Chapter 10 #3
Luca studied Griffin in silence for a long moment.
The man’s fear was palpable, but there was also resignation in his voice.
It was evident that he was a man too accustomed to being at the mercy of those stronger than him.
Luca trusted his instincts, and his instincts said Griffin had reached the end of what he could—or would—give. Still, one piece eluded him.
“I do,” Luca admitted at last, “but why would she be involved? I am missing part of the puzzle.” He leaned forward, his tone sharper. “I want to see your books.”
Griffin’s throat bobbed. “I will give you whatever you want, assuming you let me go.”
Luca inclined his head to Rupert, who didn’t hesitate. With one efficient motion, Rupert used the scalpel to slice through the ropes.
Griffin rubbed his freed wrists. His eyes flicked to Luca with something like pity. “You have no idea what you are getting yourself into and how deep it runs.”
“Then enlighten me,” Luca said. “Tell us.”
Griffin shook his head, a bitter smile tugging at his lips.
“I am a pawn in the game, nothing more. When I am no longer useful, I’ll be discarded like rubbish.
” He crossed the office, knelt by the far corner, and lifted a loose floorboard.
From the hollow beneath, he pulled a green, leather-bound book. “This is the ledger.”
Luca’s pulse quickened at the sight of it. This—finally—was something tangible. He extended his hand, taking the book with care, almost reverence. “I will return it when I am finished.”
Griffin’s jaw tightened. “See that you do. I meet Miss Dawlish in two days’ time. If I appear without that book, I am a dead man.” He held the volume out as if it burned his fingers. “Am I free to go?”
Luca gave a single nod. “You are.”
The solicitor all but fled the room, leaving the air thick with the memory of his desperation.
Rupert broke the silence first, his tone dry. “You realize he will betray you the moment it suits him.”
“I expect as much,” Luca replied. He didn’t need Rupert to tell him that. Trusting Griffin had never been the plan—it was using him.
Rupert gathered his instruments with a practiced calm, each blade and plier tucked neatly back into their velvet sheath. He rolled the pouch with care. “Men like Griffin squeal at the first flash of steel,” he said with faint amusement. “That’s why I keep these trinkets close.”
Luca turned, his gaze softening when it fell on Charlotte. “It’s time I saw you home.”
Stubbornness gleamed in her eyes as she responded, “I would like to accompany you when you speak to Miss Dawlish.”
“Absolutely not!” he shouted. “That is far too dangerous for you.”
Charlotte’s lips curved, not quite a smile but something equally provoking. “As opposed to attending an interrogation?”
Rupert chuckled from across the room, clearly enjoying himself. “She does have a point.” Then with a glance at Luca, he continued. “But I do believe I should be the one to escort Miss Winslow home.”
“And why is that?” Luca asked.
“Because you must see Miss Dawlish before Griffin has a chance to warn her,” Rupert said, his tone even, practical.
Luca stiffened. He hated conceding Rupert was right. But he wasn’t about to leave Charlotte with Rupert. Not that he didn’t trust the man—far from it. It was just that he had to be the one who assured her safety. “I can do both,” he replied.
Rupert only shrugged, rolling the pouch beneath his arm. “Suit yourself. But I think it wise I accompany you. Just in case.”
Luca narrowed his eyes. “In case of what? Do you think I cannot manage an elderly woman?”
Rupert’s smirk was infuriating. “I do believe that ‘elderly woman’ fooled you once. Did she not?”
Luca bit back a retort, his jaw tight. Rupert wasn’t wrong. And that rankled more than he cared to admit. “Very well. We can go together, after we see Miss Winslow home.”
“Do I not get a say in this?” Charlotte asked, her voice sharp with defiance.
Luca turned to her, taking in the set of her shoulders, the flash in her eyes. Beautiful and infuriating in equal measure. “No,” he said firmly. “I will not put you in harm’s way. It is far safer for you at home.”
Her lips pressed together in a thin line. “I thought we were working on this investigation together.”
“We are,” he conceded, softening his tone just slightly, “but that does not mean I will be cavalier with your safety.” He forced himself to keep his voice steady, though inside, frustration and worry clashed.
Did she not understand? He couldn’t focus on this investigation if he had to guard her every moment.
“Besides, we have already been gone longer than is wise. You would not want your family to begin asking questions.”
For a moment, she looked as though she might argue again. Luca held her gaze, willing her to see reason. At last, she exhaled, though the stubborn spark in her eyes did not dim.
He extended his arm, half-expecting her to refuse. She placed her hand lightly atop his sleeve and that small acceptance steadied something inside him. He had meant every word: her safety was paramount.
As he led her towards the door, he felt the weight of responsibility settle over him more heavily than the ledger tucked beneath his arm. He could not, would not, allow Charlotte to be placed in danger. The truth he sought was important, but she… she was starting to become irreplaceable.