Chapter 187

Murphy pulled the car up to the front gate of the Sommerton residence, where Chad was already waiting. He stood at the entrance, looking as if he had been there for hours. "Mr. Joplin," he greeted me with an ingratiating smile that made me feel disgusted. "Where's your father?" I got straight to the point, not bothering with pleasantries. "He just went to bed. If there's anything you need, you can speak to me." "What good would that do?" I fixed him with an icy and unimpressed glare. "Perhaps you'd like to come in and sit for a while?" He stepped aside as his eyes flickered with barely concealed provocation. I went in and took a seat. Chad looked uncomfortable as he asked, "Mr. Joplin, could we discuss this another day? My father—" "Are you negotiating with me?" I interrupted, taking the glass of water he offered and slamming it down on the table. The sharp crack echoed through the house, making everyone inside jump. Chad's face drained of color, and his lips were trembling d