“The hired men loused that up too, but they will be here soon to correct the wrongs and prove their worth.” He waved his hand in the direction of the office. “Now everyone – on your feet, and let’s go to Mr. Knight’s office. He needs to sign off on what’s rightfully mine or die keeping it.”
“And what is rightfully yours?” Trevor asked.
“Your brother owed me a lot of money. Lost everything he made at the casino. Figured his name was good for it, but his addiction drained him dry, and his old man got tight-fisted. With his daughter’s inheritance protected in trust funds and his old man’s sudden stinginess, the man died with his debt unpaid. I figure you can pick up the tab on your dead brother’s debt.”
“He never asked me for money,” Trevor said. “I surmised he was loaded, based on the lifestyle he led.”
“The proud Charles Knight – arrogant until his final breath.”
“And do you claim responsibility for his brakes failing when he and my parents plunged over the cliff to their deaths?” Trevor asked.
“Originally, it was meant to be a scare. I like to provide my clients with all the opportunities I can.”
“No.” Chelsea turned white as the truth registered.
“I wasn’t with the man when he breathed his final breath. Pity about his parents. Didn’t know they’d be passengers on his last ride.”
“Why are you telling us all this? Do you plan to kill us too?” Melanie asked.
“We’ll have to see how agreeable you all are. Got the plane and my retirement villa booked. You’ll never see me in this country again.” Alexander cast a warning glare. “But I’m not afraid to use this revolver, so don’t tempt me.” He leered at Melanie. “And you will be the first one to meet your Maker, little Miss Priss. You won’t cheat death a second time.”
Chelsea’s frantic eyes pleaded with her uncle. “I swear I didn’t know any of this. Stephen just needed a connection to meet you, and I provided it. I had no idea what he was up to.”
“What about the files I saw you sneak out of the office this afternoon, all smug and sure your uncle would pay one way or the other?” Melanie asked.
“That’s different…sort of.” She clasped her hands over her mouth, her face revealing signs that the puzzle had come together. “Oh, my! I think I’ve been horribly deceived.”
Stephen chuckled. “You were the easiest of prey of all, my dear.” His voice intensified. “Now, in the office, before I lose my patience and kill everyone in the house.”
He pushed Trevor into his seat behind the desk, and Stephen plunked the papers down in front of him, leveling the gun in Melanie’s direction. “The city’s most eligible bachelor, Trevor Knight, shows signs that this little filly has gotten under the skin.” His tone was riddled with mockery. “Let’s see how much she likes you when you’re broke. Now sign this, and let’s get this show on the road.”
The doorbell rang, and everyone in the room held their breath.
“Your man will get it. If he comes looking for you, tell him to send the caller away, unless you want another life on your hands.”
Chelsea wept. Melanie moved to stand behind her, placing a consoling hand on her shoulder. Whatever her part in this mess, the young woman was not prepared to die. The high and mighty had fallen, and it did not suit the spoiled heiress.
As suspected, a tap sounded on the door. “Come in,” Trevor said and Stephen hid his gun behind his back.
Spencer appeared; a huge grin plastered on his face. “Mr. Knight – you have a caller.”
When the female caller showed herself, the group grew silent.
Melanie was the first to recover. “Chrissy!” She ran for her friend’s arms, forgetting about the threat of the gun in the room.
The two embraced, shedding happy tears. When she pushed away, Chrissy spoke. “I am so glad to see you. They told me you were dead, and it was all my fault. I just found out today that you’d escaped the kidnappers at the river. Way to go, Officer Baxter!”
“But who was the other female in the trunk?” Melanie asked.
“I didn’t know her, but I understand she tried to weasel in on the purse and caused complications. She was expendable – or so my guard said. He got bored one day, and spouted off a lot of the plan. I feared for you all but could do nothing to help.”
Alexander cleared his throat. “Enough! Don’t know how you got away, but your reunion is ill-timed, my dear. Welcome to the party.” He lifted the gun and aimed it at her.
“But I brought company.” She opened the door wider and ushered them inside. “Gentlemen, I think you have the key culprits in the house.”
When Doug came in, Melanie moved to his side and whispered, “Alexander is waiting for his thugs to come and finish the job. If you play it right, you’ll get them too.”
“Cuff these ones,” Doug said to his team. He offered a set to Melanie. “Want to do the honors with your loud-mouth stalker?”
She grinned, took the cuffs, and headed toward Stephen. “Place your weapon on the floor and put your hands behind your back. Stephen Alexander, you are under arrest for murder, theft, kidnapping, and any other related crime the law can throw your way.” She rambled off the rest of the rights given to suspects upon arrest as she clicked the cuffs together.
Chelsea was also cuffed. Her sobs revealed the broken child Melanie had suspected cowered inside her exterior wall of protection. Trevor watched on, regret pooling in his eyes.
Drew entered the room with an officer. Melanie approached him anxiously. Drew stared at his feet, unable to
