Grim Expectations (Aisling Grimlock Book 5)

by Amanda M. Lee

  “You have a very sick sense of humor,” Dad said, annoyed. He rubbed the back of his neck with one hand while tracing the edge of his desk with the other and steadfastly refusing to meet my gaze. “That is your sister.”

  “Yes, and much like everyone else in the family, I’ve come to the conclusion that she’s not a baby any longer,” Redmond said. “We all know what she’s doing with Griffin. They’re sick little monkeys when they get in a room together. You should’ve seen them today. Griffin actually suggested a nooner in my presence.”

  I didn’t think it was possible, but Dad’s face grew redder. Heck, it was almost purple. “I’m going to cut off his hands. You can still be happy with him if he’s handless, Aisling. I’ve given it some thought, and that’s my next course of action.”

  I ignored the empty threat and focused on Redmond. “He didn’t suggest a nooner,” I argued. “He thought I was tired and might like a nap.”

  “Oh, puh-leez! I’m not an idiot,” Redmond said. “I know exactly what kind of nap he wanted. I agree with Dad. We should cut off his hands.”

  “Whose hands are we cutting off?” Cillian asked, strolling into the room with his nose buried in a book. He didn’t even bother looking up. “If we’re going to get dirty, I’m going to have to change my clothes. Maya bought me this shirt and she won’t like it if I ruin it the first time I wear it.”

  “We’re cutting off Griffin’s hands,” Redmond answered. “He sent Aisling a dirty text message and Dad read it. I almost want to know what it said … but I’m not that sick so I’m going to let it go.”

  “You definitely don’t want to know what it said,” Dad grumbled. “He has a filthy mind.”

  I had news for him. That wasn’t even the filthiest thing Griffin had said to me today. “Let’s get back to the problem at hand, shall we? As much as I like talking about Griffin, he’s not the problem.”

  “Oh, he’s a problem,” Dad said. “He’s a filthy … disgusting … perverted … problem.”

  “Oh, let it go,” I intoned. “We’re living together. We do things. It’s not as though we’re breaking the law. Although … .” My cheeks colored at the memory of the time Griffin played cop to my robber.

  “I don’t even want to know where your head went just now, young lady,” Dad snapped. “I’m starting to think you might be the problem. You probably perverted Griffin. It’s not even his fault, is it?”

  “That’s nice,” I drawled. “You’re so fond of Griffin you’re turning against me. I’ve never felt more loved.”

  Dad ignored my theatrics. “Tell me about the symbol, Cillian,” he ordered. “What have you been able to uncover?”

  “Well, I would like to say I’ve figured out everything and we can solve this little mystery without wasting another day, but I still have more questions and I’m not sure which way to go,” Cillian replied. “That symbol has been associated with the Olivets as far back as I can find. Their history is rich – and sometimes really dark – and they’ve used that symbol on their homes and correspondence throughout the years.”

  “What do you mean?” I asked, leaning forward.

  “Aisling, take your feet off my table,” Dad ordered. He’d just noticed I put my dirty shoes on his precious wood and he wasn’t happy.

  I pretended I didn’t hear him. “How did they use the symbol on their homes?”

  “The Olivets were extremely rich, especially for this area,” Cillian said. “They had their fingers in the car industry at a certain point and a lot of the manufacturing that occurred in the area in the 1900s.

  “For example, you know that old soda factory on Woodward downtown?” he continued. “It’s abandoned now, but they built the structure and owned it until the last known Olivet died almost twenty years ago. That symbol is on each corner of the building close to the roof. I found it in online photos.

  “We know that there’s an entire branch of the Olivet family tree that went unclaimed because of Genevieve Toth,” he said, referring to the centuries-old witch who ultimately saved Mom and turned her into what she is today. She was dead because of me, too, although I feel no guilt about it as I do the people I burned alive. “That means there are Olivets out there, but we have no idea who they are.”

  “Do you think they’re the ones responsible for building the mausoleum?” I asked, an involuntary chill going down my spine. If there were more Olivets out there and they shared Genevieve’s blood, our enemy pool could be massive … and powerful.

  “That’s a possibility,” Cillian said. “It’s also a possibility that the mausoleum was insured and the cemetery rebuilt the structure. Either way, we need to figure out who wanted it built and why.”

  “We also need to find out where that door goes,” I added. “Is there a way we can get our hands on the blueprints?”

  Cillian shrugged. “I guess it depends on whether the building plans were filed with the city,” he said. “I’m not sure what restrictions are placed on mausoleums. I can find out, though.”

  “You should also check out the name John Anderson,” Redmond said. “That was the only tomb inside, and it was placed there a little more than a week ago. There was a plaque already, which I find suspicious.”

  “I find the whole thing suspicious,” Dad said. “I’m also concerned about the fact that none of the Grimley bodies have turned up. They have to be somewhere. We need to find out where.”

  I opened my mouth to question why we needed to find the bodies but caught a hint of movement on the other side of the ajar door. Since Braden and Aidan were still working, I knew exactly who the shadow belonged to. The house staff would never eavesdrop outside my father’s office door. They knew better.

  I didn’t say anything as I got to my feet, ignoring my father’s curious stare as I stepped through the door and looked at the space behind it. Serena, her hair pulled back in a ponytail, had the grace to look apologetic when we locked gazes.

  “What’s going on?”

  “Um … .” Serena licked her lips, her mind clearly working overtime. “I wasn’t listening. I swear it.”

  I didn’t believe her. “Uh-huh. Do you need something?”

  “I was just wondering where everyone went to,” Serena said, taking on the air of faux innocence only a teenager girl can master. “I heard voices and went to see … and then I saw you were busy and didn’t want to interrupt.”

  She was good, but I was better at her age. “If you want to know what’s going on, you’re welcome to join us,” I offered. “This involves you as much as it does us. Technically, it involves you more”

  “Does it?” Serena’s eyes clouded. “I don’t feel as if I’m doing anything to help my family. I feel removed from everything that’s going on … and that makes me feel guilty and ashamed.”

  My heart went out to her. She was in an impossible situation. Any decision she made could prove disastrous. “Why don’t we sit?” I suggested, gesturing toward the bench against the wall a few feet away. I followed her to it and got comfortable before continuing. “I know this is hard for you. I’m not certain we’ve been very good about making sure you’re comfortable and that you understand what’s going on. For that, I’m sorry.”

  “You’ve all been great,” Serena said. “You’ve made me feel like part of the family.”

  “Given how we treat each other, that could be considered mildly insulting.”

  Serena giggled. “You’ve all been great to me,” she said. “I don’t know what I would’ve done if you hadn’t taken me in that day. I’d probably be dead.”

  “I don’t think that’s true,” I said. “You’re strong. You’re a lot stronger than you give yourself credit for. I know how it feels to be in your shoes. Er, well, not exactly in your shoes. I know how it feels to be the baby girl in a family, though.

  “You went from everyone being overbearing when they took care of you to being on your own,” I continued. “When you’re sixteen, all you want to do is grow up. I know I was that way. For
me, growing up meant doing whatever I wanted to do.

  “I got sick of hearing my father boss me around and it only got worse after my mother died,” I said. “When I was a kid, whenever I wanted something I went to him and whenever I wanted to go somewhere I went to her. He was overprotective and yet often indulgent. She was more … moderate. Everyone spoiled me, though.

  “I could blame it on being a girl – and I definitely think that’s part of it – but I was also the baby,” I said. “You were in the same position. Only you didn’t have as many brothers. While it probably seemed appealing to grow up before you were ready when they were around to annoy you, that dream feels daunting now, doesn’t it?”

  Serena’s eyes filled with tears as she pressed her lips together and nodded. “I never thought I would miss my brothers, but I do. Somehow I think I might even miss them the most. Does that make sense?”

  I nodded as I fought off the burning sensation in my eyes. I had no idea why I felt like crying, but I did. “I think it’s because people grow up knowing that their parents aren’t supposed to outlive them,” I offered. “My father was a mess when my mother died, but it would’ve been a lot worse if one of us died. I’m not sure he could’ve survived that.

  “For your parents, I’m not sure what happened or who … fell … first, but your parents would’ve gladly given their lives to protect your brothers,” I continued. “Right now, the only thing we seem to know for certain is that your father is dead because you saw him. I don’t want to give you false hope, but we don’t know what happened to your mother and brothers yet.

  “I know what it’s like to mourn someone and then have them return,” I said. “It’s … harder. As much as you miss your parents and brothers, though, they would be happy to know you escaped. You’re their legacy. You’re the future of the Grimley family.”

  Serena swiped at a tear but others coursed down her cheeks faster than she could get to them. “I don’t want to be the future of the family. I want them back.”

  “I know. It’s hard to grow up before you’re ready. You’re straddling a very fine line and I’m not sure you’re ready to cross it. It didn’t happen to me until a few months ago and I’m still not sure of what I’m doing. I have my brothers and father, which is nice, but you can’t let the fear and grief overwhelm you.”

  “What am I supposed to do?”

  “We’re still trying to figure that out,” I replied. “You’re not alone in this. You also don’t have to be in the dark. If you have questions, you need to ask them. We’ll all answer to the best of our ability. If we don’t know, we’ll tell you that.”

  “Do you think my brothers could be alive?” Serena’s expression reflected so much hope it almost crushed me.

  I opted for honesty. “I can’t figure out any scenario in which they’d be alive,” I said, my heart constricting as her sobs deepened. “I didn’t see any scenario where my mother could be alive either, though. You can’t rule it out, but you have to prepare yourself for the worst.”

  “Do you think we’ll find them?”

  “I don’t know.”

  “Do you think I’ll be able to avenge them?”

  “I don’t know.” It was a lame answer, but I refused to lie to her. “We’ll do our best to find them. We’ll try to make those responsible pay. As for the rest … I simply don’t know.

  “The only thing I do know is that your parents would be proud of you,” I continued. “You survived and found help. You’re going to have a future because of your strength. That’s a testament to them.”

  Serena nodded as she pressed her hand to her cheek. “Thank you.”

  “There are no thanks necessary. You’re part of the family now. You might’ve lost them, but you’ll always have us. I promise.”

  “Thank you.” Serena’s shoulders shook as she shakily got to her feet. “I’m going to go upstairs for a few minutes … maybe wash my face. I’ll join you in the office when I’m done.”

  “Okay.” I watched her go, a bottomless pit of angst threatening to swallow me until I felt a presence near the office door. When I shifted my eyes, I found Dad watching me. “I … she’ll be back down in a few minutes.”

  “I heard,” Dad said. “Aisling … .”

  “She has a right to be involved, Dad.”

  “I wasn’t going to argue that point,” Dad said. “I was only going to say that … what you did for that girl, well, it was wonderful. I don’t know when it happened, but you’ve grown into a marvelous woman. Somehow I missed that, because when I turned my back you were a naughty child and now you’re … something else entirely.”

  My tears were back and threatening to spill. “Thank you.”

  “When you were little I never wanted you to grow up,” Dad said. “Then I worried you never would because I spoiled you. Now, though, you never cease to amaze me, kid.”

  “I didn’t do anything.”

  “You did something,” Dad said. “I hate to say it, but I think Griffin has been good for you. He’s tempered your anger and made you think about other people’s feelings instead of your own in times of trouble.”

  “He’s a good man.”

  “He is,” Dad agreed. “You’re a good woman, so you two deserve each other.”

  I shook my head as I stood. “I’m not sure I can take a big schmaltzy scene,” I said. “She’s sad and she’s going to break down at some point. We need to watch her.”

  “I’m not a fan of the schmaltz either, but I’m not done,” Dad said. “You’re strong and brave and you’ll make a wonderful mother someday. I believe that and I feel like saying it … so there you are.”

  I opened my mouth to argue but he didn’t let me get a word in.

  “I’m still going to cut off Griffin’s hands,” Dad said. “He can be a great influence without his hands.”

  I snorted as I leaned closer to him, briefly pressing my forehead to his chest before taking a step back. “Thank you for that.”

  “Dad ruffled my hair. “You are the princess, after all.”

  “If that’s true, can I have some ice cream?”

  “Not before dinner.”

  “A true princess would get ice cream whenever she wants it.”

  Dad blew out a long-suffering sigh. “One scoop.”

  “Can I get sprinkles, too?”

  “Don’t push your luck, Aisling.”

  23

  Twenty-Three

  Griffin was late getting home from work. He texted that he was picking up dinner and would get home as soon as possible. With nothing better to do while I waited, I opted to tackle arranging the kitchen.

  I’m not much of a cook, and when I started putting things away I realized we lacked basic necessities. Jerry did all the cooking when we lived together. Griffin and I didn’t even own mixing bowls or spatulas. I started a list as I cleaned and put things away. Before I realized what time it was, the clock on the microwave blinked eight and my stomach growled louder. Thankfully that’s when Griffin walked through the door, heading off a mutiny.

  “Finally.” I hurried to him and grabbed the bag of takeout from his hand. “I’m dying.”

  Griffin chuckled hoarsely. “And here I thought you were happy to see me.”

  “That, too. I’m starving, though.”

  I carried the food into the kitchen, smirking when Griffin let loose with a long whistle when he caught sight of all of my hard work. “You’ve been busy.”

  “Yes, I’m a slave to making our new home comfortable.”

  “Really?”

  “I was bored.”

  Griffin snorted and dropped a kiss on my cheek before shrugging out of his coat and placing it on the back of one of the small dinette chairs. He had the set in his apartment, which was lucky because Jerry picked out the one in our place and there was no way he was going to give it up.

  “What did you do today after I left you?” Griffin asked, sitting at the table and opening his food container. “Did you spend the rest of
the day at Grimlock Manor?”

  I knew he was asking out of legitimate curiosity, but there was also an underlying tension to the question. “If you’re wondering if I was careful, yes. I didn’t get in any trouble. You can rest easy. I behaved myself the entire afternoon.”

  “You’re trouble all on your own,” Griffin said, tickling my side as I sat. “I was asking because I want to hear about your day. That’s what couples who live together do. I ask about your day and then you ask about mine.”

  “Oh, so we’re like a sitcom couple now, huh?”

  “If that’s how you want to look at it.”

  “I didn’t do much of anything,” I said. “Cillian says that symbol has been found on Olivet property and correspondence for centuries. One of the soda manufacturing plants downtown has the symbol. He doesn’t know what it means and we have no idea who rebuilt the mausoleum.

  “He’s going to pull construction records tomorrow if they’re available,” I continued. “Other than that, it was a boring afternoon. Oh, well, except for the fact that Dad was holding my phone to look at the photos when you sent that dirty text and he was the first to read it.”

  Griffin’s cheeks colored as he pursed his lips.

  “He says he’s going to cut off your hands because you can still be a good man without them,” I added. “He was totally ticked off.”

  “I didn’t even think about that when I sent it,” Griffin admitted, pressing the heel of his hand to his forehead. “I was bored and thinking about you and I sent it because I knew it would make you laugh.”

  “Yes, well, Dad didn’t laugh.”

  “How long will he be angry?”

  I shrugged. “He’s mostly over it,” I answered. “He heard me having a heart-to-heart talk with Serena and then he got all mushy because he thinks I’ve grown into a marvelous woman. Those were his words, mind you. I don’t see myself that way.”