Chapter 47
FORTY-SEVEN
Isabelle
The following morning, I glance around the table at breakfast. Most times my family are either chatting or staring at their phones; today everyone is staring at their plates as if trying to avoid making eye contact.
I clear my throat. “I know a member of our household has died but we can’t go on being morbid for the rest of our lives.
Alani, you need to continue with the book.
I believe what’s happened over the last few days is an integral part of my story and maybe you should write a few chapters about it and put them to one side until you reach that point. ”
“Yes, that could be the sensationalism that we need to sell the book.” Alani looks at me with interest. “I’ll write a chapter today and print it up for you so you can read it.
You do know that you have absolute control over what goes into your memoirs?
I would never even think of sending a copy to anyone without your prior knowledge and agreement. ”
I can see a touch of annoyance in her expression.
Something has got under her skin but Alani is a very secretive person.
I have a very good instinct when it comes to knowing if a person is hiding something and she certainly has something to hide.
I feel there is something going on between her and Lucas.
It’s as if he needs to protect her for some reason although he’s not acting like she’s his lover—in fact I believe it’s the complete opposite.
She left the house last night and I don’t know where she went but when she returned, she spent a couple of hours in Lucas’ room.
Are they conspiring against me and if so, why?
I raise both my eyebrows to convey my surprise at her statement. “I do believe I had that written into the contract.” I turn my attention to Linc, who is listening intently to our conversation. “Isn’t that right, Linc?”
“Yeah, it is but you know darn well that Alani wouldn’t release any of the manuscript without your consent.” He drums his fingers on the table and stares at her. “Her reputation precedes her and since I’ve got to know her, I would trust her with my bankroll.”
“Then you’d be a fool.” Mia looks up from her phone. “The only person you should trust with your bankroll is you, Dad.” She wiggles her eyebrows at him. “Don’t trust me with it—Or maybe you should. I’d have the best ten years of my life spending it around the world.”
“I’ll have earned it all back by then.” Linc smiles at her. “But I’ll keep that in mind.”
“First, I can speak for myself and I’m not being arrogant but I do have a reputation for being scrupulously honest.” Alani nods at Linc. “As to your bankroll, I’m told I’m very good at investments, so I’d probably triple your money in ten years.”
The hammering on the front door prevents any further conversation.
I stare into the hallway with my cup of coffee paused midway to my lips as one of our staff comes to the dining room door followed by the two detectives and four uniformed police officers.
Beside me Linc gets to his feet, annoyance plastered across his expression.
I rest a hand on his arm. “They’re only doing their job. ”
“Mr. Boswell, we would like you to accompany us to the station for questioning.” The male detective turns to Alani. “Alani Fairchild, you too. You are both suspects for the murder of Allison Dane. You have the right to remain silent—”
“Murder?” Linc gapes at the detective in horror. “No way.” He turns to Lucas. “Call the lawyer—now.” He swings his head back to the detective. “We’ll come quietly.” He shakes his head. “Alani, say nothing. David will represent you.”
My stomach tumbles into freefall as I watch the police taking my husband away. I want to run after him but my feet are stuck to the floor in shock. Across the table, Lucas is explaining everything to David Brunel. As a cop literally drags Alani from the room, she turns a very pale face to me.
“Call Sam. Tell him what’s happening.”
I nod but have no intention of helping her.