Chapter 16: Keys

I picked up the check, read my own name on it once more, and slid it back across the walnut.

"No," I said.

Marguerite's smile did not move.

"I don't sell people," I said. "And that isn't a gift. It's my father's money, and I'll collect it without giving you anything for it."

"Collect it how, dear?"

"In front of everyone you tagged."

Tobias made a small sound beside me that might have been a laugh.

"Oh, Cora." Marguerite sighed. "You do learn slowly. Rodrick took a year to learn the same thing, and he's mine."

"He's your son."

"He's my instrument. A charming one, and not very bright."

She lifted her coffee cup.

"I chose his wife, and I chose his mistress. I had only to say what I needed, and he signed it."

She sipped.

"Did you really think my boy planned a divorce on his own?"

Behind me, a key turned in the front door.

I heard it and she did not, because she was still smiling at me.

"Mother?"

Rodrick stood in the dining room doorway in his coat.

His keys were in his hand and the color was gone from his face.

How long he had been there I could not tell.

Marguerite put her cup down very gently.

"Darling," she said. "You're early."

"You said this was for the lakefront job." His voice was hoarse. "You said you'd get me the contract if I came to listen."

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