’s up, Rick?”

He sighed. “I broke up with Sienna.”

And that was supposed to be important to her for what reason? Now that she had had months away from the insanity of her relationship with Rick, she knew how ill-suited they were for each other. He was still a cheater and probably always would be. She had known that going in, so part of it was on her.

“Okay. What does that have to do with Kingston?”

“It doesn’t. Not really. I mean…” He glanced behind her into the living space, then stepped further away. He headed over to a shaded area and motioned her over. “I don’t want to embarrass myself in front of strangers.”

She shook her head and followed. The guy was stupid as the day was long, even if he was an excellent surfer. It would be best to put this to rest once and for all.

When she stepped into the shade, she felt a bit of relief. The morning sun was heating up the day, and the trades were non-existent.

“So?”

“I’m sorry.”

“Nice to know. What are you sorry about? The cheating? Or was it the number of times you fucked someone else? Or the fact that you fucked Sienna in my bed?”

He blinked. “I’m sorry for it all. I was stupid, but you don’t understand. There was something else going on. Something that Royal knew all about.”

There was another knock at Ben’s study door, and this time, Ian came right in after the knock.

“They found your wife, Mr. Kingston.”

Hope flared to life in Ben’s eyes. “And?”

“I’m sorry.”

And then, Jakob watched the color drain from his best friend’s face. Ian rushed in and grabbed him just as Jakob reached out for him. He had been worried that Ben would pass out.

“Was she in an accident?”

“No. She was murdered.”

“Where’s Lani?” Jakob asked.

“She’s in the living area with Eden and Emily.”

He turned, but Ben stopped him. “What’s going on, Jakob. I saw the look on your face.”

“Your sister has been threatened several times, and we think it might all be tied together.”

Jakob couldn’t put a finger on his emotion or explain why he was feeling it. Something unsettled him enough to have him rushing down the hall.

“What did she know about?”

This was the most bizarre conversation. He kept pacing back and forth and wringing his hands.

“There was nothing I could do.”

“Okay.”

---