Page 137 of Fraud
“How did you—I mean, what are you doing at my father’s nursing home? Is Kate here? Where is my brother?” I asked, suddenly looking around.
“I’m resourceful, and I have no idea where your brother is,” she simply said but added, “And no, to answer your other question, Kate is not here.”
My heart fell. “All right.”
She offered no other information until we arrived back in the lobby, and she settled herself in an oversize chair. I took the cue and did the same.
She stared back at me.
“How is she?” I finally asked.
“A little shaken. Kind of nauseous. Anxious.”
I found myself in total confusion. “Nauseous?”
“Well, she did just fly three thousand miles across the country.”
My eyes widened. “She’s here? In New York? But you said she wasn’t.”
Another sip of coffee. “No, I said she wasn’t here,” she said, motioning with her arms. “She’s at The Ritz, hopefully ordering room service and relaxing in a hot bath.”
“She got on a plane?”
“She did.”
I was almost too afraid to ask, but I had to. “Why?”
She rolled her eyes. “I thought that part would be obvious. She’s here to see you, asshat.”
I jumped from the seat, my heart now beating so hard, I could feel it in my throat.
“Sit down, Romeo. I said we had to talk, and I’m not done yet.”
My eyes found the door, but I relented, sinking back into the chair like an obedient little puppy. If it got me one step closer to Kate, I’d fucking roll over for this woman if she asked.
Not that I was going to offer.
“You tried to expose her,” Jane said sternly. “I’m not going to forget that.”
“I could have exposed her,” I corrected. “But I chose not to.”
“Your brother stole a substantial amount of money from her. I assume he knows who she is?”
I shook my head. “I honestly don’t know, but he’s smart. I wouldn’t doubt it.”
“So, how can I trust him? How can I trust you?”
I leaned forward, leveling my gaze on her. “Look, I’ll sign whatever you want. I’m not going to go public with this.”
“You’re mistaken. I’m asking, how can I trust you with not only my client, but also my friend? My sister?”
I nodded. “I know I messed up, but if I get the chance to make this right, I’m going to. I’ll spend every damn day of my life earning her respect back.”
“And your job? What will you do now?”
I shrugged. “I don’t know,” I answered honestly. “I’ve never wanted to do anything but be a journalist. It’s where all of my experience, my contacts, and my drive have been. But I was willing to give that up for her. I still am. Honestly, that part of my life is done anyway. Looking back, I don’t like the person I was then.”
A broad smile spread across her stoic face. “Good. That’s what I wanted to hear. But don’t jump ship just yet. I think I might have a job for you, Killian Turner, and one that won’t get you into so much hot water this time around.”
My interest was piqued. “Okay, I’m listening.”
