“Awake. Alert. But weak.”

“Can I see him?”

“In time.”

“What happened between you? Why do you hate him? Hate us?”

He winces at that last part. It’s just a twitch, but I see it. “Chambers is dead,” he says instead of answering me. He stands.

“Chambers?” It takes me a moment to place him. “When? How?”

“Found his body a few days ago. His maid too. And his family is missing. You and your sister will stay inside The Manor at all times. I’ll arrange for her schooling until she can return to classes. Your brother—”

“You think Abel killed him?”

Santiago stops pacing, looks at me like he’s waiting for me to catch up.

“No,” I say, shaking my head. “As bad as Abel is, he’s not a killer.” But then I remember the lipstick. “Oh my god.”

“The poison that was used to poison me came from the tube of lipstick I found on the driveway of the house Hazel took me to. Abel’s safe house. I’m still trying to make sense of the things we found inside, all those files, names of my—”

“Wait, Hazel? What? When?”

Just as I ask, his phone rings. He checks the display, swipes, and puts the phone to his ear. “I’ll call you back.” He disconnects.

“Where’s Hazel?”

“Hazel and her son live in Oakdale. They’re safe. I have a man watching the house.”

“Her son? She has a son, and they’ve been in Oakdale all this time?”

“You’re getting worked up, and I need to return a call. We can continue this conversation after you’ve rested.”

“I’m not tired.”

“You need your strength. Not just for yourself but for the baby. I promise to tell you more, but I won’t risk your health or that of my child.” He stops as if he’s just caught himself. “Our child,” he modifies, and it somehow soothes me. He must see it because he sits back down and adjusts the pillows, easing me onto my back. “Rest. We’ll have dinner together later.”

I bite the inside of my lip. “Who do you have to call?”

“Society business.” He leans down to kiss me on the forehead. “Sleep, sweet Ivy. And trust me to take care of you.”

8

Santiago

"Santiago?" Judge answers the other line on the second ring.

"Sorry, I've been getting my wife settled back in,” I explain. “I’m back in my office now.”

I take a seat at my desk and stare at the bottle of scotch that's been taunting me. It would be nice to have a drink after the past two days, but I don't want to risk it. Not when Ivy's safety is in question. I won't let my guard down for even a second.