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“Sounds lovely. And my sister?”
“Everett has been responsible for her meals and even convinced her to get outside more. She’s fine.”
“Has she wondered where I am?”
“No, Everett reported she often just talks about when she was younger, about the flowers, occasionally states how you’re running Lex Talionis into the ground.”
I huffed. “Sounds about right.”
“We have no concerns here. Concentrate on what’s happening there, and I’ll make sure I contact you if anything comes up with these photos.”
“Thank you, Aurora.”
“Have a good night, Praeses.”
I disconnected the call and stared once again at the faces of the five men. The images weren’t super clear, but Aurora would be able to sharpen and run them. From what I could see, I didn’t know them.
A knock on the study door shook me out of my thoughts. “Enter.”
The door opened and Zion stepped in. “Dinner’s ready. Everyone said you ordered to not be disturbed, but you must eat.”
“Thank you.” I stood, feeling the exhaustion from not sleeping well last night in every bone in my body.
I was the last to enter the dining room. Fred sat beside Aiden, Axel on his other side. Aiden wasn’t contributing to conversation, but Fred and Axel seemed to be talking some medical jargon. Axel being educated in medicine, it didn’t surprise me that he was following along with whatever Fred was telling him.
“Your dinner, sir.” A plate of roasted duck, with seasoned potatoes and carrots was placed in front of me. The aroma alone made my stomach growl, and I realized I hadn’t eaten anything since breakfast.
I listened as everyone talked, far too tired to contribute. I’d be sure to take a cold shower to wake myself up prior to speaking with Fred. It couldn’t wait; I didn’t want him going to the station or anywhere alone with Aiden until I was one hundred percent sure he was innocent…but it would take a miracle to convince me of that.
Once I finished, I stood and walked over to Fred’s chair. “I’m going to shower. Perhaps you can meet me in my room in thirty minutes?”
“Your room?” He quirked a brow.
Shrugging I said, “I’d like privacy to discuss something with you.”
Fred nodded and went back to his conversation with Axel but before I walked away, I made eye contact with Aiden. Pure hatred burned in his gaze, and all I could do was smile.
CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR
Fred
I’d finished a cup of coffee, needing the boost to stay awake, and then made my excuses. I decided to stop at my room to freshen up before going to Vincenzo’s. I’d just reached the stairs when a hand on my arm stopped me.
“Aiden?”
“Why does he want to talk to you in his bedroom?”
“Why does it matter where?”
Aiden released my arm. “I don’t trust him. What if he assaults you in there? Do you think any of his little army will come to your rescue? Maybe I should join you.”
I snorted a laugh. “That’s ridiculous, Aiden.”
“Why? Because everything else that’s been happening has been so explainable?”
I pursed my lips and regarded the man I’d known for a long time. “I get that you don’t trust Vincenzo; he’s not a fan of yours either. But I’ll tell you the same thing I’d tell him. Who I choose to speak with, and how I choose to do so, is not your business. I’m safe here, and you need to trust my decisions.”
He lifted his chin. “You’re reckless.”
