A Necessary Sin (The Sin Trilogy, #1)(37)

Chapter Thirteen





Bleu MacAllister




“You should probably expect to be under a microscope.” This is my warning to be prepared for a lot of probing.

“I understand why and I don’t mind. I have nothing to hide.” This is completely expected. “But you should know now that I’m not consenting to a body cavity search.” Sterling stares ahead but I hear him cackle beneath his breath. I look forward and can see the reflection of his grin in the rearview mirror. “Do you blame me, Sterling?”

He’s a man of few words. Or maybe no words. I don’t believe I’ve ever heard him utter a single one, at least not to me. And he doesn’t this time, either.

I’m a little concerned that Abram has such a say in Sin’s life. “Your dad is leader. Shouldn’t Abram accept me without further evaluation if Thane approves?”

“Ideally, yes. But Abram is a controlling bastard. He likes things done his way. It often creates a power struggle between him and Dad. In the end, my father is always in command and wins—but not until after being forced to flex his muscle.”

Thane likes me very much. I hope it’s enough for him to do some flexing.

Abram’s home can easily be called a castle. The main house’s exterior is weathered stone, much like most of the buildings you see in Edinburgh. I’m no real estate expert but it has all the classic architecture of a home built hundreds of years ago.

It’s surrounded by lush green pasture. The air smells of freshly cut grass. And cleanliness. It’s very different from what I’m accustomed to in Memphis.

We go into Abram’s home and his expression is telling. He looks as though he’s seen a ghost. That convinces me he at least knows what my mother looked like. I’d not given that much thought but it’s likely he knew her as well.

Sin introduces me to Abram first. “My God. Thane was right. Your resemblance to Amanda Lawrence is uncanny.”

“You’ve heard the old saying, ‘like father, like son’? It often rings true.” I’m guessing this woman looking me over is Thane’s wife.

“This is my mother, Isobel,” Sin says.

She’s a very attractive woman with short, bright red hair styled in a pixie cut. Her eyes are vivid blue. I’m instantly reminded of Sharon Osbourne. At first glance, I see no part of her in Sin but then I notice something around her eyes that reminds me of him.

“It’s lovely to meet you, Mrs. Breckenridge.” I’m expecting her to be a hard one to win over.

“The pleasure is all mine, dear.” She seems very pleased by my presence, maybe even exceedingly so. I didn’t expect a warm welcome considering the things Sin has told me about her.

I’m introduced to Abram’s wife and then the six of us go into the formal dining room. Despite the age of their home, the interior is modern and filled with exquisite furnishings. My surroundings could pass for those belonging to royalty. It makes me sick to think of the people who have suffered or been killed so they can live in this manner.

Abram pulls out the chair next to the head of the table. “Please do me the honor of sitting next to me, Miss MacAllister.”

I look to Sin, unsure if it’s what he’d have me do. He nods his approval so I take the seat. I have two of the most notorious criminals in Scotland sitting to my right and directly across the table. I’ll be questioned and ogled by them both. That shouldn’t be at all stressful.

Abram allows the first course to be served before he begins his cross-examination. “How old are you, Miss MacAllister?”

Sin sighs loudly, displaying his annoyance. “Not this again.”

I put my hand on his knee beneath the table. “It’s okay. I don’t mind.” I look at Abram. “Twenty-five.”

“The same age as Amanda’s daughter would have been. That’s a very unlikely coincidence. Wouldn’t you agree?”

“I wouldn’t know.” I shrug and return to my soup.

“Allow me to address all the concerns and questions you might have, Uncle,” Sin says. “I understand Bleu has an uncanny resemblance to Amanda Lawrence but she didn’t know her or her daughter. She would have been a young child when they were killed, so please stop harassing her about something she knows nothing about.” Sin’s drawn a line in the sand by expressing his loyalty to me. It’ll be interesting to see the shit this stirs.

Isobel clears her voice. “My son is right. And I’m sure Miss MacAllister is nervous enough without you performing an inquisition, Abram. Leave her be.”

Sin looks at his mother as though he has no idea who she is.

I wait until Thane and Abram aren’t looking to mouth “thank you” at Isobel. She gives me a kind smile followed by a single nod.

I don’t think she’s the woman Sin claims her to be. I believe I could find an ally in her. It’s definitely worth a try since she may very well hate Thane as much as I do.



* * *



It’s after two in the morning when Sin’s phone comes to life on the nightstand. “Aye … okay … I’ll be there in twenty.”

The bed moves when he rolls toward me. “Bonny Bleu.” He spoons me from behind and kisses my neck. “I have to go out for a while.”