Page 84 of Tangled Roses
“You must excuse me but I have been trained not to speak of business with anyone other than Marsha, but I’m aware you need to understand everything in order to carry on with her work.”
Ellie glances at me and I note the uncertainty in her expression and I say quickly, “Of course. Burning Roses must survive because Marsha would want it that way.”
Tears fill Heather’s eyes and she whispers, “She was a fine woman. I will miss her.”
I sense Ellie’s fury because she holds a very different opinion of the woman, so I step in and say quickly, “Please. We must familiarize ourselves with Marsha’s business. We may need access to her passwords and the combination to the safe.”
“Of course. I will collect everything you need and arrange some refreshment. You have a lot to do.”
As she leaves, Ellie hisses, “The fuck I’m taking over this high-class whorehouse. If I get my way, the entire organization will soon throw its last party.”
“That is your choice, malysh, but refrain from any decisions until you have all the facts. There may be more to this and you could be inheriting an empire.”
“Spoken like a businessman, Arman.” She shakes her head. “It’s a dirty business though, and I’m not willing to be involved in that.”
She sighs. “Come on. Let’s go and uncover secrets. I’m up for that at least.”
After settling into Marsha’s office, Luka arrives and the three of us meticulously go through every file, listing, and search her safe. We waste no time in unearthing all the secrets she protected so effectively and piece together the gaps that reveal an extremely disturbing picture.
Ellie is asleep on the couch in the office and the lamplight illuminates Luka’s weary face as we sip shots of vodka, surrounded by information.
“We’re done.” I sigh as I lean back and exhale sharply.
“It’s been a good day’s work.” Luka concedes and his words stir the satisfaction inside me.
“It has.”
I stare at the list of names that we compiled from her records. Dividing them into paid members and the women she hired. It makes for interesting reading.
“This will be extremely useful information in the wrong hands.” Luka grins and I add.
“In our hands, you mean.”
He nods. “It’s no wonder she promised anonymity. This could wreck careers, marriages and lives if it became common knowledge.”
I think about my dealings with the men at the party we attended, which seems like years ago now, and I nod my agreement.
“Now I know why they want to protect Charles Kenricky. He enjoyed many evenings at Burning Roses himself and having a president as a member is good business.”
“I wonder if his wife knows.”
“Undoubtedly.” I study the names and note the list of escorts listed beside his.
“I’m still wondering about Adele’s involvement with this organization. It’s no coincidence she named her foundation that way. Marsha’s business was Burning Roses and Veronica’s homes were Rose Cottage, Thorn House and Briar house. This is no coincidence. Those three women were linked and I am wondering where my mother fits into this.”
I swirl the vodka around my glass and think about my mother.
“What are your thoughts?” Luka asks as he sets his glass down on the desk.
“That we head home and ask the one person who may be able to shed some light on the party where they all met.”
Luka’s sharp look in my direction tells me he’s unsure about that, but I’m done with this. It’s time my mother told her side of the story and it’s also time I took my girlfriend home to meet her.
CHAPTER 53
ELLIE
I’ve never traveled outside the United States before and I’m nervous about this trip.