Page 94 of Wicked Promises
Norah is opening containers across the kitchen island when we get up there. The guys move around me, grabbing silverware and plates.
Margo looks up at me, touching my cheek. “You okay?”
“I just realized…” I glance over at Eli’s mom. “Mrs. Black, did you know my mother before she married Dad?”
She frowns. “That’s an out-of-the-blue question, Caleb.”
I wait.
“We both went to Emery-Rose, although she was a year older. I didn’t really interact with her until we both started dating the boys.” Her gaze slides away. “It’s disgraceful how far she’s fallen.”
Margo flinches.
“They had a falling-out, right? Mr. Black and my dad.” I don’t wait for her response. “Yet he was the one who read the will.”
She nods slowly. “He did. It was Josh’s firm that held Ben’s will, and neither of them saw the sense in changing it once things got… complicated.”
“Complicated is an understatement,” Eli whispers.
“So for a while, you were friends. Or friendly.”
“Somewhat. She was a hard person to get to know. And then—” She stops abruptly. “Excuse me, I think I hear my phone.”
She leaves, and the five of us are left in silence.
“Why do I get the feeling she’s hiding something?” Margo finally asks.
Eli shakes his head. “Hopefully your dad will be able to fill in some cracks.”
She swallows, then nods firmly. Mind made up, determination coloring her expression. I want to cheer,that’s my girl. The little lamb seems so far removed, now. Even scared, even traumatized, she’s keeping her head up.
“Right. Tomorrow.” She looks at me.
My stomach twists, and I nod along slowly.
Visiting my father’s murderer.
Allegedmurderer?
Time will tell if I can keep my temper—and tongue—in check.
Chapter 27
Margo
Lenora and Robert pick me up shortly after Josh and Norah leave for work.
I slide into the backseat and pull off my hat, grimacing. “When did it get to be winter?”
Overnight, we got at least six inches of snow. While there’s been a few snow showers, this just feels excessive. I look at the seat beside me and smile. There’s a pair of fur-lined boots with a little Christmas bow on it.
“An early present,” Lenora says, winking at me in the rearview mirror. “Don’t worry, it’s fake fur.”
“Thank you so much.” I tug off my shoes and slip on the new boots. They’re a warm, perfect fit, and I sigh.
“Someone’s happy.” Robert frowns. “How many winters have you gone through without properly insulated boots?”
The ones I always wear are more hiking-slash-everyday boots, leather, and definitely notwarm. “Um… A girl I was living with had grown out of hers and gave them to me. I was twelve? They were a bit big, so they lasted two seasons.” I smile to myself. “I gave them away when I outgrew them.”