“Now I know the situation with your father happened so many years ago, but the money trail for the American side of the business showed up in our searches to do with mafia money. Thirteen million dollars were transferred to an account in your father’s business’s name and then withdrawn, and from what we can understand from our side, it just disappeared. Most likely drawn out in cash by the mafia and then hidden. But the problem was that money, the thirteen million dollars, was your father’s downfall. And part of that cash that was withdrawn was the money he invested for Chester Tema’s parents. Any interest in you or your father was quiet while he was in jail for your father’s murder, but it seems now we are getting internet pings on your father’s name, and then your name, being one of the executors of Ronald’s estate. As you aren’t married, he could find you easily, but your mother has remarried, and her name has changed, and your sisters weren’t named so much when it all went down, so he hasn’t connected them to this money yet.”

Taking in everything Ashton is saying, I’m slightly relieved that my family aren’t in this drama, but that’s not to say they won’t be as it progresses.

“One thing that we know is that there is no connection between Chester Tema and the case that I’m working. He isn’t part of the mafia, nor did he have any knowledge or connection to the inner workings of your father’s business. From what we can work out, he is just a mentally unstable man who is fixated on getting his money, and we think in his mind that he believes you have it.”

“Great, so I have a stalker who is mentally unstable. So much more comforting to know, and oh, and he isn’t part of the mafia, also good news apparently. Fuck, let’s throw a party to celebrate the small win.” With my anger rising, my inner bitch is creeping to the surface.

“Harper.” Forrest saying my name makes me turn to him, and it’s enough to really fire me up.

“What? You want me to sit here and be happy that my fucked-up life could be worse and that I should be grateful? This isn’t you it’s happening to, it’s me, asshole.” In my head I realize I call him that a lot. I really need to find a better pet name for him than asshole. And also, to keep reminding myself he is trying to help me, he’s not the enemy.