her beyond that fact that she went to high school with us and would end up at some of the same parties. I guess the fact that she’s Nova Brookes’ twin is enough of a reason.
“You could say that.” His attention returns to me. “Have I put enough time in to be polite?”
I chuckle. “Yeah, feel free to get out of here.”
“I’ll let you know if I come up with something.”
“Sounds good.”
He leaves and I sip my drink, glancing around the room, stopping when I spot my father. I make my way to the other side of the room, saying quick hellos to those people who want to stop and offer their congratulations.
“We need to talk,” I say.
He gives me a shit-eating grin and clamps my shoulder. “Hello, son. Great party you have here for your upcoming nuptials. I should go give my congratulations to your fiancée.”
“Cut the shit. Meet me in the hall in two minutes.”
I spin on my heel and make a beeline for the exit. Time for Robert Stone to give me some answers.
43
Chapter Forty-three
Isla
I’m speaking with Ford about our last-minute efforts before the vote next week when I spot Garrin leaving the room. His pissed-off look says something is up.
I frown.
Then his father leaves in the same direction a minute later. I’ve managed to avoid Mr. Stone for the duration of this party, which is fine by me. The man gives me the creeps, and I would find it hard to paint a smile on my face knowing how he treats his son.
Maybe Garrin could use my support, though. They have a tenuous relationship at best.
I excuse myself from my conversation with Ford, using the excuse that I need to use the ladies’ room, and step out into the hall. At first, I don’t see or hear them, but the murmur of voices sounds from down the hall.
As I walk in that direction, the voices become louder and I realize that they’re coming from the coat check room. Since it’s unseasonably warm out, I don’t think any of the guests have used it, so why would they be in there? What’s so secret that they need to hide?
I stand there, about to stop them because this is not the place to have a fight, but my footsteps halt when I hear my name.
“What did Isla say when she saw it?” Mr. Stone asks.
“Don’t worry about it. What I want to know is whether you’re the one who sent it?” Garrin asks.
I lean in and press my ear to the door.
Mr. Stone laughs, but it’s more sadistic than playful. “So, she knows about your involvement in her friend’s sister’s murder, does she?”
“She’s standing by me,” Garrin says. “Now answer the question—were you the one who sent it?”
“Use your head, Garrin. I’m forcing you to marry Isla and that would just work against my end goal.”
I stiffen, my stomach somersaulting and bile rising up to my throat. Surely, I heard that wrong.
“I thought the same thing, but you’re the only one with that photograph,” Garrin says.
“And the sheets.”
A thousand and one questions race through my mind all at once.
“Maybe you should ask your hacker friend Lincoln then. Are the five Classholes getting restless to know which one of you killed the poor girl? I’m impressed that you were able to convince her to still marry you after your confession. Maybe she likes criminals. She wouldn’t be the first person to graduate law school who did.”
“You don’t know anything about Isla. Leave her out of this,” Garrin yells.
“Easy, Garrin. Could it be that you actually care about this woman?” His voice is mocking. “You know the first mistake is to fall for the trick.”
“You and I both know I’m doing this because you’re forcing me to. But once we’re married, I want you to stay out of my shit. This is the last favor I’ll be doing for you.”
His dad laughs. “Oh son, you know that’s not true.”
Footsteps approach and I realize one of them is walking to the door, so I scramble down the hall into the next door on my right.
The employees the kitchen give me a funny look but no one tells me to leave, so I wait a couple minutes before poking my head out into the hall. When I do, there’s no one there, so I walk as fast as possible to the women’s bathroom, doing my best to hold back my tears. Once I’m inside, I barricade myself into the bathroom and lean