16. King Lawrence
King Lawrence
“How can there be no news? How is there no evidence? People don’t just disappear from thin air.”
My volume stayed the same, but there was no hiding the change in my demanding tone.
I was angry.
No…
I was livid.
I took in the Commissioner, the Detective Chief Superintendent, and the Head of Royalty and Specialist Protection. All three men shifted under my gaze, but it was the Commissioner who spoke.
“Your Majesty, I assure you we’re doing everything we can to uncover evidence concerning what happened to the Taylor family. We’re currently going through all video evidence from the area. We’re also monitoring their funds.” He stopped as my hand lifted.
“Has there been any activity?”
Hesitation. “No, Your Majesty. There has not.”
“Nothing?”
The heaviness grew in my gut.
“Aside from some automatic withdraws from recurring payments, there’s been nothing new.”
“What about the domestic incident the cook reported. Is there any evidence that something transpired with Penelope Taylor the night before?”
His mouth opened, only to close.
“The neighbors did report hearing Allen Taylor yelling that evening. From what we’ve gathered, it’s not uncommon. There are reports of suspected abuse against Ms. Taylor from almost every person we’ve interviewed.”
It was my turn to pause.
“Was it so often?”
The commissioner gave a nod. “It would appear so, Your Majesty. We’ve heard everything from a busted lip to bruised cheeks.
Marks on her arms as if she were grabbed with excessive force.
Sometimes, people would say she couldn’t stand up straight.
That she would always appear in pain. Most describe the young woman as quiet. Shy. … Sad.”
I swallowed hard.
“I see. But no evidence? Nothing?”
“I’m afraid not. We’re doing everything we can to uncover every available lead.”
Nodding, I turned to head for the window, waving my hand towards them as my mind blurred.
“You may go. I want to be notified immediately if things change.”
“Yes, Sire.”
Within moments, the door shut behind them. I stared out across my gardens, seeing nothing. Nothing except the slow death of every fantasy I’d built around her. Revenge used to feel satisfying. That was gone for now. I was so certain that I knew everything about the Taylor family.
I was quickly realizing, I knew nothing at all.