“Make sure you keep that girl of yours safe.”
Anthony turned around to see her talking quietly to Lou through the open window. The thought of Jeremy ever laying a hand on Evie made his heart contract in his chest. “That is my top priority.”
“Good boy, now drive safe.”
*
The ride back to London was uneventful and they sat in a combatable silence. Anthony enjoyed seeing the excitement Evie had for history. He took the long way around London so she had a chance to see more of it. Feeling bad this was such a short trip and she wasn’t able to visit any historic sights, he vowed he would bring her back sometime when they could spend time wandering around.
They had just walked in when the butler came up to them. “Mr. Maldono, I wasn’t expecting you until later today. I hope the files you came back for were of use.”
Anthony and Evie looked at each other before he said. “What files? What are you talking about?” His stomach dropped.
“A couple of hours after you and Miss Taylor left you came back saying you forgot something and had to get it. You went up to your room and came back down a few minutes later with the files.”
“Shit.” Anthony ran upstairs to his room with Evie on his heels. “Stay back.” He yelled over his shoulder at her.
“Like hell.”
Skidding to a stop in front of his room he took a deep breath. Unsure of what would be behind the door. He felt Evie’s hand on his back and knew he had to open the door.
Opening the door slowly he let his breath out. There was nothing out of the ordinary. They both walked in and looked around. Anthony walked over to his desk. His file on Jeremy was gone, including all of his thoughts and notes on the case. Sitting down in the chair feeling defeated, he was pissed off at having to recreate everything.
“Anthony.”
Hearing the waiver in her voice he jumped out of the chair and went to her. She pointed to an envelope on the bed with his name on it. He reached over and opened it.
Dearest Anthony,
I hope this letter finds you well. It has been so much fun tracking you. I’m surprised at how predicable you’ve become. Really you need to step up your game if you want to catch me.
I noticed you found my gift. It was so much fun leaving her for you. I knew at some point you’d find that property and go there. Did it excite you? Seeing what I left for you? It excited me. I came all over her dead and rotting body. Something new for me, but I quite liked it.
You’ve got a lovely home here. Did you know over ten years ago I fucked one of your parent’s maids? She thought she was fucking you, but hey, you can’t win them all. It was my first time in your home. Sadly, she had to go missing.
Before I left I was able to go through the house and found many interesting things. Including the vehicles. Did you know one of my many odd jobs before I found my calling was at a mechanics shop? No? Well, it was. You learn a lot of fun things you can do to a vehicle and no one will know you tampered with it, if the damage is great enough.
Yes, I knew you might have decided to go with your parents that day, but I took a chance and it paid off. It was just them, a busy street and a horrific crash. My only regret was that I wasn’t there to see it. At least, there were enough pictures.
Take care, Anthony. I’m closer than you think.
Jeremy
Anthony sat down hard on the bed. Jeremy had killed his parents. All this time they thought it was an accident. Looking up at Evie, he saw the tears streaming down her face. He didn’t know what to do or think. The anger built inside of him. He quickly stood up and strode out of the room and down the stairs. Finding the butler, he started asking question after question about the person he let in. Jeremy must have been watching because he’d appeared in the same clothes as Anthony, which was why they let him in. He looked and was dressed the same.
They needed to call the constable, but he was sickened by everything. He went into the study and opened the liquor cabinet. Belting back the first one, he let the warmth seep through him. Now there were three more murders to add to the list.
*
Jeremy was out of the country before Anthony discovered the letter. He couldn’t believe how well things were working out. He wished he could’ve seen Anthony’s face when he realized that his parents were murdered. At the time, he didn’t think Lexi surviving and telling everyone about him was a good thing, but now that he didn’t have to hide he could torment Anthony more. The game had taken a turn and he was enjoying it.
– CHAPTER TEN –
Evie stood at the door to the study and watched Anthony staring down at the fire. The pain she felt for his loss was almost unbearable. If something like that had happened to her she knew how it would affect her. It had been a few, long hours while the police talked to everyone about Jeremy being there and the letter he’d left.