“We didn’t know, Lady Whitaker,” one officer stammered. “We—”
“You’ll regret shaming my daughter like this,” Leanne said coldly. “Your department will hear from my lawyers. Tracie, let’s go.”
I followed her out of the room, my mind still spinning. As we stepped outside, I spotted a car waiting by the curb. Leaning against it was Bobbie, a cigarette between his fingers. He looked calm, unbothered, and irritatingly handsome.
His dark eyes flicked to mine, and a smirk tugged at his lips.
“Mom,” I said, stopping in my tracks, “What is that man doing here? He’s the killer. He’s the one who killed Penny and I was almost framed for it!”
Leanne glanced at him before looking back at me. A small, knowing smile curved her lips.
“I know, Tracie,” she said softly. “And that man is also your fiancé.”
“How is Bobbie my fiancé? He’s a killer. I saw him murder Penny Eddy. How could you allow this?”
Leanne didn’t even flinch at my accusation. Before she could respond, Bobbie, leaning casually against the car, flicked his cigarette to the ground and stepped closer.
“You saw me kill him?” he asked, his lips curving into an infuriating smirk.
“Yes,” I snapped, standing my ground despite the way his presence unsettled me. “Why do you need to ask when you were there! Stop fooling me! I should even tell the police that—”
He leaned in, his dark eyes locking onto mine. His voice dropped to a near whisper, teasing and dangerous. “If you don’t stop saying I killed him,” he said, his breath warm against my ear, “I’m going to kiss you.”
My breath hitched, and my face burned with anger and embarrassment. “You wouldn’t dare,” I muttered, taking a step back.
His smirk deepened, but he didn’t say anything else. I turned sharply to my mother, my frustration spilling over. “I need an explanation about what’s going on. Now.”
Leanne, unbothered by the tension, gestured toward the waiting car. “You’ll have all your answers when we get back to the estate.”
The ride to the Whitaker estate was silent, but my mind wasn’t. It had been years since I’d set foot on the sprawling property, but the moment we arrived, memories came rushing back.
The grand gates opened, revealing manicured gardens and the imposing mansion at the center. The fountain in the courtyard still sparkled under the sun, just as I remembered.