and if he’d been on the lookout for anything strange, I was certain my clinging to Alice or our quiet preparations in the backseat of the car would have raised a red flag.
“That does sound logical—especially if he were exercising some ridiculous vendetta. I mean, really, I thought all security members had to undergo psychological evaluation before they were hired. They’d clearly missed the sociopath vibe on that one.” I allowed myself a small smile.
Leo didn’t share it. “Are you being serious?”
What was he on about? “What is that supposed to mean?”
“Malcolm, you slipped the man an overdose of prescription medication and humiliated him in front of his boss and peers. And that’s not even counting all the times you used him as the butt of your jokes or the hassling you gave him over just about everything he did.”
Why was everyone so fucking sensitive all of a sudden? “So you’re saying this is my fault?”
Leo took a calming breath before answering. “I’m saying you at least share some of the responsibility. Andrew was hired to do a critical job and he not only abused his position but betrayed all of us and the crown as well. He’s certainly to blame for his own actions. But had you not behaved so thoughtlessly, he’d have had little reason to seek any sort of retribution. You must be able to see that, can’t you, Mal?”
Well, when he put it like that. “Fine. I can see your point. But what about Victoria? I was quite tolerant of her. Sure, I brought Alice back, but that was no reason to get in bed with Andrew.”
Leo’s face was the picture of bewilderment. “What are you talking about? Victoria is sleeping with Andrew?”
I looped the towel around my neck and held both ends while I furrowed my brow at Leo. “No, you git. It’s called an idiom. I meant she aided Andrew in his scheme.”
He appeared no closer to comprehending. “No, she didn’t.”
“Yes, she did. It’s part of the reason Alice and I aren’t speaking. Alice left some sensitive information out which Victoria found and clearly took to Andrew.” Did I have to spell it out for him?
“Are you saying this is Alice’s fault?” Of course he chose to go there.
“I’m saying Alice kept this information from me and, meanwhile, Victoria was skipping around with the Bernards and apparently Andrew.” I was only getting frustrated; it was time to quit this conversation. I tossed my towel in the laundry bin in the corner before turning to fetch a cold water from the fridge.
“I’m afraid you’ve got it wrong, Mal.”
“Alice admitted it to me.”
“Not that part. The part about Victoria.” He followed me and got in front of me again. “And, by the way, if we all told you everything that ever transpired involving you as the subject, you’d kill us all before lunchtime.”
“Very funny.” I elbowed him as I passed him again to leave the gym. “And you can ask Trevor about Victoria. He’s investigating her part in this.”
Leo’s voice came from behind me and stopped me in my tracks. “I highly doubt that considering Victoria is this minute in your office searching through your files for documentation on your charitable pursuits.”
I turned yet again, eyes narrowed. “Wait. What?”
“Trevor finished with the interviews and she was released back to her position. She’s actually been a big help today.”
“Victoria?” Leo and I must have crossed signals somehow.
“Yes.” He leaned in, eyes widening. “Say it with me now… Vic-tor-i-a.”
I ignored him. “And she and Alice are working peacefully together?”
“Actually, I haven’t seen Alice yet today, but she did mention something yesterday about going around to visit reporters in person. That’s probably what she’s up to—especially given that her idiot boyfriend hasn’t figured out he owes her an apology.”
“You can start minding your own business anytime now.”
It shouldn’t have surprised me that he just couldn’t let it go. “I believe there’s an idiom for that as well. Something about a pot and a kettle.” He rubbed his chin in jest.
Leo thought he knew enough about Alice and me to make a judgment call, but it was more complicated than that. One thing was certain, though. Alice and I needed to talk and work out our differences, preferably before I was expected to appear on national television to respond to all the swirling rumors. Even if we argued, she was my touchstone, and I needed her. But perhaps she—and my brother—had a point. It was time I took a good