Page 39 of Nicoletta
He hands me the glass. “I know you’d probably rather have a glass of wine, but I don’t have any, and some times just call for whiskey.”
I raise the glass. “And this is one of those times.” I sip at mine, and he takes a huge gulp.
“You had some good information before.”
I guess that’s Bolt’s backwards way of thanking me.
“I mean, we could’ve gotten all that info, but you knowing it firsthand helped.”
“Thank you.” I wait a few seconds. “I think we’re developing a pattern here.”
Bolt’s brow furrows.
“Hot sex, then we ignore each other.”
Bolt drinks deep, but remains silent.
“We should probably come to some kind of understanding before tomorrow night,” I reason.
“Understanding?”
“Just so everything goes smoothly. I mean, we have to go together and act as if we like each other.”
“Yeah, so?”
“I just want to make sure we’re on the same page.”
“We are.” He focuses on his glass.
“Great.”
We sit in silence, but after all that’s gone on between us, what’s left to say?
After a few minutes, Bolt pushes off the couch. “I’m fuckin’ beat. We got a big day tomorrow.”
“Right,” I agree.
I watch him walk, no swagger, out of the room exactly like the outlaw he is—cold, cut-off, unfeeling. Probably better this way. After tomorrow night, my father’s life would turn upside down, along with mine. There would be legal battles and who knows what, with all the holdings and assets my parents retained. Years in court, but I have no intention of fighting for any of it. As far as I’m concerned, my mother can have whatever the government doesn’t seize.
I grab my phone and swipe at my mother’s number.
After a few rings, her cheerful voice answers, “Nicoletta?”
“Hi, Mom. Are you enjoying yourself?”
“Absolutely. I don’t know how I haven’t been here before, but I certainly plan on coming back.”
“That’s what I want to talk to you about.” Now to word this carefully. “The investigation into Brad’s murder has been heating up, and I think it would be advantageous if you stay at the spa for at least another week.”
“Really? How so?” she asks.
I wasn’t expecting that. “Remember you said I really didn’t know Dad and what he was capable of doing?”
“Yes.”
“I have a feeling you might be right. Seems they’re looking at him now in connection with the murder, so it would probably be best if you sit tight out of the country for a little longer.” Total lie, but they’d be looking for her soon enough.
“I hate to think that scenario might be true, but one thing I do know, your father has been hiding money for months now.”
