Page 144 of Tyler's Rule
“You inherit a mess,” Presley snarled. “Without the brains to fix it.”
“I don’t need to. It will get broken up and sold. Then, I’m quids in. The sole beneficiary, even if I have to wait. See? I’m smarter than I look.”
Wallace was bragging. More than he should. I guessed him to be at least a little drunk.
Presley’s upset played out in his strained tone. “It’ll take years for you to get that payout. Go to your mother and those girls. Make a big speech like you did outside the solicitor’s. Convince them how good it could be.”
A tiny tap came at a window I’d guessed to be behind me. I cocked my head, stilling.
Wallace snorted. “No, thanks. I’ve lived under them my whole life. Every penny I needed, I had to beg for. You don’t know how humiliating that is. I’m a man. This is my chance. Don’t worry, I’ll still pay you for the help you gave me.”
“What good is money that you won’t see for years? I need it now. Marchant Haulage has to start up again.”
Wallace chuckled. “Good thing you don’t get a say.”
The tap came again. A definite knock on glass.
When I’d woken, I’d managed to get the hood over my head up halfway, so I could breathe better under the hem. But I hadn’t needed sight to work the zip tie. I switched tack and wriggled my shoulder against the material.
It took half a minute, but at last, I had a glimpse into the darkened room.
I angled to peer behind me. Woodwork. Cabinets. An ivy plant in a basket.
At the window, a face stared back, black hair cut to his chin.
Even with the skeleton crew mask, I knew Ash.
I could’ve laughed. Instead, I tipped my head to show I’d seen him. He raised two fingers. Two others were here. I’d already guessed Convict, so that probably meant Heretic. He always preferred to keep an eye on his younger brother. Some family trauma there that I hadn’t pushed him on.
I raised my head again. Gestured at the door. Twice. Giving him the same indication of two people to factor for. Ash nodded and vanished into the night. I got back to sawing.
I’d be freed, and soon.
But Presley’s voice returned, louder and with venom. A thud came, like he’d thrown something. “If you won’t handle this, I will. Darcy doesn’t deserve that vote. She’s been out of the family for years. Denise Harford will use it. At least she’ll choose Austin’s wishes, even if his own flesh and blood won’t, and she’ll reward me for helping.”
Wallace snorted. “Denise is on her way; Mother asked me to call her earlier. But how are you going to persuade a grown woman to give up her birthright? Like I said, they’re chatting up a storm. Mother will persuade them. It’s a done deal.”
My blood curdled, a warning of something bad to come.
I worked faster.
He’d use me to hurt her. I’d got the distinct impression that my capture was wrong place, wrong time. Only done because I’d stumbled over them leaving Lex’s body. But if they’d worked out who I was, what Dixie meant to me…
Presley crowed. “Can’t persuade her if she’s dead. I’m going to do what you should’ve, and no one can stop me.”
The plastic gave another degree.
Not fast enough.
Chapter 46
Dixie
My grandmother didn’t blink when she said it. Her murderous claim.
“One ticket to crazy town coming right up,” I whispered to her.
Primrose’s lips flickered with amusement, but she controlled it and brushed out a non-existent wrinkle in her pale skirt. “I may be old but I’m not without resources.” She eyed Mila. “You were so desperate to save the company that every word was a stab wound to my chest. I couldn’t bear talking to you, but I kept a close eye on all you did. That little viper Esther gave you access to something I abhorred. After I found out, when it was all over, I ordered her gone. She couldn’t hurt you again.”
