Page 89 of Playing the Game
“What about it?”
“Had you ever visited her before?”
“No. Like I told you, when Helena got pregnant, your mother made me visit her and pulled me into her twisted web.”
I roll my eyes. “Well, you were blackmailing me, so she didn’t pull you in. She just created a bigger one.”
“Are you ever going to forgive me for that?”
“I will if you can help.”
“What else do I need to do?” Her tone is almost annoyed.
“Did you ever meet her at a different location?”
“Nope. I was always taken straight to her place.”
“Ava, think back. Was there anything about where she lived that could point to it being a new place, or did it seem like she had lived there for years?”
She breathes heavily as she pauses for a second. “I don’t know if this means anything or if it can help, but the first time I visited, she had decorators coming and going. She was redoing their entire chateau. They even redid the room I was staying in. It was like she needed to change all the decor.”
“And that was the only house you went to when you saw her over the years?”
“Yes.”
I nod. “Thanks, Ava. That helps.”
“Really? How?”
“I wasn’t sure if she moved around. From the sounds of it, she stayed in one place.”
“She’s never moved since I’ve known her.”
“Ava, I’ve got to go, but thanks again.”
We say goodnight and I hang up.
Jonah sits back and raises his brows. “Well?”
“Ava said our mom hasn’t moved since she’s known her. Dad said she up and disappeared ten years after she left us.”
“So?”
“I was twenty at the time. If I’m getting the details right, it seems our mother must have disappeared about the same time I got Helena pregnant. One more piece of the puzzle.”
“That not much to go on.”
My chest opens up and I breathe easier. “I know, but for the first time since this started, I feel like I might be able to figure this out.”
“The problem is, will you be able to before someone else gets hurt?”
CHAPTER 20
JAMISON
We’reon the way home from Melanie’s going away party. Dori seems a mile away.
“You’re quiet. Is everything okay?” I ask.
