Total pages in book: 79
Estimated words: 75589 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 378(@200wpm)___ 302(@250wpm)___ 252(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 75589 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 378(@200wpm)___ 302(@250wpm)___ 252(@300wpm)
“I have an idea, which is why I lead with how I’ve imagined you.” Although still shaken, there’s a soft smile in Luxury’s voice as her words whisper over my skin. “Have mercy on me, though.”
Outside, my illegally parked vehicle is in the process of being towed. Letting go of Luxury, I step toward the bloke. “Is there any way I can rectify this situation in a timely manner?”
He looks me up and down, pulls off his NY Yankee’s cap, and scratches his head. “Depends.”
Taking out a clip of money, I pay the guy for his troubles.
He nods and goes to the back of the tow truck to disconnect my car.
As soon as that is complete, I look over to see Luxury standing on the sidewalk. She is now fully cognizant with a guilty look on her face.
Luxury gets into the passenger seat, and I squat down in the open door. “Look at me.”
“Victor, please understand.” Lux sighs. “I waited and waited. Then the garage door opened.”
“Yeah, well, the wanka saw you! I told you to wait. Fucking wait.” The force of my words jolts her shoulders.
“I had questions. Okay?”
“Tosh! That is not okay.”
A kaleidoscope of tears twinkles in her eyes. I place my hand on the nape of her neck, massaging softly. “I’m bloody here now. You gotta fucking let me be here, Lux.”
“I’m sorry.”
“Do you know I would’ve murdered Charles in . . . in?” I pause, thinking about my father, Silas Tudor. That type of mentality would have consumed me if he’d hurt Luxury. Changing subjects, I ask, “What happened? What is this pink book?”
“I asked Charles if he killed her. He was adamant that he hadn’t. He gave me this, her journal.”
I take a deep breath and sort through the facts. The tow truck is finally pulling away. I ensure Lux’s security in the seatbelt and close the passenger side door.
Once I’ve started the ignition, I casually ask, “Lux, were Gina and Everhart having an affair?”
“No! Why would you—okay. He had her notebook,” Luxury trails off, contemplating a viable excuse. Her reaction is as I expected, so I tread lightly.
“The bloke’s literally in possession of her journal. Furthermore, your mother’s death appeared to be a crime of passion, Lux. Maybe they were on the verge of running away.”
“Victor, clearly, I wasn’t thinking when I came here. You get one friggen point because of the notebook. But Momma’s not in a position to defend herself. Please don’t imply that she was a . . .”
I shift into gear, driving off. “That was neither my intention nor thoughts. I realize it’s a sensitive subject, but we must dissect their relationship.”
“Friendship?” she shoots back, clutching the pink notebook.
“Alright.”
“Momma, Unc-Charles, Dad, were the three amigos. A rift grew between the guys, okay.”
“Speaking of your father, Whitson’s keeping something from me.”
“Then leave it alone.” She huffs.
“Don’t you want—”
“To know? Of course! Nevertheless, it’s my problem. Not yours.”
I wriggle my jaw. “You’re in danger, Little One. I’ve made it my problem.”
She pops a frustrated hand against the dashboard. “You. Will. Try. To. Kill. Him. I’ve done something stupid today, Vic. So, I apologize for not waiting for you. But for now, I have my momma’s journal.”
“What of Everhart? That sort of vigilance could safeguard Buckingham Palace. Where is he now?”
“The accident made him paranoid.” She gestures to her face. “My dropping by without a call must’ve triggered—”
“He cannot do any wrong in your eyes. The arsehole’s displaying sociopathic tendencies! What about answers?”
“Vic, I’ve seen him give the shirt off his back to a homeless man—”
“That a bloody analogy? Sounds like a bloody ex—”
“Cut the condescending crap, Vic. We were returning to NYU from lunch. It was raining cats and fucking dogs when Uncle Red gave the guy his peacoat. Okay, so slight modification to the story line, but dammit, he is a good guy.”
I snort.
“There’s something up with my dad. I’ll give you that. Now, no more gassing me up, Vic. I need a hot shower. Then I will figure out why he had Momma’s journal by reading it. Is that okay with you?”
With one hand on the steering wheel, I reach over with the other and grab her hand. My Little One would rather be in the dark about anything and everything discomforting. For the moment, I will allow Luxury to be trusting.
13
Luxury
I wanted answers, but now, more questions are swirling through my mind. If I weren’t so baffled about Charles having Momma’s diary in his possession, I’d wonder why TUDOR is embossed into these plush leather seats. How many people has Victor murdered?
The jet glides into the air in a smooth streamline. While Victor’s on a private call, I slip out Momma’s diary.
Had Uncle Red taken it?
Why was something so personal in his possession?
My fingertip brushes over the lock. GW engraved in the gold for Gina Whitson. I credit Victor for not adding the diary being in Uncle Red’s possession as further proof that Momma dismantled her marital vows. Or Charles took it after he murdered her.