Page 55 (1/2)

1

Crewe

Handcuffed and sporting a black eye, Joseph Ingram sat in the black chair with his hands bound behind his back The left side of his lip ollen from a powerful fist, and his tailored suit possessed holes froarette Two of his men flanked him on either side, just as bloodied as he was

Stirling Castle was so ancient my mind couldn’t comprehend it Built in the 12th century, ed, but the family line had remained intact I was the owner of this fine landmark, but its sole purpose was for business endeavors

Like this one

I entered the roo black tie My silver cufflinks caught the diht as I took my seat across the table from Joseph, a man I despised immensely When it came to business, personal opinion was irrelevant Whoever paid the right price was entitled to whatever I had to offer

But thisme

He couldn’the would get aith it, he was now atI wanted, and he knew it I could kill hiraveyard where my ancient ancestors rotted I could cut up his body and drop the pieces off the coast

Joseph bowed his head slightly, as if the ht He reht

I crossed s under the table and unbuttoned the front of my suit One hand rested on o too big to handle I traded hience for a premium price—four million dollars

But he didn’t pay up

Instead, he gave me counterfeit bills

Like I wouldn’t have figured it out “You insulted me, Joseph”

The second I spoke, he flinched slightly He adjusted his body in the chair, and no matter how much he tried to hide it, he shook I spotted the tremble in his arms, the shake of his extremities

“And you knohat I do to people who insult me”

He cleared his throat, his Ada as he sed “Crewe—”

“Mr Donoghue” Dunbar wasout his life in voluntary servitude I saved his life and gave hieance he deserved As a result, he devoted his life to serving me—loyally

Joseph cringed at the false hue, I’m sorry”