“Did you tell my dad I want to stay here?” I bit out.
“To be honest, Stephen’s the kind of man you listen to. You don’t interject.”
“I saw my mom at Mardi Gras,” I said. “Did he mention that?”
“No, what happened?”
“She turned away from me.”
“Maybe you were wrong about that.”
I ignored that scathing comment. “Did he mention Archie?”
He tucked his hands in his pockets. “Your brother wants you home.”
“You talked to him? What did he say?”
“I didn’t get to speak with him personally, no.” He looked nervous.
“What’s wrong?”
“Anya.” He studied the floor with concern. “Archie’s not doing so well.”
His words cut into me like shards of glass cutting through my body, and I felt guilty that I’d left him there.
“Quite frankly, Anya, your brother is having psychological issues.”
My heart stuttered with trepidation. “Tell him I love him. Tell him I’m coming for him.”
“Don’t share this, understand? What I’m about to tell you.”
A cold shiver rose through me, like a snake slithering up my spine and heading for my throat, threatening to wrap itself around my neck and choke me. This man was meant to be Cassius’s friend. This man was meant to be my friend, too.
He gave a hesitant sigh. “Your father mentioned the rift with Cassius’s father was long over. That he had no argument with Cassius.” Ridley pressed his hand to his chest in earnest.
“I witnessed my father try to kill Cassius.”
“I think they thought he’d hurt you, Anya. They didn’t see you and suspected the worst. But now they know you’re still alive.”
“Where is this going?”
“My job has always been to protect Cas.”
“I know.”
Ridley shuffled closer. “Don’t tell Cassius we talked. His life may depend on it.”
Reluctantly, I gave a nod, needing to hear where this was going. “Can you get a message to Archie?”
He waved that off. “Listen, whatever you think of Cassius, he’s a good man. He’s made some shitty decisions. You being one of them.”
“I know why he brought me here.”
“It’s all been one confusing situation.”
“Stephen killed his parents.” Astonishment dripped from my accusation. “In cold blood.”
“That rift happened a long time ago.”
“Stephen never went to prison for it.”
“I know this has all been hard for you.”
He was changing the subject, and it infuriated me.
“You’re a lawyer. You didn’t think to prosecute the man who killed your father’s client?”
“You’re very naïve, Anya.”
Affronted, I folded my arms, compelled to walk away. “What’s your point?”
“They will kill him.”
Cassius. He meant Cassius. . .
Ridley stepped back as though aware the space between us was too intense to sustain. “If you don’t go home . . .”
“He told you that. Stephen?”
Ridley gave a sharp nod. “I can’t stop it.”
“They’ve already tried.”
“Your father will let him live, Anya. But he must return you home first. Safely.”
“Cassius won’t let me go.”
“Then you have to leave of your own volition.”
“I don’t want to go back.”
Surprise flashed over his troubled features. “Maybe there’s been an element of brainwashing. I’m sure Cas didn’t mean to—” He searched for the words.
“You have to tell him they’re coming.”
“You love him, don’t you?” Ridley didn’t wait for my answer. “If you really care about him, you must go home.”
Shaking my head, I silently pleaded with him not to say this, these terrible words that would mean me abandoning the man I loved.
We both heard it at the same time—a car pulling up in the driveway, the familiar sound of wheels rolling on gravel. Cassius was home.
Ridley fixed a glare on me. “Leave with me now.”
“No.”
“Obviously, Cassius will come after you. If he turns up at your home, though, he’ll be shot on sight. It’s imperative you make him see you don’t feel the same way about him.”
“And lie to him?” I bit out.
“If nothing else, Anya, do it for your brother. He’s not well. He needs you.”
“What do you mean not well?”
Ridley’s expression turned tortured. “I didn’t want to scare you, but his complexion is pale. He may be having some kind of breakdown.”
“I need to talk with him.”
“Apparently, neither of you were allowed phones.”
“Bring Archie here. He’ll be safe.”
“Only if I want to be six feet under.” He sounded affronted. “Leave, or they’ll kill him. If you don’t go back, no one and nothing will stop your father’s rage.”
“I never really knew my dad.” My heart broke as Ridley’s threat closed in.
“Take it from me, you don’t want to.” He waved that off. “Just do it until your brother is better, perhaps. I’m sure he’d do the same for you if the circumstances were reversed.”
“You’re willingly sending me back!” I inhaled sharply. “After everything you know about that man?”
“You’re his child, Anya. You’ll be safer than anyone. His family comes first in all he does. Stephen promised that if you come home now, he won’t harm Cassius. It will be over.” He gestured his frustration. “I’m Cassius’s counsel. I do what I feel is best for him.”