Grace sighed. ‘Nathan is digging into my business dealings and it’s only a matter of time before he finds out about our arrangement with Sol. You know he would shoot his own granny to get in on that action. He has no idea Sol was even in the market for a new supplier. Fortunately for us, he doesn’t keep his ear as close to the ground as he once did. I need some distance from it all right now, that’s all. But it’s not a permanent arrangement, don’t worry. I’ve already squared it with Sol too.’

‘But why the hell are you bothered if Nathan finds out? We could squash him like a bug.’

‘I know we could. But let’s just say he has me over a barrel right now. I need to be careful. And I don’t want to let him into my life anymore than he already is. If he digs deeper and finds out the truth, he’ll try and muscle in on our deal. I’d rather allow Mitchell in on it for a short while on my terms, than let Nathan within a sniff of it.’

‘But we could handle him, Grace,’ the twins said.

‘Don’t be stupid,’ she snapped. ‘Nathan is dangerous and unpredictable. I know what I’m doing. Trust me. Anyway, you two get out of here. I told Mitchell you’d meet him at his place and fill him in on what he needs to know.’

Paul and Connor bounded out of her office, chattering to themselves. When it was just her and Patrick left in the room, Grace told him about Nathan’s threats to her, and her belief that he was entirely capable of carrying them out.

‘Fucking bastard,’ Patrick spat.

‘You see why I have to tread carefully then? But am I making a big mistake teaming up with Mitchell? Can the twins be trusted to behave themselves?’

‘I think you know what you’re doing, Grace,’ he said. ‘And the twins won’t let you down.’

Grace nodded. She had to do something about Nathan, and this was just the beginning. Tensions were already high between Nathan and Kevin Mitchell’s firms, the pair of them had a long history and hated each other with a passion. All she had to do was keep stoking that fire. She couldn’t bear one more second of Nathan’s smug, self-entitled arrogance. And there was always the possibility he might do something stupid with that gun. If anything happened to Jake, she’d never forgive herself.

It would all work out fine though. She had a plan.