Chapter 364
As she walked through the halls, security was tight. Armed guards paced at intervals, and beyond the windows, she caught glimpses of a tall electric fence. A few snipers were poorly concealed, though they clearly thought otherwise.
Curious, she asked a nearby attendant and learned that the dining area had been arranged outdoors. With that, she headed down toward the garden nestled in the heart of the estate’s greenhouse.
A man approached just a few steps into the path. He was polished in appearance, seated in a motorized wheelchair that glided effortlessly toward her. One leg was prosthetic. His right hand bore two artificial fingers.
He came to a stop and addressed her. “Are you the guest who traveled across the sea to see my father?”
Rylie’s brow arched slightly. So this was Lochlan’s son, the same man who had failed — more than once — to eliminate Deandre. She answered him calmly, “Yes.”
“I’m Ableson Quinn. Second in command here,” he said. “Word is you came all this way to treat my father.” He reached out for a handshake. It was brief. Polite. Afterward, his voice turned light. “Are you planning to eat in the garden tonight? The chef’s preparing roast lamb. I’d be honored to take you there.”
Still unsure of what to make of him, Rylie nodded once. “Fine, lead the way.”
He eased his chair into motion, pacing himself deliberately so she could walk beside him. Tilting his head slightly, his eyes locked onto her with a practiced smile. “How should I address you?”
Without drawing attention, Rylie slid a hand into her pocket and tapped open the recording app. “Miss Kirk will do.”
“Pleasure to meet you, Dr. Kirk,” he said, savoring the words. “It’s rare to see someone so accomplished at your age.” Then his tone shifted. “What do you enjoy when you’re not healing people?”
His voice was deep and magnetic, carrying the characteristic warmth of a Marinthian accent. His gaze focused intently on Rylie as if she were the only thing worth paying attention to.
Unbothered, Rylie kept her tone steady. “I study. I treat patients.”
A quiet laugh slipped from him, his eyes creasing at the corners. “Surely someone with your beauty doesn’t just work around the clock,” he said, leaning ever so slightly toward her. “There’s much to explore in Marinth. I’d be glad to show you around.”
“That won’t be necessary,” said Rylie. “I’m not staying longer than three days.”
Her answer caught Ableson off guard. “You’re saying you can treat my father in just three days?” He leaned in slightly, his eyes narrowing. “He has multiple chronic conditions. Most doctors have already given up.”
Rylie shrugged. “Maybe it works. Maybe it doesn’t. Worth a shot, don’t you think?” Her tone made it hard to tell whether she meant it.
He said nothing more and led her into the private dining hall. His trusted men were already there, seated nearby, making it easier to speak freely.
With help from an attendant, Ableson pushed himself up using a cane. He made a point of pulling out a chair for her. As he did, his fingers briefly brushed her shoulder.
.
.
.