Page 31 of Volatile Vice

Only to find my father there, along with Falcon and Leif.

“Oh God,” I say. “I guess they’re not finished yet.”

“It’s okay.” Mom sighs. “I’ll deal.”

Once we’re out of the car, we join them.

Leif is explaining the new system, and when he’s done, Dad looks at Falcon.

“I need to speak with you and Leif. Now.”

What about? But I don’t ask. If Falcon needs to tell me, he will.

Once Falcon and Leif head back to my father’s study, Mom gives me a quick hug. “This was a fun day, Raven. A nice escape. We should do it more often.”

I force a smile. It’s difficult, and not because I didn’t enjoy the day with my mother. I did. It’s difficult because I’m hiding so much from her, and I hate that.

“I had a great time too, Mom. And yeah, we need to do it a lot. I don’t want to lose sight of my family. Never again will I lose sight of what’s important.”

“I don’t think you ever took us for granted,” she says.

“I didn’t. But when things are going well, you tend to stop remembering to be grateful for what you have. I won’t do that anymore. I love you, Mom.”

“Even though I’ve been hovering?”

I laugh. “Especially because of that. Yeah, it’s annoying. I won’t lie. But I know how much you care. How much you love me. How much my illness affected you and Dad as much as it did me. I’m sorry I put you through that.”

“Raven, honey, we know it wasn’t your fault.”

“I know. But still. Thank you. Thank you for getting me the best care possible. Thank you for hardly ever leaving my side.” I squeeze my arms around her. “Just thank you. For everything.”

“You never have to thank me for anything, Raven.” She breaks out of the embrace and checks her watch. “Heavens, look at the time. I’m still full from that cheeseburger, but I’d better get dinner planned.”

I nod and smile.

And then I walk down the hallway toward my father’s study. I strain my ears against the door, hoping to catch a word.

10

VINNIE

Please help me.

I discreetly shove the note back in my pocket.

Now what?

Is my grandfather going to join McAllister for a cigar? Because if he does, I’ll be obligated to join too. Which perhaps isn’t a bad thing. The longer I’m here, the better chance I may have to get to Belinda. To find out why she needs my help.

But on the other hand, how do I do that?

How do I try to get a little girl alone without looking like abona fidecreep?

Withoutfeelinglike abona fidecreep?

Iknow my intentions are honorable, but no one else will.

The fact that I’m promised to this girl makes the whole thing even more disgusting.