“You mean like she was having an affair?”
He didn’t say anything, just nodded.
Annabelle didn’t believe it. “I realize there’s a lot about my mother I don’t know, but there is one thing I do know and that is my parents truly loved each other. She wouldn’t have cheated on my father. Whatever is in that note, it’s something else. And it just might be what got her killed.”
“Have you recalled meeting anyone by the name of Cosmo?”
“I’ve thought about it a lot and I have nothing.”
“You mentioned that you have a brother. Could you check with him?”
She pulled out her cell phone and pulled up her brother’s number. Thanks to palace security, they made sure that cell service was available down on the beach.
“What are you doing?” Grayson asked.
“Calling my brother like you asked.” The phone was already ringing. She held up a finger for Grayson to give her a minute.
Her brother’s familiar voice came over the phone. “Hey sis, now isn’t a good time to talk.”
“Is that any way to greet your only sibling?”
He sighed. “Sorry. It’s just that I’m late to meet Elena.”
“Is there something going on with you two?”
“Why do you always insist that something must be going on with me and Elena? Can’t we just be friends?”
“When Elena is gorgeous, not to mention an international runway model, no, you can’t just be friends. Her days as a tomboy are long gone. Don’t tell me you haven’t noticed because then I’ll have to take you to the eye doctor.”
“Sis, enough. We’re friends. Nothing more. Besides, you know I don’t do serious relationships.”
“And that’s what Elena wants?”
“I don’t know.”
“Are you in Paris?”
“Perhaps. Now, why did you call?”
She went on to ask him about the name on the note but made sure not to mention the cryptic message. Her gut told her to hold her cards close to her chest until she knew more.
Her brother didn’t recall meeting or hearing of anyone with that name. But it spiked his curiosity and she quickly diverted his attention. He might have his issues with their father, but that didn’t mean he wouldn’t inform their father of her activities if he thought it was for the best. He was yet another protective male in her life. She was surrounded by them.
As soon as she disconnected the phone, Grayson asked, “So what did he say?”
“He’s never heard the name. So does that help or hinder us?”
“It doesn’t help us. But it shouldn’t hurt us if it truly is a code.”
“Oh, good. At last, my family will have some answers.”
“Don’t go getting your hopes up.” Grayson looked very serious in that moment. “I’ve been known to be wrong. I haven’t started working with it.”
Annabelle stopped walking. “Well, what are you waiting for? The note is back the other way.”
“You mean you want to work on it now?”
“Maybe my father was right. Maybe there is more to my mother’s death than a mugging. Either way, I need to know. I owe my mother that much.”