TOTAL ECLIPSE: The Evolution (Sin City Heat Series Book 7) by S. K. Hardy Page B

rang out full of incredulity. “But that’s what she told you, isn’t it? Well, let me assure you, nothing could be further from the truth. I came upon Tina dancing in a strip club I owned at the time. By the time I met her, she was an accomplished liar who knew what she wanted, which happened to be me. She knew I could give her the kind of lifestyle she craved. However, I’m sure she only divulged a distorted version of events as she chose to relay them to you. I’d bet my fortune, that’s the story she told you and Lorenzo. Now…tell me I’m wrong.”  

CHAPTER 7
     
     
    “Let me get this straight, you expect me to believe your distorted version instead of hers. Is that it?” Darrell snorted, dismissing the suggestion altogether. “I guess you never sent anyone after her when she threatened to tell your wife about the two of you either, right?”
    “Did she say that?” Isaac’s booming laughter trickled off to a couple of chuckles. “Darrell, from the very beginning, my wife knew about Tina, and Tina knew about my wife. I told you she was an accomplished liar. Looks like she got better with practice.”
    “As I said, it don’t matter now, does it?”
    Lorenzo’s gaze sharpened as he listened in. “What’s he saying?”
    “A bunch of bullshit,” Darrell sneered.
    “What if I told you I had proof?” Isaac countered in a taunting voice.
    Darrell was quiet for a moment, his mind racing. “What kind of proof?”
    “Come to New York and I’ll show you.”
    Genuine laughter burst from Darrell. “You want me to come to New York,” he repeated. “Uh, let’s see. That would be a no.”
    “I think it’s only fair that you give me a chance to tell my side.”
    “To be honest, I really don’t give a damn what you got to say. The only thing I want you to do is stay away from my family. There doesn’t have to be a problem unless you make one. Again for the record…” Darrell’s eyes fastened on to Angel. “I understand family looks out for family, but please believe, even if I was in it alone, I would handle mine with no problem. That’s one of life’s lessons I learned early on.”
    The absence of any sound or movement stretched out until Darrell wondered if Isaac had hung up. But suddenly, he heard a low chuckle that turned into a guffaw of amused laughter.
    “You are definitely my son. A Pattel through and through. I’ll have to offer my apologies to Angelo. I see why he thinks so highly of you now.”
    “I’m a Monroe. Always will be.”
    “A mere technicality. It doesn’t change the facts of your bloodline. You may not be open to the idea of meeting the other side of your family…yet…but I have no doubt your curiosity to find out the truth about Tina will eventually overcome your reservations. I’m betting it won’t take very long. When you’re ready, I’ll be waiting. Tell Lorenzo I’ll speak to him later.”
    Isaac hung up before Darrell could respond. He grinded his teeth at the arrogance he’d heard in Isaac’s voice.
    “What the hell was that all about?” Lorenzo asked, taking the phone from Darrell.
    “Like I said, a bunch of bullshit.” Darrell reached for his glass and tossed back the rest of his whiskey. “I don’t believe a word he says. Yeah, I know Tina is suspect as hell, but quite honestly, I don’t trust either one of them.”
    “Maybe you should just think about doing as he asks, Darrell,” Angel advised quietly.
    Darrell’s expression told him what he thought about that suggestion. “Come on, Angel, seriously?”
    “I’m very serious. When I spoke to Isaac a couple of days ago, he was adamant about not wanting any type of communication with you. The conversation I heard on this end sounded like a complete about face. For him to go so far as to ask you to come to New York shocks the hell out of me.”
    “That doesn’t mean I’m going to jump because he’s had a change of heart.”
    “There are three sides to the story, Tina’s, Isaac’s,