Page 23 of Slightly Married
“Possible,” the investigator conceded. “The account was opened a year before his death.”
Aristides frowned. “That timing could be significant. Who had access to his personal information?”
“Or it could be completely irrelevant,” I countered, my patience wearing thin. “Perhaps you should focus on credible leads instead of fabricating motives.”
We had been on my yacht in Santorini. Theo should have been in Germany but had delayed his trip by a day because of a hangover. If Theo had been the target, why attack him on my yacht, and why were the assailants surprised by his presence on the vessel?
“Thank you for your time,” Aristides said finally. “We’ll be in touch.”
“I’ll continue digging,” the investigator promised, gathering his materials. “There’s bound to be a breakthrough soon.”
“You do that,” my elder brother replied, the subtle sarcasm imperceptible to anyone who didn’t know him well.
Once the door closed behind him, I stood, pacing to the window. “How much longer are we going to rely on this joker to find information? We still don’t know who came after me and murdered my best friend.”
“We need to be patient,” Aristides advised, straightening his already immaculate tie. “Something of this nature—”
“I’ve been patient,” I cut in, turning to face them. “For almost a year I’ve waited while Theo’s killers walk free. I’m done sitting idle while justice remains out of reach.”
“Mercenaries,” Dimitri interjected, sprawling back in his chair. “When the fuck are you two finally going to admit that my idea holds merit? We’ve been going the straightforward, legalroute all along, and that has borne no fruit. Let’s put out a bounty for information.”
Aristides’ expression hardened. “We’ve discussed this. The Christakis name cannot be associated with such methods. Our reputation—”
“I’m not suggesting the mob,” Dimitrios countered. “I’m talking about professionals. Ex-military operatives—”
“Black ops,” our elder brother reminded him.
“Men who deliver results,” Dimitrios pressed. “Professionals who understand discretion.” He jabbed a finger toward the door. “Unlike that charlatan.”
I considered both perspectives, weighing family reputation against my need for closure. “What Dimi is saying has merit. Why don’t we stay the course for the next three months, which is when our current contract runs out, and then, if we aren’t satisfied, follow his idea?”
I looked from brother to brother, receiving their nods. At least that was settled.
“Meanwhile,” Aristides redirected, “we need to discuss Miss Massey’s proposals for Thalassía’s restoration.”
I returned to the desk. “I’m surprised you handed the contract to her. Six months ago, she was an architectural student. Shouldn’t we engage an established Greek firm?”
“I awarded her the contract for Santo’s sake,” Aristides admitted. “It was leverage to bring him into the family business.”
“Remarkable that he agreed,” Dimitrios observed.
A rare smile crossed Aristides’ face. “I expected refusal when I presented my terms, but his interest in her apparently outweighed his resistance.”
“And you have no concerns about this relationship? She’s American and not even half-Greek like Kayla,” inquired Dimitrios.
Aristides studied him. “If you’re referring to her race, I’ve observed only her effect on my son. For whatever reason, my son wants to impress Miss Massey, and I have a feeling she’s good for him.”
“We shouldn’t force Santo’s hand,” I argued. “The decision to become part of Olympus Motors should be his own.”
“I’ll handle my son,” Aristides replied, his tone cooling. “Focus on producing your own. I’ll welcome your parenting advice after you’ve held your child in your arms and then watched as they dismantle every dream you had for their future.”
Dimitrios grinned. “How can he make a baby when he’s not even sleeping with his wife?”
I began gathering my documents. “Mind your own affairs,” I snapped.
“Now you’ve made him defensive,” Aristides chided Dimitrios before turning to me with exaggerated seriousness. “As the eldest and only father among us, I should have explained the birds and the bees sooner. Marriage requires intimacy, brothers. You need to have sexual intercourse with a woman to create a baby.”
Dimitrios’ laughter erupted, both of them finding amusement at my expense.
