Chapter 207

"That's why you didn't want me to follow up with Dad's estranged family before I went to visit Uncle Paulie. Not because it would upset me, but because it would expose you." My voice hardened. "How am I doing?"

Arkady stiffened his hands, interlacing them with his fingers pointed out in a "V." He moved his fingers back and forth slowly. A classic cue that something was bothering the person. "You're wrong."

"I'm not." My smile had the cold satisfaction of a person who'd been lifting cups in this shell game over and over, only to find empty air under each, and now, finally, chose the one with the ball.

"Your grandmother died almost six months ago," he said. "I'm only working for your grandfather."

I did a double take and Arkady laughed bitterly. "Didn't expect me to admit it, did you?"