Total pages in book: 96
Estimated words: 91373 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 457(@200wpm)___ 365(@250wpm)___ 305(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 91373 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 457(@200wpm)___ 365(@250wpm)___ 305(@300wpm)
Emotion thickened my throat. “He was. And thank you.”
“So he knew?”
I nodded. “The books took off a few months before he died. Losing him gave me the impetus to accept my success.”
“I’m sorry that’s what it took,” Lachlan said gruffly. “But I’m glad he knew.”
“Thank you.” I smiled at them both, holding back the tears. Then to Lachlan, I said, “And thank you for holding the wake last summer for the village. I’m sorry I couldn’t make it.” I’d been too devastated to show my face. “Thank you for allowing me to work here despite everything between our families. I want you to know that I’m forever grateful. And I want you to know that I knew my grandpa better than anyone … and despite how he felt about the history between your families, he believed you are a good man and he respected the hell out of you.”
A sheen of emotion appeared in Lachlan’s eyes, and he gave me a sharp nod as his wife squeezed him in comfort. “Thank you,” he forced out. “That means a lot. I respected Collum too.”
“He knew that,” I assured him.
A sense of peace settled over me, as if I’d done something for Grandpa that he’d lost the chance to do for himself.
Twenty-Seven
THEO
Agood twenty minutes had passed since Aria swept Sarah away, and I was getting antsy for her return.
“The usual suspects are here, then?” I remarked, eyeing the guests gathered in the dining room. Most were out in the great hall, but I’d avoid that place until the traditional Scottish dancing ended.
North shrugged. “I suppose so. You have to admit, this place is pretty festive. It reminds me a bit of school.”
“I wouldn’t know. We didn’t do traditional Scottish dancing at school.”
My friend grinned. “You mean at Eton?”
I ignored his teasing. “I do want to enjoy tonight without thinking of … well, of the murders. Selfish, yes, considering the families of the victims can’t escape it for a second, let alone a night …,” I trailed off, uncomfortable with the guilt that clawed at my chest.
“Theo, you have to stop beating yourself up over this. This psycho could have picked any show to copy.”
“I’m not sure of that. From my research, there must be something that triggered it. Perhaps he sees parallels between our show and his own life. I don’t know.” I shrugged, rubbing the back of my neck. “Anyway, that’s not why I mentioned it. I just wanted you to know that if you’re worried about the media, I’m here. You can talk to me. And I won’t let them target you. I’ll make sure they know I’m the one behind the show.”
He shook his head. “We’re in this together. Honestly, I don’t care if they drag me through the mud again. I have Aria, I have a life I’m proud of. The most important thing is that the police find this guy.”
I nodded. “I wish I had more information. Perhaps I could help them.”
“Couldn’t you? You wrote the show. You might know what his next move will be.”
“So do they. They have a team analyzing the show. Figuring it all out.”
“They should have drafted you in. You know it better than anyone.”
“I was not invited, and I did offer my services.” I shrugged. “Anyway, enough for tonight. I just wanted to say that.”
“Well, I appreciate it.” North eyed me with something akin to amusement.
I grimaced. “I know. Sarah is turning me soft.”
“No, actually.” He clapped me on the shoulder. “You’ve always been like this. You had my back when Darren’s mum was sending me threatening letters, and then when I hit Preston. You had my back with Aria. I should have known better when I assumed you were taking advantage of Sarah.”
“We don’t need to rehash that.” I glanced around, looking for my other half. “Where did Aria take her, anyway?”
“Lachlan found out from Monroe that Sarah is writing. He’s known her most of her life and just wants to congratulate her.”
I stiffened. “Sarah had a crush on him for years.”
North chuckled. “He’s a happily married man. Look at you, all jealous, mate. Never thought I’d see the day when Theo Cavendish became a one-woman man. You’re not even eyeing other women here.”
“Why would I?” I asked imperiously. “Have you seen my date?”
“Aye, and she’s as lovely as I always knew she was.”
“Yes, she is.” And I hoped she was starting to realize it about herself.
North leaned into me. “Why is Angeline Potter asking after you, though?”
Fuck. “When?”
“Out in the hall. She asked Aria and me if you were attending tonight. Is it because of what happened between you two here last Christmas?”
Discomfort rode me. “I … I made the mistake of sleeping with her a few months ago. Before Sarah, of course.”
“Oh, mate.” North shook his head.
“I know. It was the worst experience of my life.”