Page 71 of Hell Hath No Fury

“That’s what we’re thinking.”

His eyes narrowed in thought. “Technically, since North Star Developing is an LLC, it wouldn’t be his Will that would change. He should have an operating agreement that specifies what happens to the business in case of his death. I have one for my company.”

Emma pulled out her phone and typed in a note about the different legal documentation.

“Now that you mention it,” Eric went on, “I did notice some strain between Tina and Sonny lately.”

“How lately?”

Eric brought his fingers to his mouth, tracing the stubble on his upper lip. “The evening at the restaurant when Sonny was being more obnoxious than usual, Tina looked like she wanted to choke him. You know she handles the company credit card, right? I remember her pulling Sonny aside and whispering to him. I couldn’t hear much of it, but I got the impression she wanted him to cool it.”

“Cool it?” Emma echoed.

“All of it. Being an ass with me. Ordering another round of drinks that I’m sure onlyhewanted.”

“You said you couldn’t hear?”

“Just bits and pieces. I didn’t have to understand the words to recognize she was pissed and doing all she could to maintain a professional front. Then there was Wednesday at his office.”

“The day Nell signed the agreement.”

“Yeah. She and I walked in on something, although I’m not sure what.”

“How do you mean?”

“I could hear raised voices when we approached the door. When we opened it, Sonny and Tina were standing there with smoke practically coming out of their ears, but they shut up as soon as they saw us and pasted big professional smiles on their faces, like nothing had happened. Later, in our meeting, I caught Tina looking at Sonny with that same angry expression as in the restaurant.”

“Interesting.” Emma needed to tell Matthias and have another talk with Tina Neidermeyer.

“Someone who might know what’s going on between them,” Eric said, “is Patrick Winslow. He and Sonny were tight.”

Except Emma remembered another disagreement—the one between Sonny and his foreman. “We were on our way to the Powell farm to talk to Winslow when your attorney called me about this.” Emma circled a hand to indicate Eric’s current situation.

“Then you should get out of here. The sooner you can prove I’m not a killer, the sooner I can go home and sleep in my own bed. Not to mention stop worrying about becoming some Neanderthal’s boy toy.”

“Is there anything I can bring you or do for you?”

“You’re already doing it. Thank you.”

Emma bent over him to press a kiss to his cheek.

As she turned to leave he asked, “Before you go, has there been any word on Nell?”

Emma slowly pivoted back. “I’m afraid not. Eric, I’m so sorry. You were absolutely right. I should never have left her alone.”

He shook his head. “I’m the one who’s sorry. I said terrible things to you that were totally uncalled for. She’s your sister. Youhad every right to insist on seeing her. I know you never meant to hurt her.”

“I may be her sister, but you’re as much a big brother to her as if we all shared the same blood.”

“Can we agree we both messed up and leave it at that? This isn’t the first time Nell has run away. We have to believe she’ll show up again when she’s good and ready.”

Emma wasn’t optimistic, but she forced a smile. “I’m going to get out of here and clear your name, so you’ll be free by the time that happens.”

ChapterTwenty-One

Keeping her head down, Emma slipped out of Eric’s room and started down the hallway toward the exit. She hadn’t made it five feet before she heard the booming voice of the guard behind her. “Pardon me, could you hold up for a minute?”

She froze, then reached for the badge and unclipped it, palming it before facing the officer. Better to be caught with no ID than with one that obviously belonged to someone else. “Yes?”