Chapter 31

While the night wind blew in his face, he rounded curve after curve, climbed hills, and descended into valleys until he was finally pulling up into the circular drive of Nick Falconi’s magnificent mansion.As he got out of the car, he looked around for the groundskeeper’s cabin, and then remembered it was in the back. Recalling that awful day, something inside urged him to turn and run away, but he plodded onward, climbed the front steps, and rang the doorbell. He knew Nick must be waiting for him because thebell had just barely begun to ring when he heard movement beyond the door, and then it opened.

Nick Falconi stood there with a look on his face that told Rox he thought he had won. And for all intentsand purposes, Rox figured he had. But it had to be this way. He loved Dezi too much to let this happen to him, and if he could protect him from further mishap, total bankruptcy, and possible death, he would, gladly.

“I’m here,” Rox said simply as he handed him the list.