Page 196 of Fierce Storm
“Paige.”
“I’m kidding; I get it. Are you in New York or still on the flight?”
“I’m almost at the office,” I lie, hating the fact that she’d never question that.
“Oh, good. I better leave you to it then.”
“You don’t have to.”
“We just pulled up at your mansion. I want to talk to Keeley before the others arrive.”
“No worries. Thank you for calling.”
“You’re welcome.” I move to hang up until she calls out. “And Dad?”
“Yeah. I’m still here.”
“I love you. And I promise I’m taking your request seriously.”
I breathe a sigh of relief, not even bothering to hide it. “Thank you. That’s all I can ask. I love you too.”
I hang up and stare out the window, silently willing Paige to make the right call, while at the same time knowing she has to do what’s best for her and her sanity.
“We’re here.” Austin slows when Battery Park comes into view, and I feel bad for lying to Paige. Only she can’t know. She’d undoubtedly call Camilla, and I can’t let that happen. I need to keep my meeting with Jill quiet if I want this to work.
Austin says something about circling the block until I’m done, but my attention has already shifted toward the park, my mind on my looming conversation.
Jill’s waiting when I arrive, so I hold back for a while, letting her sweat. She stands confidently, as though she’s a seasoned pro when it comes to blackmail and threats. But the longer I leave her waiting, the more I notice the subtle changes. She tugs her hat low on her head and adjusts her dress. She glances over her shoulder, and then pretends to be reading the sign on the monument.
She’s rattled. And that’s exactly how I need her.
I approach slowly, while making sure I’m loud enough to draw her attention, and she turns to face me, her confidence back in play.
“I’m not sure why you wanted to meet. I’m not supposed to be talking to anyone in your family while my husband is on trial.”
I almost laugh. So that’s how she’s going to play this? “Why’d you agree to meet with me then?”
“Curiosity.” She shrugs. “Andmaybe the chance to get back at my husband for sleeping with your wife.”
“Ex-wife.”It’s like Camilla seeks out trouble.
“Either way. What do you want, Mr. D’Angelo?”
“I want to know what it’ll take for you to stop harassing me and my family.”
“I’m doing nothing of the sort.”
“Cut the bullshit. I’m not wearing a wire. There’s no one else here, except your men hovering in the treeline.”I noticed them as I was walking closer. “I’m here to protect my family and nothing more.”
“I still don’t?—”
“I’ve begged them both not to testify. But believe it or not, I don’t control my daughter or my ex-wife. They have their own free will, and they want your husband in prison.”
She subtly flinches, but otherwise remains calm so I continue on. “You said so yourself, that you wanted to get back at him. Would a large sum of money help? You can live it up while you let him rot for ruining your life.”
I’m aware I could get into a lot of trouble for what I’m proposing, yet I’m beyond caring, and I’m hoping she stays quiet considering what she’s been putting my family through.
Jill clears her throat and my pulse spikes.Is that a goddamn code?Am I about to be attacked by her men?
