Page 53 of Loving a Billionaire

“I’m sure we’ll find out.” Feakes pointed to the window.

Austin remained silent, even when his lawyer leaned over and whispered something in his ear. Nodding, Austin cleared his throat and straightened his shoulders.

“Yes. I had sent her one-thousand dollars for three months.”

Talia’s knees weakened and she fell against the wall. Kurt rushed to her side, but she pushed him away. This all had to be a nightmare. Hadn’t Austin been honest with her at all during their few short dates? Apparently not, or she would have known all of this.

“Why, Mr. Reeder? Was she blackmailing you?” Gibbs probed. “Did she know one of your deep, dark secrets and was going to expose it to the community?”

Austin’s expression grew hard and his nostrils flared. Several seconds passed without him saying anything, until finally, he nodded.

“She knew something about me that not many people know.”

Gibbs and Tyrone exchanged knowing glances. Talia wanted to smack their assured smiles off their faces.

“And... what is that?” Gibbs asked.

Austin released a heavy breath and raked his fingers through his hair. “I’m not who I appear to be in the community.”

Talia held her breath. What was he talking about?

“And who are you exactly, Mr. Reeder?” Gibbs urged.

“I’m a successful man, and I’ve worked hard to get where I am. People know me as the CEO who owns hotels and resorts, but what they don’t know is that I own islands, too. I have two personal planes, and several cars and limos. I have estates all over the world. I give thousands of dollars to charities. I’m an art collector, but my assets are worth...billions.” He arched an eyebrow. “I’m a billionaire, and not many people know it.”

Gasps were heard from Kurt and Feakes, and of course, from the detectives in the interrogation room, but all she could do was stare at him through the mirrored window. Tears filled her eyes as her heart continued to break. Why hadn’t he told her?

Tyrone shook his head. “I don’t quite understand you, Reeder. You’re a billionaire, and yet you don’t live like one. Why?”

Austin’s expression was blank when he stared at Tyrone. “Because I didn’t want to be treated differently. I wanted women to love me for myself and not for my bank account.”

Another tear slid down Talia’s cheek, but she kept her eyes – and ears – on the interrogation room.

“Kalama wanted some of your billions, eh?” Gibbs asked.

“No. That’s not what happened. You’ve got it all wrong.” Austin didn’t take his stare off Gibbs.

The pounding in Talia’s head grew stronger. She was going to be sick, she just knew it.

“It wasn’t? So, you’re telling me she wasn’t your mistress? Tell us, Reeder.” Tyrone asked, moving closer. “Besides being a billionaire, what else did she know about you that would make you want to kill her?”

“I did not kill her,” Austin said in a loud voice. “How many times do I have to tell you that? I was with a few board members that morning. Why isn’t this sinking in that thick skull of yours yet?”

Tyrone leaned on the table, putting his face right in front of Austin. “Then tell us why you were paying her blackmail money.”

Austin’s gaze shifted toward the window. Talia knew he couldn’t see her, but he certainly knew she was watching. He looked back at the other detectives, and then sighed heavily.

“Kalama was my cousin.”

Talia released a high-pitched gasp, and then quickly covered her mouth with her hands.Cousins?That couldn’t be right. He made her believe he had dated Kalama at one time, and that had turned into friendship later on. Why didn’t he tell her? What was so important to keep that a secret?

“Her mother and my father were siblings,” Austin continued. “Kalama came to me one day a few years ago, explaining how she’d gotten involved with Belle’s Escort Service, and she needed help getting out. I gave her some money. I even talked to the owner and paid them to let her go. Then a few months ago, she told me she had gotten into another scrape and needed help. Once again, I dished out money to help her. It lasted for three months, and then I stopped the payment. When she came to see me and ask why, I told her I wasn’t going to help her any longer. We argued, and she left. End... of... story!”

Gibbs shook his head. “No, Reeder. There has to be more to the story. Why were you on her list?”

Austin’s face turned red. “I don’t know. Why don’t you ask her?”

“Oh, really funny, Reeder.” Tyrone snickered.