Page 55 of House of Ruin
Right about now, Blaze wanted to smash a fist through Vin’s face.
Breaking a bone or two would surely make him feel better.
“I’ll be seeing you around, Mister Leveau.” The detective nodded and turned to go. “I’m sure of it.”
22
Blaze didn’t want to do this, but he had no other choice.
The Leveau penthouse was quiet at this time of the day. Despite the sun and a clear blue sky outside, the hallways were dark and moody, dim lights barely penetrating the heavy air.
Blaze’s shoes made a dull sound on the hardwood floors as he walked down the long corridor leading to his father’s study.
It wasn’t often that Blaze found himself in front of the heavy double doors. At least not of his own will.
After two knocks, Galliermo called, “This better be important.”
Blaze entered the office, closing the door behind him.
His father didn’t even lift his head from the papers scattered on his desk. Blaze’s heart hammered in his chest, about ready to give up on him.
Only when he cleared his throat did Galliermo look up.
For a moment, there was a sliver of surprise on his ruthless features. But it was gone in a blink.
If Blaze looked at the memory orbs from his father’s youth, you’d think he was looking at himself.
Blaze’s future was staring back at him from the other side of a heavy desk with cruel eyes.
The need to escape had never been stronger than it was at that moment.
“It’s not enough that I had to call in favors to get your ass off the police’s hook.” Galliermo spoke first. “But you have to come in here and interrupt my work? I hope you know that all the privileges you get to enjoy don’t come from nothing.”
Blaze swallowed a ball in his throat. “I’ve heard that you called off Detective Vin. He’s not happy about it.”
Galliermo arched an eyebrow.
“He followed me to tell me that you called in favors to get him off my case,” Blaze said. He stuffed his trembling hands in the pockets of his jeans. “And to threaten me that it’s not over because once he finds evidence, he’ll come back.”
“Is he going to find evidence?”
Galliermo’s question was like a slap across Blaze’s face. He blinked, silent for a moment.
“Is he?” Galliermo urged.
“You think I did it?”
Galliermo scoffed. “I don’t care whether you did or not. You do what you need to do to ensure the House of Snakes remains in power. I only care that you don’t get caught. So let me ask youagain. Will Detective Vin find evidence?”
“I didn’t do it,” Blaze said, suddenly desperate to convince his father that he was telling the truth.
For a moment, Blaze could have sworn his father looked…disappointed.
“Why are they looking into the Snakes?”
“Because it’s convenient. You made it even easier for them.”
Blaze ground his teeth.
