“We will figure something out,” I say gently. “But we have to keep our heads if we’re going to figure this out.”
Johnathan sighs with frustration, the muscles in his jaw tight with anger and worry. How is he supposed to go through the day like this? One more piece of bad news and he might lose it completely.
“Have you found anything else?” He looks at me, eyes pleading for good news.
“I’m still piecing everything together, but there’s good reason to think that Leo owns more property than he lets on.” With his reputation being as bad as Jax says, I’m not surprised.
Johnathan collapses into a nearby chair and hides his face in his hands. I want to reach out and comfort him, but I don’t move. That ship sailed with the revelation of the truth.
“Maybe you should take the day off,” I suggest. “A day to clear your mind and do whatever rich people do to get right again.”
“I can’t,” he groans. “If I do, Isa will probably get suspicious and tighten my leash. Not to mention, I have to find something soon. Or that’s it, I’m losing fifty percent of the company. But I have a feeling that’s just the tip of the iceberg. She’s never going to leave my life.”
He rises to a stand and shoots me a tired smile. “You have no idea how much I appreciate what you are doing.”
I shoot him a thumbs-up as the guilt sinks deeper at his words. If he only knew. “I’ve got your back.”
Johnathan nods before leaving the office, and I scramble for my phone the moment the door slams closed. I need to talk to Jax. If Johnathan is in this much trouble, there has to be something that he can do to help.
“Hello, Jax speaking.”
“Hey, we need to talk about the plan.”
“Hold on.” The sound of rustling can be heard on the other end. “Okay. Sorry. I don’t need anyone eavesdropping while we talk. People are here can be super nosey.”
“You must fit right in then,” I muse.
“Hilarious. So, what did you find? Or did you just call to harass me?”
“Johnathan just had a complete meltdown over the dinner with his wife,” I explain. “She’s threatening to take half of his company. But he thinks she’s not going to stop there.”
“What!” Jax yells. “That will give Leo a direct line to all of the firm’s important files.”
“And would leave little room to keep Johnathan around.”
“Do you think that he killed Frank?” Jax asks.
“I don’t know, but I’ll be staying here late to figure it out. We’re running out of time to nail this.”
“Don’t worry. David and I will figure out how to get Leo one way or another. If this gets too dangerous, I’m getting you out of there. No discussion.”
“I know.” I sigh. “I was wondering if David could get some kind of deal for Johnathan too.”
“Kylie, he’s married into a family of criminals. There’s nothing I can do.”
“But he had no idea this was happening,” I protest. “He’s scared, Jax. Can you just try to see if you can do something?”
Jax sighs on the other end. “I’ll try.”
“Thanks.”
The line goes dead, and I savor the last bite of my bagel. The other two large boxes sit untouched at the opposite end of the table. Reality is setting in… I’m scared too. I can deny it all I want, but I’ve formed a connection with Johnathan. And he could be going away for a long time if I can’t help him. The thought makes my heart hurt. The more we investigate, the more my spite disappears, and anger seems to be taking its place. Not at Johnathan this time, but at Isabella. Even if she sees me as nothing more than the help, I’m starting to see what that woman is capable of. I’d never admit it to Johnathan, but have a feeling I should not be angry; I should be very afraid.
CHAPTER25
Johnathan
Another long-ass day.I highly doubt that Kylie stayed behind this late to do research, but I’m itching to dig in those folders and see what she’s uncovered. The familiar light of the lamp still glows as I walk into my office. She’s a dark beauty amongst the shadows, hair falling around her shoulders as she thumbs through another folder.