NIC'

aw clenched so tight I could feel a vein pulsing in my temple. The air reeked of

ask. I stated his name

d approached my father six months ago. His eyes darted around the room like a c

t expecting you today." H

g. "That was rather the point. My father sends his regards." I pulled out the l

ing without something of value. These peopl

of color as he read the figure. His wife hovered nervously in

immy stammered. "This is twice

to," I cut him off. "You kne

in supplication. "I can offer you something else-a partnership in my ne

w echoed through the room. He crumpled to h

ng my cufflinks. "And I certainly don't enter pa

ngled cry. "Please don't hurt him!

knees now. Good. They

my voice dangerously soft. "My

nothing of value except... My attention caught on a silver-framed photog

eyes that seemed to challenge the camera, a slight curve to her lips that w

anded, not taking my

tension. I looked back to find Jimmy an

immy finally answered, h

ing the name on my tongue.

at would satisfy the debt and give me

mate. I was looking for her f

I asked, turning t

rted out. "Please leave her out of th

d them both flinch. "I th

t. "Take the house, take everyth

who'd been silently watching fr

"Please, Mr. Blackwood! S

d money you couldn't repay." I shrugged, unmoved by his te

y's scream, didn't faze me. I was still staring at Ant

tructed her mother, who was sobbing over her husb

work?" she a

t's between me

n pain. "If you try to run, if you warn her, if you do any

ly alive. The photograph pressed against my chest in my suit

omise and a vow. Antalya Andrews wo