“My future brother-in -law is an asshole—"
“Are we killing him?” The first sign of real cheer lights her face. “I could seduce him, give him a slow acting poison, and we’d be back on the island before he dies.”
Her plan doesn’t shock me and that is what’s actually surprising. “No. But let’s shelf that as plan D. He’s been an ass to Wyn most of his life. Our plan is to get his ass back to the island to make it right.”
Luci sighs. “Can I at least threaten him?”
“I’ll do you one better: If he gets out of line, I’ll allow non deadly force. Oh, and don’t break anything important.”
"Sounds fun."
I laugh at the difference in our definitions of fun.
"I'm tired," I explain as I recline. "I'm gonna take these six plus hours to sleep. Feel free to do so as well since Manchester is five hours ahead of us."
She nods but doesn't verbally respond.
Closing my eyes, I pray Berke doesn't make me expend all my energy.
Berke's penthouse is the entire top floor of an amazing posh building and hints at the luxury expected from a Hale. The guard, a cagey older man, eyes Luci and me like we don't belong. I don't know if it's because we don't look like we can afford to be in the building, the blackness of our skin, or simply because he hasn't seen us before. I don't care. He better not get in the way of my mission.
"Hello, I'm here to see Berke Hale."
His eyes grow darker and I get it. He thinks we're some of his hoes.
"He doesn't accept visitors," he tells us then turns his back to dismiss us without attempting to find out who we are.
"He will accept my visit now. Open the elevator."
He spins on me, frowning at my audacity.
"Who do you think you are?"
"That should have been your first question. Except I don't think I'm anyone. I know I'm the most important visitor he'll get. Normally, I'm much nicer, but I've worked all day just to hop on a plane to deal with more bullshit. So, either step aside or be the next person on my list."
"And what list is that?"
"A life ruining list and women hold grudges well. Feel free to try me by continuing to be rude."
He studies me for a moment, his face rife with vexation for being talked down to in the building he protects.
"Or I can call security."
I wave at the phone. "Go right ahead."
He calls, as I suspect. The Hale's private security rounds the corner being led by a Founder's Island native. He slows his pace the closer he gets. Ramsey's recollection of who I am is stronger since he accompanied Berke to the funeral. He shoots his brown eyes from me to the desk clerk.
"What's going on?" Ramsey questions.
"I want to see Berke now."
Ramsey nods. "Sure thing, Mrs. LeClaire," he's talking to me but looks at the clerk with big eyes.
"Ralph, Ms. LeClaire is Berke's future sister-in-law and her sister is married to Oran Hale - the HEAD of the Hale family." He scrubs his face as his hand slides down his beard. "I told you months ago to study the cards."
"It's too late he's fired," I announce. "Also, have your team ready. Berke is coming with me whether he likes it or not. Understand?"
A slow smile spreads across his face. "Yes ma'am."