Bury the Ex, Wed the Heir novel · Chapter 10 of 24

Chapter 10: The Man in the Car

Silvan Ravenscroft held the balcony rail until the pain in his hand matched the pain in his head.

Down in the ballroom, the guards dragged Anselm Dray through the doors, and Anselm was still shouting.

Silvan had heard that voice shouting before.

He closed his eyes, and the month of blankness ripped open.

It was a Thursday night in the rain.

He was behind the wheel of his black car, driving home from the harbor office after the port meeting.

Anselm Dray sat in the passenger seat with his coat on his knees.

"One more time," Anselm said, pleasantly. "My father's bank will front the new berths at no interest, if you put the family shares behind it."

"No," Silvan said.

"Think about it, Sil."

"I have. Your father's bank has been lending against Ravenscroft ships for a year, and the numbers don't add up. I'm opening the books on Monday."

Anselm said nothing for a mile.

The wipers swung back and forth.

"I forgot to say," Anselm said suddenly. "Drop me at the bridge, would you? There's a friend meeting me at the corner."

"In this weather?"

"I won't be long."

Silvan pulled over before the stop sign at the bend, a hundred yards from the bridge.

Anselm opened the door and stepped out into the rain.

He bent down to the window, and he smiled the soft smile he had worn since they were boys.

"Drive safe, Sil," he said, and shut the door.

Silvan drove on.

He went down the slope toward the bridge, and he put his foot on the brake.

Nothing happened.

The pedal went all the way to the floor, and the car did not slow.

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