Wicked Liar (Dark Syndicate 3)

Gratitude fills her eyes. “Thank you.”

“What's going on?”

“I wasn’t snooping. I just saw your notebook on the table downstairs in the living room.I saw my father and uncle's names written on it.Did you find out something about them?”

Damn it. I didn’t even know I left my notebook out.I don’t usually slip up like that.I thought I put it away the other night.Now, what should I say to her?This is fucking awkward.

“I did find something,” I answer, truthfully.

“Was it about Richard Fenmoir?”

The second I answer that question, she’s gonna know it will be to do with the bigger threat.

“It’s not about that, but I’m still checking things out.”

She presses her lips together, and her skin goes pale.“What did my father do Dominic?”

I can’t answer that. No fucking way am I gonna tell her it could be human trafficking.

“Candace, I don’t have anything solid yet.Your father and uncle’s names came up when I was digging around.The information doesn’t tell me anything yet, so I’m looking for anyone who can give me answers.”

“Answers? So… does that mean you’re looking for my uncle too?”

“Yes. I am,” I confirm and her skin turns ghost white like someone siphoned the color from it.

She looks away and focuses on the window.

“Angel?” I say and she looks back to me but in her eyes, I see something I haven’t seen in many years.

It’s a sheen of fear that sucks out any spark of hope that might have been previously there.

“Yes?”

“Are you okay?”

“Yes, I’m okay.”

“Your father loved you, Candace.That much I know.” I nod. Despite what resentment I have toward him, I knew that as truth.“I’m sure your uncle loved you very much too, even though he disappeared after your parents' deaths.I think that was more to do with fear.”

All she does is stare back at me when I say that like she hasn’t heard what I said.

“I always thought that he must have been terrified to abandon you.” I’m trying to say what I think she needs to hear.I don’t actually believe that.Truthfully, I think of her uncle as an asshole who abandoned his niece when she needed him.“Have you seen him since your parents died?”

“No,” she replies in a hush. “I don’t know where he is.”

Something is off with her. She looks weird and like she might pass out.

“Candace?”

“Yes?”

“Baby, what’s wrong with you?”

“I feel a little sick.”

“How about I get us some ice cream from the parlor?”

She reaches out and takes my hand.“No, could you just stay in? Don’t go away again.”

Her choice of words grips me.“Of course, I can stay. Let me go make you that tea you like and we can order a pizza.”

“Thank you, I’d like that.” She gives me a sweet smile, but it doesn’t reach her eyes.

It reminds me of the smiles she used to give me when I noticed her change.

I thought she was covering something up.

I have the same feeling now.