Chapter 297

"So he's fucking around." Jim said. "I can't believe I trusted him."

"I think there's more. A lot more. And I'm worried Augustus is involved. It's not like him to just abscond like this." Sebastian said.

"Yeah. You're right. That kid is the perfect example of a loyal family member and royal. What's your hunch?" Jim asked.

"I honestly don't know. Jim, if I tell you something, you run the risk of being in grave danger but I think it might be in Pearl's best interest for you to know."

"Kid, my entire life leading up to this point is riddled with many conversations beginning with those exact words. I am ex CIA and secret service. I don't scare easily. Nothing makes me shit my pants except Mexican tap water." Jim said. Sebastian knew he liked this man but now he understood why.

"Alright, shall I pour you a drink then?" He asked.

"Better make it a tall one." Jim said.

Sebastian told him everything. About the girls. All the women he abused.

"So he's a goddamn murderer who got off because he's entitled. That's not new to me. Pearl marrying someone like that, on the other hand. Damn. She can't catch a break, huh?"

"No Jim, I don't think she can. Yet." He said. He explained his worry for her safety.

"These aren't typical thugs here. They are powerful and cunning." Sebastian said.

"I know all about that. But I've outsmarted people in positions of political power before. It's not easy but it's not impossible." He said.

"So, tell me why I swabbed a one month old's mouth today." Jim asked.

Sebastian took a deep breath and told him.

"Ah fuck." Jim said. "Well, if Erik and his family are what we think they are, the best thing for that kid would be that test coming back with you as the father." Jim said.

Sebastian smiled. "I agree, Jim. I hope he is." He said. "And since he and I are cousins, we are going to need a DNA swab from Erik, also. To make sure it's an accurate test."

"I already thought of that. I gave that lady a bag with Erik's toothbrush from the house in it, too." Jim said.

Sebastian looked at him and smiled.

"I'm ex CIA, come on man. Give me some credit." Jim said. Sebastian leaned over the table and hugged him. "You really are the best weapon Pearl has." Sebastian said.

"I'm her only defense. And I intend to keep it that way until one of you privileged fuckers shows you're worthy of her and makes me believe I don't have to be anymore." Jim said. "I love her. Like a daughter. As a person. I'm begging you, don't let me down." He said.

"I won't." Sebastian replied, saluting him.

"Good. Because I like you. And when it comes time to take these assholes out, I don't want you to have to be one of them." He said, standing up and taking his leave.

**************

Pearl's phone rang early the next morning. "Nightingale" Erik said.

"Erik. What time is it?" Pearl asked.

"Seven am there, I believe. It's midnight here." Erik said. "How are you? How's Robbie?" He asked, slurring a little. It was the first time he had called him that.

"He's good. Erik, have you been drinking?" Pearl asked.

"A little." Erik said.

"When are you coming home?" Pearl asked.

"In a few days. Auggie is being a bit difficult." Erik said.

"Ok." Pearl said.

"I love you, Pearl." He said.

"Erik, are you ok?" She asked but he had hung up the phone.

She got dressed and went downstairs. The house staff were already up and bustling. "Tea, ma'am?" A young woman asked.

"Yes please." Pearl said.

She looked over and saw Jim seated by the window, reading his paper. She walked over and sat down across from him.

"Good morning, Jim." Pearl said.

"Good morning." He said.

"How did it go with Bash last night?" She asked. Jim closed his paper and looked at her.

"What?" She asked.

"Why didn't you tell me?" He asked. Pearl didn't know what Sebastian told him so she wasn't sure what he meant.

"Pearl. Look at me. If I am to protect you at all times, I need to know things that are imperative to your well being. Is that understood?" Jim said. He was scolding her.

"Yes." She said.

"Enough of this crap. Enough of the forgive and forget shit. Falling for these punks and remaining loyal because you are good, not them. Stop giving everyone else the love YOU deserve. Stop eating shit politely. I'm tired of it. It's ruining your life. You're talented. Beautiful. Rich. He killed a girl and you still protect him. Are you insane? A masochist or something? Everyone from the Prince of Morocco to his cousin to he himself tried to warn you about him. But no, you didn't heed the signs. Demand more for yourself. What are you? A damn doormat? Stop acting like one and get your shit together. You're a mother now. No more bad decisions. Demand. More." Jim said. Pearl's eyes grew wide.

"And no more keeping things from me. No more of that crap, either." Jim said, picking up his paper and reading it again.

It was the most he had said to her in the entire time she knew him.

"Ok." She said timidly. He was right. Sebastian was right. She stood up and walked to the table and picked up her phone. "Frances, I'm going to be staying in Scotland for a bit. I'll be flying in to get Christian the day after tomorrow to bring him here. Are you ok with him for another day?" She asked. "Great. I'll see you then."