Chapter Sixteen #2
“You said ‘at first,’” I point out, curious. “Does that mean …”
A ragged exhale leaves him. “An agent from the NCA contacted Mum earlier this week. She told me there would be a break in the case soon and that it would be good news.”
Smiling, I reach out and cradle his stubble-roughened cheek. “That’s wonderful. You must be so happy.”
He leans into my touch, his expression serious. His smile has faded, and even his eyes are dim. Troubled. “You’re not angry at me, are you?”
“Angry?” I drop my hand from his face and rest it on his chest, right above his thrumming heart. “Why would I be?”
“I’ve kept this from you for days.” He hangs his head. “I felt terrible about it, too. My mother made me swear I wouldn’t tell a single soul until the news was announced, and I promised her I’d stay quiet. But it killed me that I couldn’t tell you, Billie.”
It’s downright laughable, thinking about all the secrets I’m keeping from Connor and here he is, overwhelmed with guilt for keeping a secret for actual legal purposes.
His biggest sin is nothing but a small omission, while mine is an outright lie.
Multiple lies. A whole identity’s worth.
His secret is a tiny pebble compared to the mountain of untruths I’ve built.
I touch his face again, forcing him to look at me. “Sometimes you have to hide the truth in order to protect the people you love. I could never be angry at you for that.”
He smiles and drops a kiss on the tip of my nose. “You’re the perfect girl, you know that? Always there for me. Always compassionate and understanding.”
The corners of my eyes sting with tears, and I blink them away, not about to let him see me cry.
I am far from the perfect girl. What is he going to think when he finds out my truth?
How will he react? Eventually it’ll all come out and he’ll discover my connection to Isla.
Will he be hurt? Furious? Will he refuse to talk to me ever again?
I wouldn’t blame him if he turned me away.
A cold gust of wind whips around us, and I shiver. “It’s getting cold out here. Let’s keep walking,” I suggest.
Connor takes my hand, and it remains in his grasp for the rest of the walk to my building.
He even escorts me inside, all the way up the three flights of stairs, and delivers me to the door of my room.
Considering his own dorm is located on the west side of campus, in the complete opposite direction of mine, the chivalry seems especially sweet.
“Wow, such excellent service,” I tease.
“When I said I’d walk you home, I meant it.” He smiles and leans in, kissing me briefly. I reach for him before he can pull away, my hand against the back of his neck to keep him in place. He kisses me again. And again. Our lips parting. Our tongues tangling.
He rests his hands on my hips and presses me against the door while he devours me. The kiss becomes heated fast, and my mind starts to float. Contemplating if I should invite him inside. Hopefully Priya isn’t in there …
His phone rings, but he ignores it, as do I, though the sound brings me back to reality. To the fact that we’re making out in the hallway, where anyone can see us. Belinda wouldn’t hesitate to make a private moment public, but this? I want this just for me.
The ringing stops, but only for a brief moment before it starts again. I try to pull away from him, needing the distance so I can gather my wits about me, but his grasp on my waist is too firm.
“What if that’s your mom?” My breaths are coming heavy and fast, as are Connor’s.
He quickly checks his phone. “It is. But she can wait.” He dips his head again, and I rest my fingers against his mouth, stopping his descent.
“This is a big moment for your family,” I remind him, my voice low. “Some of the best news you’ve received in a long time. You should talk to her, Connor. Celebrate with her.”
“You’re right.” He presses his forehead against mine and stares into my eyes. “Always right.”
“I’ll never let you forget you said that.” I poke him lightly in the chest, making him chuckle. “Text me later?”
“Absolutely.” He kisses me one last time and pulls away, walking backward for a few steps, like he can’t bear to tear his gaze from me. Then he flashes me a dopey, downright lovesick grin and turns, heading for the stairs.
I watch him go, marveling at how light he seems. I can’t help but wonder if I’ll ever get to experience that feeling. Will I find resolution for my family and justice for Isla? I hope so.
Once I unlock the door, I’m relieved to find my room empty. I collapse on top of my bed with my phone and go straight to Google, searching for the article. It pops up immediately, like the Internet can’t wait to tell me what I want to know.
LUMATEG LUMINARY ARREST SHOCKS CITY
Juno Siegel, The London Ledger
LONDON – In a shocking development that has rattled the city’s investment community, William Pembroke, long-time lead portfolio manager for private equity fund Lumateg Group, was arrested late last night on multiple counts of embezzlement, according to officials familiar with the case.
Pembroke, 46, has been widely regarded as the architect of Lumateg’s sustained success over the past decade.
The boutique asset management firm, famously founded in 2006 by inherited wealth from Pembroke’s society marriage, has weathered market shocks and sector downturns with what many analysts have described as ‘remarkable resilience’—a resilience frequently attributed to Pembroke’s leadership and investment strategy.
That narrative was thrown into disarray on Tuesday when investigators confirmed that Pembroke is alleged to have siphoned off company and client funds over several years, using complex internal transfers and offshore structures to conceal the activity.
The arrest comes mere months after senior analyst Jonathan Wells was detained on similar charges. At the time, Wells’s arrest raised questions about oversight within the firm but was widely viewed as the possible work of a single rogue employee.
However, sources close to the investigation have now revealed that Wells had in fact been working in conjunction with the National Crime Agency (NCA), acting as a critical set piece in an elaborate sting operation to uncover what is being described as a ‘broader and more sophisticated scheme’ allegedly orchestrated by Pembroke.
Internal documents obtained by The London Ledger appear to indicate reckless spending in Pembroke’s personal portfolio.
The records, which span the last three years, show that Pembroke made a series of substantial real estate acquisitions that seem incongruous with his disclosed compensation and declared assets.
Among the purchases are several high-value commercial properties in London’s financial district and midtown Manhattan, along with a luxury bungalow on Laucala Island in Fiji, a private resort enclave known for its multimillion-dollar villas and strict confidentiality provisions for buyers.
Property filings reviewed by this reporter indicate that the Laucala bungalow was acquired through a layered network of holding companies and trusts, obscuring the ultimate beneficial owner.
The Lumateg Group issued a brief statement immediately after the arrest, confirming Pembroke has been suspended from all duties pending the outcome of the investigation.
The headline has it right—this really is a shocking development. But what piques my interest isn’t the way Freddie’s dad defrauded the investors who put their trust and wealth in his hands. No, the detail rocking my world right now is way more basic.
William Pembroke. Is this the same William that Headmaster Harrington was arguing with on the phone?
My guess is a resounding yes.