Chapter 27: Dead Bones

Nicholas waited for me to gather myself before he started asking me questions.

"Who was that?"

"The private investigator I told you I hired. He's the one who turned up dead."

I said, not even able to believe it myself, in our last conversation he told me he had found something. He was supposed to show me what he found today and now he was dead. Fear racked me, was this Alex's doing too?

How did he know?

How did he know that I was using a private investigator?!

"Why didn't you tell me?"

"I- Nick my head is all fuzzy right now."

I murmured.

"What did he find? Did you talk to him before he died? What did he say?"

He continued pestering me with questions so I finally looked up at him.

"He said he found something against Alex. That's what he told me."

Nicholas sighed. He ran his hand through his head and sighed again.

"Maybe your brother got to him first..."

His voice was very low.

"I know. But he didn't know I was working with him. How did he find that out?!"

I whispered. Nicholas shrugged.

Then I remembered. Crowley.

That stupid fucking driver!

I only took him along because I was scared of going alone, because I didn't want to get kidnapped again and he must have told Alex who I was meeting.

"It's the driver."

"What driver?"

Nicholas asked.

"My father's driver Crowley. He drove me to see Mr Dawson. He must have told Alex or something...."

Nicholas shook his head.

"This isn't good. This isn't good at all. You should have told me about him..."

"What the point of working together if you won't open up to me Cleo?!"

He asked frustration evident in his voice.

I blinked away tears, my heart was still heavy. Mr Dawson was dead because of me. Because of my incompetence. Because I decided to rope him into my own problems.

Why was this happening to me?!

"I'm sorry.... I made the mistake..."

I buried my hands in my hair.

"It's my fault Nick.... It's all my fault he's dead now."

Nicholas knelt in front of me.

"Don't say that..."

He murmured as he patted me gently on my back.

"You couldn't have known," he continued.

"I’m sure he was aware of the risks he was taking… it’s not your fault.”

"Two people Nick."

"That's two people dead because of Alex's greed and ambitions."

I pointed out.

"Don't worry. We'll find a way and get rid of him soon. Don't you worry about that at all."

"But for now you need to lie low."

Nicholas said as he looked me in the eye, his hands on my shoulders. I nodded.

"Lie low, take Jace with you everywhere, I can't guarantee that he's trustworthy but in the meantime he’s better than having no protection. Don't do or say anything to provoke Alex."

"Or your ex."

He added and I nodded. Nicholas's gentle fingers caressed my cheeks, wiping the tear drops on them.

"We'll get through this. Alex might be playing dirty but I'm sure he'll find out that in the long run he's only hurting himself."

"I can't wait to get over him... I just can't wait to defeat him."

Nicholas nodded.

"I know. I know. You will. I'm getting closer to unraveling what he's doing at the company, the people he's blackmailing, but you have to help me out here..."

How long would I lie low?!

How long would I have to endure all his taunting and his silly ass whining. Seeing his face every day in my father's mansion, coming out of the master bedroom that once belonged to my father made me sick to my stomach.

I hated him.

I wanted him and Michael out of my life and my space so bad that it physically hurt.

"I don't know how long I can wait. I can't stand seeing him here."

"I want him out of my life Nicholas!"

Nicholas nodded.

"And you will. You will."

"But you have to take things easy. Trust me this is the person you suspect has a hand in not only your father's death but Mr Dawson's."

“Isn’t he already dangerous enough?”

"You need to be more careful."

A knock on the door interrupted our conversation. And I composed myself and wiped my tears as Nicholas went to open the door.

It was Mabel. I was a bit relieved when I saw it was her.

"Ms Cleo I picked up your mail and this package in the mail for you. It has no address."

"And Mr Jace Morrigan is downstairs waiting for your orders."

Nicholas and I exchanged looks as I looked at the package.

"Leave it there. I'll open it later."

I said and she nodded and left the room.

"Don't you want to see what's inside the package?"

He asked and I shrugged.

"It's just a package."

I murmured. A bit unsure of myself as I gave an answer.

"What if it isn't?" Nicholas continued.

I shrugged.

"Then I'll have Jace open it. Please Nick that's the least of my concerns now."

Nicholas nodddd.

"You're right. You're right. I'm leaving for work."

I nodded.

"I'm going to the company today. Will you be there?"

Nicholas shook his head.

"No, I have work to do and some meetings to attend to, but if you want me there I can cancel."

I shook my head.

"No need. See you later."

Nicholas nodded.

"You could stay home too you know?! You don't have to go."

I sighed.

"I want to, but if I keep missing out on meetings and company events Alex is going to eventually use that against me. I have to be involved. And I want to talk to the CEO."

"Alright then. Make sure you get breakfast before you leave."

He said as he left, closing the door gently behind him.

How could I think of breakfast with everything that was happening?! How could I think of food?

Someone died because of me. I couldn't imagine how Mr Dawson’s family if he had any would be feeling. How they would when they eventually found out that it was my fault.

I quickly called Lisa, asking her to help me find a way to get in touch with Mr Dawson's family. I would make them a donation, give them something for the funeral and whatever kids he has. Maybe that would help alleviate the immense guilt that I was feeling.

Another knock on my door after what seemed to be eternity. I had curled up on my bed and fallen asleep.

"Come in..."

I murmured as I rubbed my tired eyes.

I stood up slowly from the bed and I was met with Jace coming into the room. He was wearing a black leather jacket, and black clothes. I wondered if he had any clothes in other colors.

"Good morning Ms Fontana."

"Good morning Jace."

I muttered as I stretched my tired bones. Oh what time was it? I had to be at the company.

"I said to come check up on you, your assistant mentioned that you had quite a few meetings today."

My ears perked up as I remembered that.

Yes I did have a few meetings today. Fuck I hope I wasn't late.

I picked up my phone and checked the time. I was already late. I had fifteen minutes or less to get ready.

"Shit."

I murmured as I jumped out of the bed.

I pointed to the package on my vanity.

"Jace help me open that package and tell me what's inside."

I said as I hurried to the closet. I picked out the first nude pants I saw and a white sleeveless blouse. I should have a blazer here somewhere, I thought as I looked through racks and racks of clothes before my eyes zeroed in on the brown blazer. I rushed out with the clothes, pitting then on my bed as I got ready to tell Jace to excuse me.

But when I looked at Jace he looked expressionless.

There was a blank look on his face.

"What's wrong?"

I asked and he turned ri look at me.

He slowly walked towards me and gave me a piece of paper.  Perhaps the content of the box marked urgent.

I took it from him and inside was a chilling message, a threat that sent shivers down my spine.

- I know what you are. Arcani Scum. We are coming for you. We will not rest until we have rid this world of your kind. -

The room blurred as panic consumed me, and I clung to the note, my hands trembling uncontrollably.

Jace, sensing my distress, rushed to my side. "I'll find who did this. I promise you," he reassured, his voice a steady anchor in the storm.