An hour later, the house was quiet. Alistair was sleeping-real sleep this time.
Graves knocked on the door of the guest room where Kaela was washing the blood off her hands.
"The younger Mr. Kaufman wants to see you," Graves said. "In the study. It's secure."
Kaela followed him down a hidden corridor to a room lined with books. There were no windows.
Barron was standing by the fireplace, pouring a glass of amber liquid. He wore a fresh suit, tailored to perfection. He looked nothing like the invalid in the wheelchair.
He didn't turn around when she entered. He just held out a folder.
"Sign it."
Kaela took the folder. It was a Prenuptial Agreement. But the terms...
Clause 4: Upon completion of one year of marriage, the Spouse shall receive title to the penthouse suite at 440 Park Avenue.
A palace in the sky.
"Hush money?" Kaela asked, tossing the folder onto the desk.
Barron turned. He took a sip of his drink, his eyes tracking her every move. "A dowry. I need a shield. You need a weapon. The Moon family threw you away. I'm offering you the means to bury them."
Kaela walked up to him. She stepped into his personal space. She inhaled. The sandalwood was stronger now, mixed with the whiskey.
"You need me because I'm your Ambien," she said softly. "I'm the only thing that quiets the noise."
Barron's jaw tightened. She was sharp.
"Mutual benefit," he said, his voice dropping an octave. "You get the money. I get the sleep. And we both get revenge."
Kaela picked up a pen. "Deal. But I have a condition."
"Name it."
"Tonight. The Moon Family Gala. I want you to go with me."
Barron frowned. "I'm supposed to be a vegetable."
"Exactly," Kaela smiled. It was a cruel, beautiful smile. "I want you to roll in there and make them look at us. I want my father to see that even a 'cripple' can destroy him."
Barron looked at the fire in her eyes. He felt a stir of something he hadn't felt in years. Excitement.
"As you wish," he said.
Kaela's phone buzzed. She pulled it out.
It was a live stream link. Jenna Moon, standing on a stage in a red dress, fake tears streaming down her face.
"My sister... she's missing. We fear she's back on drugs... it's heartbreaking..."
Kaela laughed. "She's good."
Barron glanced at the screen. "That's the sister?"
"The one who ordered the hit."
Barron pressed a button on his desk intercom.
"Graves. Prep the helicopter. And get the S-76. The black one."
"Helicopter?" Kaela asked.
Barron buttoned his jacket. His face went slack, his body language shifting back into the broken man. But his eyes remained lethal.
"If we're going to crash a party," he mumbled, "we should make an entrance."
They walked out of the study. Barron slumped in the chair, Kaela pushing him.
They passed Dr. Sterling in the hall. Sterling glared at them.
Kaela smiled sweetly. "We're going to a party, Doctor. Don't wait up."
