Page 44 of Catching a Con Man

“Cameron’s little pet project, the dog’s home? I’m cutting the Crane Foundation’s contributions, effective immediately,” my father spluttered. One last roll of the dice.

“Electro just doubled its contribution,” I said, stepping toward the door.

“I’ve been courted by your rivals in the company to vote against your price proposals! I’ll do it if I must!”

“Then so be it, Dad. There are more important things. And if you ever come for Tyler again, I will make it my life’s goal to take apart your companies, one by one. Have you seen Forbes recently? I will own you.”

I left the room with a slam of the door and collected my breath for a second. My mother could deal with his idiocy for now. I wouldn’t be seeing him anytime soon. As I turned, I almost bumped into Beckett, who must have been standing just outside the door.

“What’s going on?” he asked.

I didn’t have time for his shit. “Ask your hero,” I suggested. “See if you can help him ruin any more lives.”

I pushed past Beckett, threw open the front doors and got into my car. I could be at the police station in fifteen minutes if I broke a few speed limits. It wasn’t until I’d peeled out of the driveway and was on the road that I realised I hadn’t even got dressed.

Little did I know that by the time I got to the station, Tyler would already be gone.

Tyler

The sun was just streaming through the little window at the top of my cell when I heard some kind of commotion going on outside.

“Where is he?” asked a familiar voice, though I couldn’t quite place it. “Where is my grandson?” The voice was male, and slightly hysterical.

“Sir, we need you to calm down. There seems to have been some kind of misunderstanding, and-”

“Don’t you know who I am?” asked the mystery voice. “Get him for me. Right now!”

“Of course, sir, our apologies.” There were footsteps, and someone banged on the door. “Step away from the door, please.”

I stood and stepped away from the door, and when it swung open, I was greeted by a stern-looking female police officer, and…

“Holden!” I exclaimed before I could stop myself. He was dressed in a sharp suit and holding a walking cane, and his lips quirked up into a smile as he saw me.

“Grandfather,” he corrected with another smile. “Come on, let’s get you out of here and into some nice clothes. I’ve no idea what on Earth has happened, but you can rest assured Addison Crane will come to regret it.” He turned to the policewoman. “I trust you have his effects? Well, I suggest you retrieve them.”

“But sir…he’s been arrested for fraud.”

“And what is that fraud, may I ask?”

“Impersonation. We’ve got evidence stating that he impersonated…” she trailed off.

“My grandson. Impersonated my grandson. To get into an event? Now that doesn’t really make sense, does it?”

“But…”

“No buts, dear. Now I’d suggest you get his personal effects before I start asking for an official investigation into this force for doing the personal bidding of Addison Crane. I’d also suggest you review your evidence. Tyler Quinn is my grandson, and he’s made us so proud with hislonghistory of charity work.”

“Yes…sir.” The policewoman hurried off and Holden led me back to the reception desk. By the time we’d reached it, she had a bag in hand. I knew it only had the dressing gown from the Crane house in it.

“We’ll be going, then. Lovely to meet you, dear.”

Holden basically dragged me out of the station and to a beautiful silver Bentley sat outside. “Wow, that was a thrill,” he said once we’d gotten inside. “I’d almost forgotten what British society was like. I don’t know why I stayed away for so long.”

“Holden, what thefuckare you doing here?” I asked when my brain finally caught up with my mouth.

“It’s a rescue mission, spearheaded by the wonderful Amanda. I do not know who she is or what she looks like, but I’m assured she’s wonderful.” Holden tapped on the glass divider between us and a rather shadowy driver in the car’s front. He really wasn’t getting past the initial supervillain vibes. “Woodville Road, please.”

The car pulled off silently as I let all the pieces slot together in my head. “Amanda called you? Not Ade?”

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