That was the hard truth—that the biggest mistake people made with Seanna was not realizing she’d find a way to turn your kindness against you. Even Patrick’s rescue had been repaid with the worst betrayal. I wouldn’t be surprised if she’d orchestrated the beating herself.

“Back to the visit…” Gabriel prompted.

“It was exactly what you might expect,” Rose said. “She wanted money, and she said if I gave her some, she’d leave you alone. As tempting as that is, unlike Patrick, I know better.”

“And then?”

“And then I left.”

Silence fell, stretching until it became uncomfortable, and Rose said, “If you have a point to make, Gabriel…”

“I’m deciding how to delicately accuse you of lying. I’m not accustomed to being delicate, but the situation seems to warrant it. Seanna would never let you walk away. I need the full truth from you, Rose, in case this ever turns into an indictment.”

“She threatened you. Said she’d ruin you. Which is ridiculous. So I walked out.”

Gabriel nodded, but I said, “I suspect she said more than ‘I’ll ruin him,’ but either way, you didn’t just walk out. What else happened?”

When her eyes flashed, I said, “Yes, I’m sticking my nose in where it doesn’t belong. Family business when I’m not family. But this isn’t idle curiosity.”

“If it becomes a legal matter, I need to defend you,” Gabriel said, “and I need to be fully prepared to do that.”

Rose dipped her chin. “It wasn’t only a vague threat to ruin you. Seanna has an instinct for weak points, and she’s already discovered yours.”

Gabriel’s gaze flicked my way.

“Yes. Liv,” Rose said. “She threatened. Not with physical harm. I’d have warned you about that right away. Seanna says she has something that can guarantee the Larsens don’t get out of prison. She’s already been to see them.”

“She spoke to my parents?” I said.

“Not Todd. He heard who it was and refused, undoubtedly presuming it was a prank. Pamela spoke to her. That was the point where I told Seanna I was sick of her machinations, and I did walk out. I needed leverage if I wanted details.”

“Whatever her scheme, I’m sure it’s as stupid as the others,” I said. “But we’ll need to pay Pamela a visit.”

CHAPTER FOURTEEN

Gabriel suggested we leave Lloergan with Rose. As we left Rose’s house, I noticed the front stoop of Grace’s building was still unoccupied, it being too cold and early even for her watchful eyes. We turned the corner to my street and—

Ida and Walter’s car sat in front of my house.

“Well, apparently it’s not too early for everyone,” I muttered. “We can shower at my apartment. I have clothes there, too.”