Page 137 of The Silencer

“I’m not worried,” I reply and then shake his hand.

Tatum has wonderful parents. He’s lucky to have found such lovely people. I’m relieved. Because if they’d been rotten, I’d have to murder them.

Things work out so much better when that doesn’t happen.

“Alright, well we better go so we can get back in time for bingo.”

Tatum grins at his mom and pecks a kiss to her cheek before squeezing his dad tightly. Just as they part, Agatha appears, handing them a cooler full of food.

“So you don’t get hungry on the road,” she says.

Barbara gasps and hugs Agatha tightly, having already formed a fast friendship with her and Teddy. They bonded over baking, and I can tell that Tatum’s mom has a soft spot for Teddy already.

I wouldn’t be surprised if she got his phone number and checks up on him regularly, just like a mother should.

As we make our way out to their car, Bane appears, jogging up from the garden, apparently having made his way out of the sheds.

“Wait! I have something for you, Barb!” Bane says as he bounds up to us.

He holds out a small velvet bag, and I find myself holding my breath. If he ends up handing her something like an eyeball I will have to speak sternly to him. So far, his parents think I’m just a wealthy businessman. They have no idea of my connections or what is buried beneath them.

“What is this?” Barbara asks as she opens the bag and pulls out a heart-shaped necklace. She oohs and aahs over it as she holds it up to the light, and I see a red liquid swirl around in the pendant.

That little shit.

“I love it,” she beams.

“I knew you would,” Bane says and then blushes when she presses a kiss to his cheek.

“Now, I’m serious. I’m coming back again soon, and I’m going to make you all my famous Sunday dinner.”

“You’re welcome anytime,” I say, and Tatum leans into me, his face nuzzling into my chest. “And I’ll pay for your plane tickets if that would be easier.”

“Nonsense. It’s just a short drive down here. And on the way home, we’re going to stop and go wine tasting.”

She holds out the necklace to Bane, and he helps her put it on. And then with one last round of hugs, they leave.

As we watch their car drive away, I turn to Bane.

“And what was in that necklace?”

“Douglas’s blood.”

I sigh, and Tatum grins.

Well, at least he’s not upset about it. His life will be pain-free for the rest of time. I plan on it.

“What are you up to for the rest of the day?” Tatum asks, and I glance down at him, gently touching his cheek.

“I have a meeting after lunch,” I tell him. “I’m not to be disturbed.”

He rolls his eyes and smirks. “I do what I want, you know this.”

“You do, but this time, I’m serious.”

He sighs and then nuzzles into me.

“Okay, maybe I’ll listen. But really, thanks for this week. It was so nice, especially the graduation dinner. It was almost too much.”