When Devils Sing(83)

The third wall of the house was decorated with a few guitars. There were bass, acoustic, and electric. Nothing special, but the instruments were shiny and ornamental. Several glass-enclosed platinum records adorned the wall. Country music legends of Blue Mountain Records.

Neera imagined herself with her own platinum record on a wall. A folkie-blues album that would top the charts someday. The thought had always felt silly, but standing in Grant Langley’s pool house, the possibility of it felt just a little closer.

Carrying her bags to her new bedroom, Neera heard her phone buzzing somewhere within. She dug it out, grateful to finally see Isaiah’s name on the screen. Crashing on the bed, she answered the call.

“Neera, is everything okay?” Isaiah asked. “Sorry I’m getting back to you so late. It’s been a long day.”

“It’s fine.” Burrowing into the feather-soft bed, Neera let out a sigh. “Long story short, my mom kicked me out of the house because I’m not going to college in the fall.”

“Holy shit,” Isaiah gasped. “Where are you now? Are you safe?”

“You’re not gonna believe me if I tell you. I still can’t believe it.” Neera let out an anxious laugh, looking around the strange, modernly decorated room. “I’m in Grant Langley’s pool house. He offered to let me stay here for free.”

Isaiah was silent for an uncomfortable beat. Neera could only hear rustling on the other end. She thought the signal cut out before Isaiah finally said, “Look, I’m actually driving to Lake Clearwater now. Could I swing by in thirty?”

Neera frowned at her phone, noticing a shift in Isaiah’s tone. “Uh, sure. Yeah. I’ll text you the address.”

“Sounds good,” Isaiah said. “I’ll see you soon.”

The call ended before Neera could say anything more.



* * *



WHEN NEERA ANSWERED the knock at the pool house door, she was surprised by two things: first, the sight of Isaiah looking noticeably unnerved, and second, Reid Langley standing at his heel. They both were outfitted in crisp dress shirts and slacks, as if on the way to a party.

“Can we come in?” Isaiah asked, a little breathless. His expression turned sheepish as he hovered in the doorway. “We need to talk.”

“Clearly.” Neera stepped aside, eyeing Isaiah and then Reid. “Do you like the place?” she asked Isaiah, settling into an armchair in the living room as the boys sat on the couch. The furniture held the distinct smell of newness, as if it’d never been used before today. “Hell of an upgrade from the Colonial.”

Isaiah’s gaze took in the sight of the room. His eyes lingered on the wall of guitars and platinum records, then settled onto Neera. “It’s all very shiny.”

“You say that like it’s a bad thing.”

A strange, sad look crossed Isaiah’s face. “Neera,” he began, saying her name as if it would break with too much force. “First, Reid wants to help us with Dawson. He thinks his disappearance is connected to his own mother’s death six years ago.”

“Oh,” Neera breathed, suddenly seeing Reid Langley in a new light. He gave her a small, embarrassed wave. “Welcome to the team.”

“Thanks,” Reid said, his voice small. “Glad to be here.”

“Second,” Isaiah began, clearing his throat. “Earlier, Reid and I were going over everything we know. I mentioned Second Sons and, uh, he offered some insight.”

Neera sat up fully in the armchair. “You know who owns the trust?”

“I have a very strong idea.” Reid rubbed the back of his neck. “Now, I don’t know for sure, but being a second son has always been a schtick between my uncle and my father. Russ is the oldest, the golden child, while Grant’s always been a bit of an outcast. He’s taken to wearing the title like a badge of honor.”

“Grant?” Neera went completely still. It was as if her world had been built on shaky ground, now threatening to crumble. “He’s behind the threats to my family? The debt? Everything?”

The boys both nodded.

Neera glanced around the pool house, its veneer suddenly feeling like a cage. “What’s his angle with me, then? Why is he letting me stay here?”

“I don’t know,” Isaiah said. “But there’s no way Grant’s looking out for your best interests. There has to be a motive.”

Neera narrowed her eyes, insecurity bleeding around the edges of her vision. “Maybe he sees something in me, like I’m worth taking a chance on. Is that so hard to believe?”

“That’s not what I’m saying,” Isaiah said, rubbing his temples. “I just don’t want you to be in danger by staying here.”

I bargained with the devil for this opportunity, Neera thought. She wished she could confess that to Isaiah, but there was only one way that conversation would end and she wasn’t in the headspace to defend her sanity. She considered her position for a long moment. “I hear you, Isaiah. But maybe we have a leg up here. Maybe, by staying here, I can find out more about Grant and his connection to Dawson’s disappearance?” To Ajay?

Isaiah considered. “I don’t know if that’s wise. I mean—”

“I think she has a point,” Reid interrupted. “Grant’s ego is the size of the sun. He wouldn’t suspect anything if she snoops around. This is probably some weird savior complex for him.”