Savage Beauty - Peggy Webb Page 0,52
truth about that.” She glanced at her watch. “I have to go. Take the key. Talk to Wyler.” Toni slipped a business card out of her wallet. “You can send the key back to me at this address. Make sure no one sees you go into the east wing.”
Toni checked the time again, then stood and shouldered her bag.
“Wait. What am I supposed to do after I talk to Wyler?”
“You decide. If you go to the press, do not under any circumstances reveal that I know my husband has been kept in a locked apartment for thirty-eight years. It’s medieval.”
“Or maybe worse.”
“Exactly. Graden will be here to take me to airport within the next thirty minutes. He’ll stay to make sure I get on the plane. Don’t go in there until we leave. Then you’ll have only a small window of time before Graden gets back.”
“How can you be so certain of that?”
“I know Clive and Stephen. They leave nothing to chance, and they want me gone. Good luck, Lily.”
“You, too, Toni. Now that Wyler’s talking to you, I hope there’s a chance the two of you can be together again.”
Toni’s only response was to twist the wedding ring on her finger then walk off, her head high and her step firm. Lily knew she’d probably never see her again. But she was determined to call, just to see how she was doing. Living a lie had to be the loneliest job in the world.
After that bombshell conversation, Lily tried to figure out why Wyler would want to talk to her. Was he worried that Clive’s gambling might bring the family to financial ruin and Wyler didn’t know what would happen to him? Or was it something so deeply evil Lily couldn’t bring herself to even think about it? Was the evidence Yancy asked her find behind those closed doors?
She checked her watch then dropped the key onto her desk and sent a text to her daughter.
Where are you?
While she waited for the answer, she changed into jeans, a turtleneck sweater and comfortable shoes.
Still no answer from Annabelle. Still no answers about anything.
As she listened for the sound of an incoming text from her daughter and the noise of Graden returning to take Toni to the airport, Lily’s fear spiraled almost out of control.
She sent a desperate text to Stephen.
Annabelle is not answering her phone. Why am I not hearing from her? Where are you two?
When his phone buzzed in his pocket of his black overcoat and Stephen saw the text, he frowned. How like Lily to try to seize control over everything. For a moment, he thought about dropping his phone back into the pocket and letting her sweat and fume. Then he remembered he was supposed to be showing how much he loved her so she’d get over the ridiculous notion of returning his ring and calling off the wedding.
He’d show her. By the time he finished making her sorry she’d ever dreamed of leaving him, she’d be so grateful for the Allistair heir and his money, she’d be groveling at his feet, begging him for a family.
Darling, Annabelle and I are shopping, just as I said we would. We want to get to some of your favorite stores before they close. You are special to both of us, and I want to make sure this is your best Christmas ever, a harbinger of many more holidays to come.
Her text came flying back.
If she’s with you, why is Annabelle not answering her phone?
He smiled thinking that, after all, this was perfect. He’d have a record of how wonderful he was, how caring. He sent another conciliatory text.
She must have laid it down somewhere. It has been a busy day, and we’ve been all over the place, the office, the shed, and the greenhouses. It was such a beautiful day we went back to the manor and had lunch with Clive on the patio. Maybe she left it there. I’m sure it will turn up. If not, I’ll buy her another one. You worry too much, darling. Relax. It’s almost Christmas!
I’m as excited as a child about this one because I have you and Annabelle.
Lily’s next text made his blood boil. Give her your phone and tell her to call me. I want to talk to her.
Lily, you worry too much. Annabelle’s in the dressing room trying on something pretty for Cee Cee. She’s fine! We’re having a wonderful time! I have to go now. The clerk’s heading this