Descent (Steel Brothers Saga 15)

I didn’t like where this was headed. In fact, I already knew the answer to the next question.

“And my money? Where does it go?”

He closed his eyes and took another drink. “They take most of it. Leave me enough to show that I’m working plus a little extra.”

Fuck.

Fuck, fuck, fuck.

How much had my father and I paid Morey and his guys in the last year? I didn’t have the exact number, but off the top of my head, it was around five million.

“Who the hell am I subsidizing, Morey?”

“That’s just it.” He looked around nervously and then whispered, “I don’t know.”

“Why haven’t you left town?”

“I tried. I was packed and ready to go. Lora went into labor.”

“And now?”

“I’ve been told to stay put.”

Now what?

“When was the last time the psychos visited you?”

“I don’t know. A week ago, maybe?”

“Here’s what’s going to happen,” I said. “Lora and the kid are leaving town. Tonight.”

“But—”

“No buts. Get Lora and the baby and head to the airport. I’ll have tickets waiting for her.”

“This is insane. I’m not sending my wife anywhere.”

“You want her safe? Or you want her with you? You have to choose, Morey. If it were me, I’d want my wife safe.”

No truer words.

“Safe. Safe, of course.”

“You choose the place. I’ll make the arrangements.”

“Okay. Okay. Then what?”

“I’m going to transfer some money to you. Enough to make them take notice. And the next time the psychos visit you, I’ll be there.”

Chapter Twenty-Two

Daphne

The deli owner’s daughter held the stuffed dog and gazed at the perfectly sewn-up seam.

So many secrets held inside this doggie.

So, so many.

That last one had been a doozy. Three names. Three names to be locked up forever.

She wouldn’t forget, but she needed backup just in case something happened to her. The three names were safe here.

Safe here, along with the other secrets.

The one about the girl named Sage. The one about the girl named Patty.

And all the ones about the young woman named Daphne.

All the secrets.

I snuggled Puppy to my face. Why hadn’t I brought him home before now? Yeah, it was a little juvenile to keep a stuffed animal from childhood. So what?

Brad had left an hour ago to go out. At ten. I sighed. I was used to his comings and goings at odd hours, but still I hated it.

Ennis was still in Brad’s office, reading through winemaker résumés.

The door was ajar, so I entered.

“Hey,” I said. “You want me to have Cliff go to town and bring your stuff from the hotel? It’s late. You may as well spend the night here.”

“Cliff isn’t supposed to leave you unguarded,” he said.

I let out a soft scoff. “This place is like a vault. No one can get in.”

“I’ll be fine. If it gets too late, I’ll just crash here and pick up my stuff tomorrow.”

“Okay. Whatever you want.” I nodded to the folder. “Any good prospects?”

“A few. It’s nice to have a project.”

“Ennis…”

“Yeah?”

“What happened in London? With your job, I mean.” Yeah, still wasn’t my place to ask, but I was curious. I cared about Ennis, and I knew enough about him to know he wouldn’t just up and leave.

“Nothing. I quit.”

Okay…maybe he would up and leave. “Why?”

“Simple. I asked for some time off to come here, and they said no.”

“Why’d they say no?”

“Because I haven’t worked there very long. They asked if it was an emergency, and I said no. I should have lied. Anyway, they said I couldn’t have the time off, so I quit.”

“Was that wise?”

“I didn’t come here for judgment, love. I told you how freaky the dream was. I had to come.”

I nodded. “I miss her too.”

“Daph, this isn’t about missing her. It’s about finding the truth.”

“If anyone can find the truth, Brad can.”

“That’s what I’m counting on,” he said. “Besides, maybe I’ll stay over here. Get myself one of those green card jobbies and work here in the States.”

“Won’t you miss your home?”

“Of course. But I was ready to stay for four years to study. I only went home because Patty jilted me.”

“And you came back because of Patty.”

“I did. Which makes me think this is where I should be now.”

“Do you think you’ll go back to school?”

“I might. My student visa is still valid.”

“What if we could find something for you to do around here? On the ranch?”

“I don’t think I’m qualified to do anything here.”

“Brad already offered you the job as winemaker.”

“And I told him I wasn’t qualified.”

“But you’re qualified to choose a winemaker?”

“More qualified than Brad is.”

I nodded. “All right. Assistant winemaker, then. That’ll be your job.”

He laughed. “Are you allowed to go around offering jobs on the ranch?”

“Why not? I’m mistress of the ranch, aren’t I?”

“I’d love to stay here, but let’s see what Brad has to say, okay?”

“All right. Wherever you end up, make sure it’s somewhere close. I’ve missed having a friend around.”