Magic Misled (Lizzie Grace #7) - Keri Arthur Page 0,36
into the agreement. My parents were at least considerate in that regard.”
Which was more than my damn father had done for me. But would it have made any difference if he had? Or would I have been so cowed after spending two years with Clayton that I wouldn’t have dared walk away?
I’d never know, and for that I was damn thankful. “I gather there were suitable terms set for said divorce?”
He nodded. “As long as she produced a son and there was joint custody, he wouldn’t contest.”
Which, given how valued sons were, was rather surprising. “I take it she’s okay now?”
He nodded. “It was hard on her for a few years, but her son is now sixteen and lives with her ex full-time. She’s just started working for the Black Lantern Society with our older brother.”
From his expression, it was pretty evident he’d been the shoulder she’d cried on—and that only made me like him more. “So given your very obvious opinion on contracted marriages, why are you even here?”
“Because I am the head investigator for the high council, and Clayton’s murder falls into my purview. That my parents suggested I also investigate you has nothing to do with my presence here.” A faint smile touched his lips. “Although I will admit that, after what I’d read in the various reports, I was intrigued.”
I didn’t ask the natural question, though I was vain enough—and, if I was being at all honest, attracted enough—to wonder.
“So why are you telling me all this? Why not simply leave and give your assent—or not—to begin contract negotiations once you got home?”
“Because I abhor secrets and lies. You deserve to know that your father is planning an alliance with the Kang line. If not my family, then others.”
I smiled. “He can plan all he wants. I’m no longer sixteen, and he can no longer force me to do anything.”
“In theory, yes. In reality? There are few able to resist the pressure he can bring to bear.”
“Watch me.”
He laughed. It was a warm, rich sound that escaped the muting spell and had the two customers in the café looking our way. One was a member of the notorious gossip brigade, which no doubt meant the whole town would be hearing the news of my new and very flirtatious friend.
“If the case against your father does make it to the courts—and I have every reason to believe it will—expect to see me in the front row,” he said. “It’ll be an interesting battle of wills to witness.”
I frowned. “Why would I be called up to Canberra when they already have my testimony and a full recording of my memories?”
“Your father’s lawyers would never forgo the opportunity to cross-examine you in person.”
Of course not. But it did raise an interesting question—would I actually be able to get up there? I’d left the reservation on multiple occasions over the last few months, but never for any real length of time. A full trial might mean weeks—or even months—away, though I doubted my father would want all the media articles that would come with such a lengthy trial. It’d allow too much time for his reputation to be besmirched.
I hesitated and then finally asked the damn question. “Does that mean you plan on disappointing your parents in the matter of an arrangement?”
“Given my opinion on arranged marriages, I could hardly do anything else.” He studied me for a second, his expression speculative. “Does that disappoint you?”
“No. I’m very happily involved at the moment.”
“With the ranger.” His smile bloomed again. “This reservation has the best gossip mill I’ve ever come across. It’s an amazing font of information.”
“That it is.” My voice was dry. “And if you’ve been talking to any of the brigade, then your presence and motives for being here will provide much grist for their mill over the coming weeks.”
“No doubt.” He paused. “If your situation ever does change, do feel free to contact me. More than happy to go on a few dates and see where it leads.”
As ever, Belle had been right about him being attracted. “I think we’d better get back to the matter at hand.”
“Probably safer.” He pulled a business card out of his pocket and slid it across the table. “Ring me if our missing vampire does reappear. I’ve made the same request with the rangers, but whether they’ll comply is unknown. This reservation does have a rep in Canberra for being ornery.”