Page 108 of Betrayed in the Dark
He motions for me to end the call, which I do before giving Alastor a chance to counter.
Vin sighs as he pours himself a glass of whiskey and takes a long sip before saying, “I can’t wait for that prick to die.”
A few minutes later, as I walk out Vin’s front door, I’m surprised to find Reginald waiting outside.
“Hey, Reg, you drive for Vin, too?” I ask, heading toward my car.
He shakes his head, his brows furrowing as he peers up at me. “No. I actually came here to see you.” His words stop me in my tracks as he steps closer, rubbing his salt-and-pepper scruff. “With Miss Alarie’s wedding occurring in only a matter of days, I needed to talk to you.”
I cross my arms over my chest and raise a brow. “I’m listening.”
He removes his hat and drags a hand over his face. I notice dark circles under his eyes, and his expression looks downcast. “I’ve been torn about whether to say something or not since it’s not my place, and I shouldn’t interfere, but…” He lets out a heavy breath. “Madeleine has always been like a daughter to me.” The corners of his lips slightly tug up. “She’s good to me and my family. When she found out my wife was sick last year, she stopped everything she was doing to ensure my wife was seen by the best doctors in the world, receiving the best treatments available. Without her, I don’t know if my wife would even be here right now.” He swallows, his eyes glistening. “She’s always looked out for me, which is why I’ve come to you. I can’t let this wedding happen.” He stares off to the side. “She asked me not to tell anyone, and I’ve always respected her wishes, but I can’t hold my tongue anymore. Not when it’s in regards to her safety.”
“Hold your tongue about what?”
“Almost a year ago, on New Year’s Day, she needed a ride into the city. Said it was urgent. I didn’t think anything of it until she told me where she needed to go.”
“Where?” I ask, already knowing damn well where.
“Manacorda Enterprises,” he answers solemnly. “When we got there, she was a woman on a mission. Her head held high, her confidence soaring. But an hour later, when she left…” He shakes his head. “I had never seen her so downcast before. She looked like…well, to be frank, she looked like a woman who—”
“Just signed her life away,” I finish for him, unease sweeping over me.
“Well, yes.” He nods, deep in thought. “Before that day, she had never had any meetups with Alastor. And I would know, seeing that I’m her driver and all.”
I nod, dragging my fingers through my hair. “Thank you for—”
“There’s more.”
I wait for him to continue.
He squeezes the back of his neck, seeming distressed. “On the way home, something happened.”
“What?”
“She was in pain. A lot of pain. She asked me to drive her to the nearest hospital, and I did without question.”
“Why didn’t she call for the family doctor?”
“She didn’t want anyone knowing,” he answers. “She was released the next day, and she asked me to promise not to say anything to her brothers or mother. I promised her I wouldn’t, but…I’m worried for her. I just can’t shake the feeling that it’s all connected.”
My stomach twists into thousands of knots.
This isn’t fucking good.
“Do you know what she was there for?”
“No.” He shakes his head. “I never asked. And she never said.”
I nod. “Is that everything?” I ask, praying there’s nothing else that will send me over the edge.
“Yes.” He clasps his hands behind his back. “That’s everything.”
“Thank you, Reginald.” I grasp his shoulder. “We won’t let this wedding happen.”
He lets out a deep breath. “That’s a relief. Truly. I’m on my way over there now. She would like to head to the casino.”
Interesting.Only a couple of days before her wedding, and she wants to work?
