Page 15 of Lela's Choice

“I’m not prepared to dismiss the possibility of undue influence, applied in Australia or here.” Hamish had accepted the job based in large part on Vella’s report of Sophie’s unstable mental state. “Until you arrived, Lela, she had no family, friends, no support network. And she doesn’t know you’re here.”

“She’ll know.”

“How?”

“Because I always have been.” She bit her lower lip, a telltale sign of anxiety. “Ineedto know she’s safe.”

“Lucky girl,” Hamish murmured. “Still, factor in an inheritance when she turns eighteen, and this is a young woman who needs to be found.”

“A point of clarification, MacGregor, Sophie doesn’t gain unfettered access to her inheritance at eighteen.”

A small but significant mistake on which to base a manhunt.

“What does she get?”

“It’s held in trust,” she explained. “Funds can be released for specified activities like study, but the bulk is locked up until she’s twenty-five.”

“Does she know that?” Hamish asked.

“She knows exactly what she’s entitled to and has been coached extensively to be on the lookout for fortune hunters. Papa reported a ticket and cash withdrawal from her account; no unexplained withdrawals—large or otherwise.”

“Your father suggested it was in play now.”

“I love Papa”—she shut her eyes to block who knew what memories—"but he can be selective with the facts.”

“You’re saying he hasn’t been straight with me?”

“I don’t know everything he’s said to you.” She turned to Marty. “Will you provide your information to me before sending it to my father, Mr. Azzopardi?”

Marty flicked a quick look in Hamish’s direction. Lela wasn’t desperate, she was being cautious. Until she spoke to Sophie, she was operating on one version of the truth. The men exchanged a look she couldn’t read.

“I can’t do that, Lela.” Marty spoke gently.

Lela nodded, clasping her hands tightly together.That went well.

“I can tell you that Hamish and I work together because we both want the same outcome. We try to make sure young people are safe.”

“Lela doesn’t buy that,” Hamish growled.

“Presenting yourself as my father’s man in Malta muddies the waters.”

“That’s some blind spot you’ve got.” Hamish looked like he wanted to say more, but sucked it back in front of his colleague. “Marty, when you find her—find one of them—call me.Wecan come back in, talk about how to approach them.”

“Thank you.” Lela was grateful he hadn’t ordered her to leave.

“We’d like to find her fast,” Hamish finished.

“I always give you fast. That’s why you’re here.” Marty observed with a smile.

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