A Matter Of Justice (Grey Justice #4)(10)

“Grey? Is that right? You’re bringing a guest?”

“No. Let her know I’ll be solo.”

Not by a molecule of movement did Molly indicate that she was disappointed in his answer. He felt her disapproval all the same. She wouldn’t be the only person who blamed him for his and Irelyn’s separation. Hell, he blamed himself, too. He’d handled things poorly. Instead of talking to her, trying to reason with her, figure out just what the hell she was up to, he’d stormed out of the restaurant like an arrogant ass. He should have stayed. Should have demanded answers. Irelyn always had reasons for what she did. Dammit, he should have found out what they were.

And why hadn’t he at least warned her to be careful? At some point, she would face retribution. His heart skipped a long beat. Was that it? Was she trying to get herself killed? No, that wasn’t it. Irelyn was too strong, too grounded to want to take the easy way out. There had to be something he was missing.

“Grey?”

“Yes?”

“She’s never coming back, is she?”

Irelyn had made an impression on every one of his employees. She was both respected and revered. He doubted that she had seen that, though. Irelyn rarely went out of her way to impress anyone unless the act was part of the job. One of the many things he appreciated about her was her lack of artifice. Considering her beginning, or maybe because of it, she had a strong work ethic and a strict code of honor. Those two qualities hadn’t always made her popular, but being liked had never been Irelyn’s goal.

Aware that Molly was waiting for an answer, Grey gave her the only one he could, vague though it was. “She’s still got some things to sort out.”

Molly nodded and went on to discuss the rest of this week’s agenda. Grey listened, offering commentary when necessary, but his mind continued to review his last conversation with Irelyn. He should have asked more direct questions. Instead of pursuing the truth, he’d walked away.

In their years together, they’d hurt each other as much as two people could, but they had always made their way back to one another. This time was different, and he should have stuck around to find out why.

Gathering her notes and tablet, Molly stood and headed to the door. “I’ll make the changes to your itinerary and send them to you for approval.”

“Thank you.”

She stopped midway and sent him a bright look. “I could call one of the modeling agencies to see if anyone is available.”

It wouldn’t be the first time Grey had escorted a stranger to an event. Up-and-coming actresses and models were always a safe bet. They appreciated the exposure, and he preferred an easygoing companion who had no illusions about a relationship.

“Stop trying to matchmake, Molly.” He smiled to take the sting out of his words. As much as Molly wanted Irelyn to return, her primary goal was taking care of Grey, which lately had included matchmaking attempts. “Besides, going stag every once in a while is good for business. Keeps everyone guessing.”

She gave him a quick smile before she walked out. The instant the door clicked shut, all humor left his face.

Swinging his chair around, he stared out at the massive city with its spiraling high-rises and mammoth buildings. He and Irelyn had come to Dallas with myriad dreams. Through hard work, perseverance, and the belief that what they were doing was right, they had succeeded. Even though their relationship had often been fraught with disagreements, their shared goals and incredible passion for one another had seen them through tough times.

Had she really decided to end them, or was something bigger going on? Dammit, why hadn’t he ignored his bruised feelings and hurt pride and dug deeper? What was Irelyn really up to?



Hill House

England





Irelyn parked in the area designated for visitors, but waited a moment before she exited the car. She had thought she was prepared, but the moment she’d driven through the familiar gates, a wild panic had surged through her bloodstream. One last and fierce lecture was needed before she walked through those doors again.

She noted that the place hadn’t changed much, but she wasn’t surprised. The new proprietor would want to follow in his mentor’s footsteps.

The mansion had been aptly christened Hill House by its previous owner, Hill Reed. A gargantuan structure of brick, rock, and wood, built in the early twentieth century, the place had had a sad history long before Reed set his sights upon it.

A railroad baron from Nevada, newly married and with more money than he knew what to do with, had wanted to please his young English wife, so he’d commissioned the building of a massive home for her. Sadly, and Irelyn had always thought it to be a portent of what the house would eventually be, the baron and his wife never spent a night here. The ship carrying them to England had encountered a storm and sank. They had both perished.

The house had sat empty for years. When it had finally gone on the auction block, Reed had purchased it and the surrounding ten acres and turned it into a house of horrors.

Her return seemed almost inevitable. This place and what it stood for had profoundly affected her life. Returning to the scene of the crime was a fitting bookend. This had been her alpha and omega, her beginning and end.

She was here for two specific reasons. Irelyn didn’t need to remind herself that staying alive was an important aspect of achieving both. She was going to have to act her ass off to get the job done.