Her partner in South Carolina had texted that the vehicle plates she’d photographed at the motel were registered to Stephen Alexander – one car of many – and a business tycoon who was currently on the watchlist. At present, her car was being hoisted from the river. At least, insurance might spring for new wheels – something good had to come out of the deal. But that was all the update he had so far. The lab was still combing the crime scene for evidence.
Her partner added that the story had hit the news. That might have explained Chelsea’s sudden, aggressive behavior. The bad guys were sweating, and struggling to regain the upper hand before the big-deal transpired that her abductors had alluded too. They wouldn’t want their dump-in-the-river mishap to foul up whatever con they’d planned. Melanie was still breathing, and with forensics and detectives tearing apart the area, the other side was sure to enter panic mode.
The clues all lined up. On the heels of Stephen Alexander’s inability to accost his enemy – Melanie – before reaching Knight Manor, Chelsea had been put into play with whatever surprise plan- B entailed. The circle was enlarging; That Chelsea and Stephen were in cahoots added up, but she questioned where Drew fit into the plot. All logic suggested that Chelsea was the woman that he’d mentioned at the motel, the one who handled the reins. She certainly came off as overbearing. With the hope that the meeting Chelsea had called would clear up some of the blanks, Melanie turned off the shower and stepped onto the porcelain tile floor.
Melanie dried off and slipped into a summer dress. She took her time, feeding the fury she knew Chelsea was experiencing at the moment, as she waited for her and Trevor. Melanie re-touched her lipstick and smiled confidently at the image in the mirror. Appearing on top of her game was crucial when dealing with a stick of dynamite like Chelsea. Hotheads made mistakes, and Melanie was banking that Chelsea would soon add her contribution to the growing list of blunders. She gleamed strength while listening to the steady rhythm of her heels clicking, slow and deliberate down the stairs, each step serving to calm her further.
Melanie met Spencer in the foyer. “Thank you for going into the city for my things. I appreciate it.”
“My pleasure, Miss Braxton.”
At the office door, Melanie sucked in a deep breath and turned the handle. Venom contaminated the air inside the room
“Took your time, didn’t you?” Chelsea said, opening the conversation on a rigid tone. “Uncle Trevor and I have better things to do than wait for you.”
A grin toyed at the corner of Trevor’s lips. “Speak for yourself, Chelsea. Waiting for Melanie has proven quite worthwhile.” He motioned toward a black swivel chair. “Please, join us.”
“Chelsea, why don’t you start the meeting? And use a hospitable voice, if you please. I know your mother trained you better than that.”
“Uncle Trevor, I hate to be the one to enlighten you, but you are harboring a liar in this house, and I demand she redeem herself or be sent packing.”
Trevor glanced in Melanie’s direction. “Demanding does not generate hospitality. Try harder, Chelsea.” This time Melanie saw the corners of his lips turn ever so slightly upward. He seemed amused thus far. He leaned back in his chair casually before continuing. “You’ve been accused of being a liar, Melanie. What do you say to her charges?”
“I have no idea of the lies to which she is referring.”
“Of course, you don’t.” He glared in his niece’s direction. She was clearly testing his patience. “The ball is back in your court. Make this quick. Miss Braxton and I have a church service to attend.”
“Church! Such a mockery, Uncle Trevor.”
“Mmm,” was his only response.
Chelsea stood to her feet and withdrew a Ziplock bag filled with a powdered substance from her purse. It was much the same as the bag Melanie had found at the apartment. Thankfully, she’d turned that evidence into the Langley police. “This is her lie! I found drugs in her room. Drugs! You have invited an addict into the Manor. Or worse – a dealer!”
Melanie sighed in relief. Of all the things the meeting could have involved, drugs had never entered her mind. “Drugs? In my room?”
Trevor interrupted. “And what gave you the right to search my guest’s room?” The humor in his face was gone, his anger clearly directed at Chelsea, not Melanie.
“Because Chrissy told me hair-raising tales of her so-called friend. That’s why I searched the room – to help my little sister.” Her rehearsed pout seemed to have no impact on her uncle.
Melanie interrupted, relieved to find an angle to ask her questions. “I’m curious – when was the last time you discussed me with Chrissy?”
“Why, just recently. She’s upset. Claims you caused all sorts of trouble in South Carolina, especially after your last visit to Georgia.”
“Oh, you mean the week you never showed your face at Knight Manor?” Trevor asked. “Your concern is duly noted.”
“More importantly is the reference you made to after our visit. Did you follow us to Langley?” Melanie asked.
“Perhaps. I can come and go as I please. I sensed that Chrissy was upset.”
“I fail to believe that would have caused you to follow Chrissy, Chelsea. You’re not fooling me with your sisterly concern and I am fast tiring of this nonsense today. What is it you’re really accusing Melanie of?” Trevor’s voice grew deep and angry.
“Why the drugs, of
