Chapter 50

Chapter 50

Hunter's expression softened almost imperceptibly. "Your father has one of the best attorneys in the state representing him."

"Me, you mean?" I let out a bitter laugh. "Against you? With one hundred million dollars motivating you to see him convicted?"

Hunter moved to the kitchen, pouring himself a glass of water. "Would you like something to drink?"

"Stop changing the subject," I snapped. "I want answers, and I'm not leaving until I get them."

He replied, "Even for you, I won't breach confidentiality."

I followed him, unwilling to let him dismiss me so easily.

He turned to face me, his eyes meeting mine directly. "You should be careful around your cousin Mary."

The statement landed like a physical blow. I froze, processing his words. "Mary? You think she's involved? Not John?"

"I didn't say that," Hunter replied carefully. "I merely suggested caution."

My mind raced with implications. "Are you saying Mary killed Robert, not John?"

"Smart people rarely get their own hands dirty," Hunter said, his voice measured. "Remember that."

The pieces began falling into place. Mary had always been the perfect daughter, the quiet observer.

"She's been puppeteered her whole life," I murmured to myself. "Raised by Lucy to be the perfect tool. No one would suspect her."

"I didn't say that," Hunter repeated, but his eyes told me I was on the right track.

"Who's pulling her strings?" I pressed. "Who benefits most from destroying my family?"

Hunter didn't answer, moving instead to refill his glass.

I followed, deliberately closing the distance between us. "You know, I tried to bribe her. Offered her money for information. She wasn't even tempted."

"That was foolish," Hunter said sharply. "If she's involved, you've just shown your hand."

"I realize that now," I said, running my fingers through my hair, my frustration mounting.

He set down his glass with finality. "It's late, Jane. You should go."

Desperation made me bold. I moved closer, placing my hand on his arm. "Let me stay tonight. In your room. I promise I won't touch you." I raised my hand in an oath, "If I do, I'm a dog."

A hint of amusement crossed his face. "Weren't you planning to find other men to sleep with?"

"That was just talk," I admitted. "You know that."

"No," he said firmly, pulling away from my touch. "If you insist on staying, the guest room is available."

Before I could argue further, he turned and walked to his bedroom, closing the door behind him and locking it. I stood alone in the living room, staring at his closed door. I could clearly tell his body had reacted—he was so hard down there, yet he still managed to refuse me. How could he have such self-control?

The next morning, I emerged from the guest room and announced, "I don't need Frank following me anymore. I've already hired my own security personnel."

Hunter merely nodded without looking up at me. "As you wish."

I observed him for a moment, searching for any sign of reaction. "Do you think Lucy and Mary suspect anything?" I couldn't help but let concern seep into my voice. "Especially after Mary saw me at the bar last night?"

Hunter finally looked at me, his steel-blue eyes revealing nothing. "Hmm."

Just a simple "Hmm," still mumbled in that infuriatingly calm voice. Feeling a bit annoyed, I grabbed a piece of toast from the breakfast plate and left his apartment first.

In my car, I pondered Hunter's words from the previous night. I pulled over and called a private investigator I had used before.

"This is Jane James. I need immediate surveillance on someone."

A deep voice came through from the other end.

"Of course. But it'll be expensive. Everything's getting more expensive these days, and considering your recent troubles, I'd be taking a risk."

"One million," I offered, eager to move the conversation along.

"Deal. Who's the target?"

I scrolled through my phone gallery until I found last year's family portrait. "I'm sending you a photo. I've circled Mary James. I need to know everywhere she goes, everyone she meets, every call she makes. Daily reports, understand?"

"Also. I need to..."

A deafening horn interrupted me. I looked up to see a massive truck barreling straight toward me, deliberately crossing the center line. I yanked the wheel hard to the right, my car lurching onto the shoulder as the truck roared past.

"Damn it, this routine again," I muttered to myself.

The truck hadn't missed completely though. It clipped my rear bumper before slamming into the car that had been behind mine. Metal screeched against metal, glass shattered, followed by a sickening crunch as both vehicles skidded to a halt.

My hands trembled on the steering wheel, cold sweat breaking out along my spine. 'Is this another attempt on my life?'

I called 911, reported the crash, then got out of the car. The truck driver was attempting to flee on foot. I immediately rushed after him, grabbing him by his jacket collar.

"Going somewhere?" I asked, using a martial arts hold to force him to the ground.

"Let me go, you crazy woman!" he snarled, struggling beneath my grip.

"I won't let go until you tell me who sent you," I tightened my hold, making him wince.

He spat on the ground. "Lady, if you know what's good for you, you'd better mind your own business."

"Wasn't I the one you hit? Stop pretending." I leaned closer, about to press further when a familiar voice suddenly called out:

"Jane? What are you doing?"

I looked up to see Mike looking at me in confusion. "This man just tried to kill me," I said, maintaining my hold on the driver. "He deliberately crossed the center line and aimed straight for my car."

Mike's expression shifted from confusion to concern. "Are you hurt?"

"No, but the people in the car behind me might be." I nodded toward the accident site where onlookers were helping the victims.

Mike crouched down, studying my face. "You're saying this was deliberate? Not just a traffic accident?"

"This is the third attempt on my life," I stated flatly. The truck driver chose that moment to struggle again. I delivered a precise strike that left him limp and moaning.

"It appears someone is trying to prevent you from clearing your father's name," Mike observed thoughtfully.

A chill ran down my spine. "I'm being watched, aren't I? How else would they know exactly where I was at this moment?"

Mike helped me secure the driver as police sirens wailed in the distance. "You should be careful, Jane."

I pulled out my phone, calling the investigator again. "It's me. I want you to add another person to your surveillance list. Sean Parker, CEO of Pacific Capital Group. I'll pay an additional million."

After ending the call, I turned to Mike. "You should probably stay away from me for a while. This isn't safe."

With that, I turned and got back into my car, not wanting to endanger anyone else.