Ashes (Web of Desire #3) - Aleatha Romig Page 0,109

and Mason entered. “Proof of what?”

Mason came to stand shoulder to shoulder by me as Reid filled him in on what he’d learned. Once he was done, I turned to Mason. “You’re quiet.”

“Just thinking.” He pulled out his phone. “I finally got word from the penitentiary where Wendell Hillman is staying. He and McFadden have worked to insulate themselves, but we had a man get through.” Mason grinned. “Our connection is in for fifty plus twenty. He has nothing to lose, and his cooperation gave his family some much-needed cash.”

“He—our guy—questioned Hillman?” I asked. “About…?”

“Specifically, the auctions at the McFadden mansion. After a little persuasion, Hillman’s memory returned. This is all hearsay, but our man said the auctions happened frequently over the years. There were also parties with new acquisitions.” Mason shook his head. “This crowd was as sick as the assholes that we discovered through McCrie. Anyway, Sparrow and Madeline were right. Madeline was one of many auctioned off while surrounded by buyers, food, and alcohol.”

“Marion Elliott?” I asked.

“Hillman would only confirm that he was a regular attendee.”

My head shook. “He fucking didn’t buy just Madeline. She’s too old for him. That son of a bitch thought he’d get Ruby.”

Reid peered my way. “Are you going to tell Madeline?”

“Before or after I shove his cock down his throat?”

Both men remained silent.

“Madeline has to face him in that tournament tomorrow.” I ran my hand over my hair. “I will tell her but not until this tournament is over. We have enough happening with Ivanov and Bykov.”

Mason and I had met with Bykov. Madeline had been right—he tried the Russian thing. His expression was priceless when Mason replied with perfect enunciation and diction. Bykov was interested in an alliance.

“Madeline can distract Elliott.” I turned to Reid. “When is the final round of the tournament—the time?”

He checked another screen. “Saturday evening at seven.”

“Madeline mentioned the difference in the world since the death of Elliott’s family—one tweet. Can you schedule a news leak for say, Saturday at 8:00 p.m.?”

“If Elliott qualifies he’ll be in the tournament. There’s no communication in the tournament hall.”

“You’re right,” I said. “And when those doors open, he’ll be bombarded. That will give the newshounds some time to verify what you leak. He will be too concerned with damage control to worry about Madeline.”

Reid grinned. “Yeah, I know the right reporters to get in on this. They’ll be thrilled with having the scoop.”

“They can’t release it early,” I warned. “Timing is everything.”

“Usually when I say this is from Sterling Sparrow, people comply.”

“Smart people,” Mason said.

As the three of us walked to the elevator, Reid was the one who commented. “If someone like Elliott can hide that information, just imagine what’s out there under the surface.”

I let the scanner read my palm, calling for the elevator. “Do you ever get sick and tired of learning how depraved people can be?”

“Every day,” Mason said as we stepped into the elevator.

“I need to go out before dinner,” I said, hitting the G button.

“Who’s going with you?” Reid asked.

“No one. I won’t be gone long.”

Reid and Mason looked from one to the other.

“I’ll go,” Reid said. “I don’t get out much.”

“I don’t need a babysitter. It’s a quick trip.”

“To Downers Grove?” Reid asked.

“No. I told you. I’m not touching Ms. Adkins. Her hell is living, not dying.”

“We can all go,” Mason said. “I was just out meeting with a contact. My truck is ready.”

I stepped back and looked at my friends.

Reid was wearing jeans and a button-down shirt, his usual attire for working on 2. His sleeves were rolled up, showing his muscular dark forearms. Mason was also wearing blue jeans, his signature cowboy boots, and a gray thermal shirt. The sleeves were down, covering the colors on his arms, yet with the button near his neck undone, some colors were allowed to leak out. His hair was pulled back and cinched near his neck. Since coming from the nursing home, I was still wearing my normal gray suit, white shirt, and today’s blue tie. My suit coat was still in place, and black Italian loafers were on my feet.

“We look like we might be robbing the place,” I said with a grin.

“Now my interest is piqued,” Reid said. “Where are we robbing?”

“Fine, come with me. You can give me your opinion.”

Madeline

“I wish I was going with you tomorrow,” Ruby said as I wished her good night.

“We need to trust Patrick,” I replied as I reached for my daughter’s hands. “Once things settle