"I know, I know," Derek mumbled. "I'll get on the stuff with Pierce right away. Any clues or leads I don't know about?"
"Not really, but I have a couple of suspects in mind," I replied. "His parents."
"His parents??" Derek asked, surprised. "You think they would threaten their own son? All because.... What? He loves the poor, townie girl?"
"I don't know, but who else does Pierce Campbell have to fear in this world?" I replied.
"Good point," he mumbled. "I'll keep you updated."
"Thank you," I said.
"How's Otti doing?" Derek suddenly asked.
I blew out a breath.
"She kicked me out," I admitted.
"What did you do?" Derek asked with a certain tone in his voice, like he expected this to happen.
"She wanted to know how I was able to protect them both," I told him. "I can't tell her yet."
