“Yes,” I say, my voice soft and appeasing. “But I think our connection is weak because you don’t seem to be able to hear me. I just said that Lander asked if you mentioned any names in my presence. He specifically asked if I’ve heard you mention the name Talebi.”

“Talebi?” His tone sounds more worried than confused . . . I’m definitely onto something.

“He thinks you’re involved with some people you shouldn’t be. But of course I didn’t tell him anything. Besides, you didn’t mention any names . . . except for L.J., of course, and I didn’t tell him anything about that.”

There’s a long silence on the phone.

“Oh,” I add as I look down at my nails. “He also asked me to check into your HGVB files . . . see if I can find any business correspondence in your private email account. I really think I should leave him.”

“No, no, he trusts you,” Travis says quietly. “The appointment I need you to accompany me to . . . the one at eight . . . I’m going to pick you up early so we can get a drink first and talk a few things over.”

“No need, Mr. Gable. I promise I won’t ever tell Lander a thing.”

“It’s more complicated than that, Bell.”

Now it’s my turn to fall silent as I wait for him to explain. But instead he just clears his throat. “I’ll pick you up at six forty-five from my place. Be sure Jessica doesn’t send you out on any errands at that time.”

“Very well, Mr. Gable.”

I hang up and turn my eyes back to the window. By the time I’m done, there will be so much distrust between the two brothers they won’t even consider turning to each other in their hour of need. They certainly won’t compare notes.

I lean back into the fake leather seat and close my eyes.

I like Lander. I really do. But we’re two of a kind. And so I believe, with all my heart, that he should know what it means to truly be like me.

And that means learning how to lose.