“Robin, I’m sorry for not realizing this sooner so I could have saved us both the pain and heartache.”
“Whatever.”
“Have a good life.”
“You can bet I will. You’re not the only billionaire I know.” She hung up.
Billionaire? Brooke sucked in a fast breath. Justin had mentioned he was rich, but... a billionaire?
Her first instinct was to get angry and hateful. Once again, she discovered another secret that he withheld. What else had he lied about?
But then... he had mentioned he wanted her to get to know him as Justin, not the man who’d been Robin’s fiancé. So maybe that was why he didn’t tell Brooke about his very large bank account.
And really, money didn’t make the man. He could be dirt poor, and she wouldn’t care.
Surprisingly, a great weight lifted from Brooke’s shoulders. She was also relieved to know he’d actually called Robin and confessed his feelings. But now... now he had to call Uncle Tony. Brooke’s uncle was not a good man at all and going up against him took a lot of guts.
She dared to peek in on him. He sat on the edge of the bed with his back toward her. His head in his hands while the points of his elbows rested on his knees. He looked so dejected.
A pang of guilt wrenched through her chest. Was he really the man she’d accused him of being? So, he didn’t tell her his identity. And yet, she now understood why he’d kept it a secret. He was right to think she wouldn’t have gotten to know him for the true man he was. She would have only seen the man who was going to marry her cousin.
Within seconds Justin’s cell phone rang and he answered it, keeping it on speaker. “Hello?”
“Monroe, you scum!” Brad chuckled. “Why did you hang up on me?”
“Sorry. You’d caught me at a bad time.” He rubbed his forehead. “Did you find out anymore?” Justin asked.
“Yes. This may or may not come as a shock, but Tony Pierpont’s henchman, Snakes, is wanted by the police in Mexico.”
Justin straightened. “Why haven’t the police taken him away?”
“Because someone – whom I need not name – is paying them off,” Brad said angrily. “Luckily, I have higher connections. I’ve sent word to my people about Snakes’ location. If all goes smoothly, he’ll be taken into custody within the week.”
Justin shook his head. “What about Pierpont?”
“Well, Robin’s dad is going to be a little harder to arrest. There’s proof about Snakes being an illegal, but what proof do we have that Tony is doing anything unlawful?”
Justin grumbled and raked his fingers through his hair. “Nothing. It’s just my word against his about what I’d overheard before I left the wedding rehearsal.”
The helplessness in his voice tore at Brooke’s heart. Justin didn’t have any solid proof, but she did.
She pulled back around to the hallway and faced the wall, pressing her head against the hard wood. Guilt swept through her, harder this time, and so did panic. She had something that would get her uncle put away for years, and maybe they’d throw away the key and never let him out. The question was, did she have the courage to show it to anyone? For years she hadn’t dared go against Robin and especially Tony Pierpont. They were too powerful and had too many connections.
If Brooke turned her uncle in, would her life be in danger? She groaned as her head throbbed with indecision. But keeping the evidence from Justin and the police wasn’t the right thing to do, either.
ELEVEN
“JUSTIN?”
The sweet voice behind him pulled Justin from his conversation. He turned on the bed and faced Brooke, standing in the doorway, looking so beautiful. She clutched her hands to her stomach.
“Hold on a moment, Brad,” Justin told his friend on the phone before smiling at Brooke. “What is it, angel?”
Slowly she walked to him and stopped in front of him, touching his arm. “I think I can help you with Uncle Tony.”
He arched an eyebrow. “You can?”
“I know something that can put my uncle in the slammer.”
“Really?”
“He smuggles illegal immigrants over the border, which is how Snakes came to work for him. He hires them, so he can get away with not paying them a full wage.”
“Are you kidding me?” Justin’s heart hammered. He grasped her hands as excitement shot through him. There might be hope in getting Tony arrested after all.
“And, there’s more.” Her smile widened. “He gives them fake ID’s and social security numbers.”
“How do you know all of this?” he asked in unbelief.
“One day in my uncle’s den, I stumbled across the fake ID’s.”
“Why didn’t you turn him in?”
“Ha! Are you kidding? You’ve said it yourself. He’s a powerful man. I knew I didn’t have a chance going up against him. I’m also afraid he’ll know it’s me and try to have me killed.”
Justin turned toward the cell phone still lying on the night stand. “Brad. Did you hear all that? Is there any way we can protect Brooke?”
“Yes, I heard every word,” Brad answered. “Tell your angel she doesn’t have anything to worry about. I have the connections who will scope Tony Pierpont’s butt so close he’d think he was getting a colonoscopy. Not only that, but the Feds have ways of keeping both of you safe.”
Justin grinned and stroked Brooke’s cheek. She snuggled against him and smiled. His heart leapt, as did his hopes. By her actions, he got the impression that she had forgiven him. He prayed he was right.
He winked at her. “Now we just need to get some proof.”
They sighed at the same time. Brooke sat on the bed next to him. They were both quiet for several moments. Even Brad was quiet.
Brooke inhaled a shaky breath, breaking the silence. “I will be able to get the proof.”
Panic grew inside of Justin, and his heart hammered a frantic beat. Brooke’s face had lost color and she appeared frightened. He was afraid to ask exactly how she would get the proof.
“You can get it?” Brad asked from the phone.
Brooke’s gaze was glued to Justin’s, and she nodded. “But it will mean going to my uncle’s house and—”
“No,” Justin said quickly. “I won’t have you putting your life on the line.”
She gave him a gracious smile and touched his arm. “Justin, I’ll take my sister with me when we go to Uncle Tony’s. We can use the excuse that we’re trying to comfort Robin in her time of need. And I’ll wait until my uncle leaves the house. He’s not there all the time.”
Justin shook his head. “It’s too dangerous.”
“Justin?” Brad said. “I’ll make sure that one of my friends is watching the house to make sure she’s safe.”
His heart raced. She’d be in grave danger. They’d all be in danger. But men like Snakes and Tony needed to be stopped. “Who is this friend of yours, Brad?”
Brad chuckled on the other end of the phone. “Let’s just say he’s very good with a gun... and he owes me a favor.”
“Justin.” Brooke turned to him and stroked the side of his face. “I’m the only one who can do this, and you know it. I’ll be careful.”
“I’ll be outside the house watching closely, too,” he said in a tight voice. “I won’t let anyone harm you ever again.”
“Okay,” Brad said in an excited voice, “let’s get this thing rolling. I’ll call my friend and let him know. Of course, we’ll have to wait until both of you return to civilization.”
“We’re coming home today,” Justin answered, matter-of-factly.
Brooke’s eyes widened in surprise. “Today? Are you sure we’ll be able to get back down the mountain?”
He grinned. “Now that the storm has passed, I’m having my helicopter pick us up.”
She gasped and clutched his arm. “You have a helicopter?”
Brad’s laughter rang from the other side of the phone. “Why didn’t I think of that?”
Justin nodded
. “Yes, angel. I have a helicopter... and a small plane.”
She closed her eyes and rubbed her forehead. “Oh, this is too much...”
“Brad,” Justin said as he took Brooke into his arms, “call your friend. I want this over and done with as soon as possible.”
“Okay. I’ll talk to you when you get back.”
Brooke pulled away enough to meet his stare. He stroked her soft cheek, trying to comfort her.
“You really shouldn’t do this,” he said.
“I should have done this when I first noticed the fake ID’s in his office.”
“But angel,” he slid his hand gently down her neck, “you’ll be in Robin’s presence. She’s hurt you too much, and I don’t want her to hurt you again.”
Brooke took a shaky breath. “Tiffany will be there with me. Robin is rarely mean when Tiffany is around. My cousin is only extremely rude when nobody else is around.”
“I wish I could go with you.”
Brook shook her head. “It’ll be better if you’re not there.”
“I’ll be there.” He nodded. “But I’ll hide somewhere in their yard.”
“Thank you.” Her eyes blinked quickly as liquid gathered. “Justin, you don’t know how much it means to me that you want to protect me.”
His heart softened toward this amazing woman, and he smiled. “You are trying to protect me by collecting the evidence, aren’t you?”
“Well... yes.”
“Then why can’t I want to protect you?”
She shrugged. “We may have just met yesterday, but I feel like I’ve known you much longer than a day.”
“I feel the same.”
He bent his head and kissed her. At first, their lips stroked each other’s softly, but soon, she deepened the kiss and pressed herself back into his arms. He pushed her back against the bed, making their kiss more comfortable. But soon, other enjoyable ideas floated into his head. Although he was sure she wouldn’t disagree, it was still wrong for them to take their relationship that far. He respected her, and he wanted her respect in return.
He broke the kiss and stared into her dreamy eyes. “As much as I’d like to continue this, you’d better go change your clothes back into what you were wearing yesterday at the rehearsal. The helicopter should be here soon.”
She nodded, sat up, and scooted off the bed. As she turned to leave, he grasped her hand.
“Are you sure you want to do this?” he asked. “Say the word, and we’ll find another way to get Tony arrested.”
Her beautiful face relaxed. “No, Justin. I want to do this. I need to do this, not only for you, but for myself. I need to find the strong woman I’d been before Chuck took it away from me.”
Justin smiled. “I’ll be here to help you.”
“I know, and your strength gives me more strength.”
“Then let’s do this.” He stood off the bed and took her hands in his. “Together.”
TWELVE
BROOKE’S WHOLE BODY trembled as she walked alongside her sister toward Uncle Tony’s luxurious home. As a child she’d been in awe of him and his wealth. Now... she pitied the man who had to break the law just to provide for his spoiled daughter and stuffy, arrogant wife.
During the drive here, Tiffany had chatted nonstop about Robin’s heartbreak, and the horrible man who’d broken Robin’s heart. Brooke tried to act sympathetic while listening to her sister, but she couldn’t stop the elation growing within her. Justin hadn’t been horrible when he dumped Robin. He’d been smart.
Brooke and her sister stopped on the porch. Tiffany was a foot taller than Brooke, but just as slender. Flipping a lock of her chestnut colored hair over her shoulder, Tiffany gave Brooke a stern look.
“Do not make Robin upset.”
Brooke managed to hold back the laugh that threatened to escape from her mouth. She nodded. “I don’t plan on doing that, Tiff. I’m not the monster people think I am.”
Sighing, Tiffany bundled the fur-lined collar of her coat tighter around her neck and turned toward the door. She pushed the doorbell. The fancy chime rang through the house. Seconds later, the speaker next to the doorbell crackled.
“Who is it,” Robin’s said dramatically, sounded as if she was ill and dying.
“Robbie, it’s me, Tiff.”
“I’m in the library.”
The buzzer at the door beeped before a loud click was heard. Tiffany pushed the door open and entered. Brooke hurried behind her sister and closed the door. Remembering the few times she’d been inside this house before, she braced herself for the overwhelming blast of the strongest cleaning chemicals she’d ever inhaled. She quickly covered her nose with her hand, slowly taking shallow breaths, until she could get accustomed to the foul odor.
Tiffany didn’t hesitate and headed for the library. Brooke had no idea why Robin called the room with a pool table, a big screen TV, and a sidebar, the library. If Brooke were to guess how many books were in that room, she’d be exaggerating to guess ten. There were probably less than that.
As they passed the small hallway where Uncle Tony’s study was located, Brooke glanced in that direction. Her stomach twisted, and the rhythm of her heart sped faster. She was so close, she couldn’t chicken out now.
They entered the library. Robin lay on the white couch, wearing black leggings over a knitted black tunic with scooped neck. The tall, blonde, model-looking woman hugged a pink teddy bear, with a box of tissues next to her. Sitting on the nearby coffee table was a box of milk chocolates. Robin had always bragged that her chocolates were imported from Switzerland, which was why she never shared.
Brooke rolled her eyes at her cousin’s pathetic display. Too bad Robin wasn’t an actress. She’d receive an Academy Award for her acting this time.
Sorrowful eyes looked at Tiffany as Robin’s pout deepened, but when she saw Brooke, her expression hardened.
“What is she doing here?” Robin snapped.
Tiffany hurried to their cousin and knelt by the couch. “Robbie, she’s here to give you support... just as I’m going to do.”
“Whatever.” Robin sat up and leaned over to retrieve a piece of chocolate.
Brooke cleared her throat. “I... feel just awful for what happened.” She breathed slowly. That sentence was very difficult to say. “If there is anything I can do—”
“Seriously? You?”
Robin’s voice rose three levels, and Brooke was surprised that a mirror didn’t crack, or a crystal didn’t shatter.
“Now, Robbie,” Tiffany said as she patted their cousin’s leg. “Give her a chance.”
Robin shot Brooke a murderous glare. Already Brooke could see her cousin was going to show her true colors in front of Tiffany. Maybe this might be an eye-opener for Brooke’s sister since she’d always taken Robin’s side.
“I’m more depressed than I’ve ever been before,” Robin retorted, “and you bring a... a... baby-killer to try and cheer me up?”
Brooke fisted her hands by her sides. Anger filled her quickly. She had promised Tiffany not to upset their cousin, but Robin had already reached a point in their conversation where Brooke couldn’t hold back her feelings any longer. She would not cower in front of her cousin ever again!
Brooke took two steps toward Robin before Tiffany threw Brooke a warning glare. She ignored her sister.
“I’ve held my tongue for too long.” Brooke lifted her chin, stubbornly. “Robin, I’m sick of the way you have spread gossip around town, and it’s going to stop... even if I have to stuff something in your lying mouth to do it.”
Robin huffed and rose to her feet. Her face turned red. “The slutty baby-killer is actually threatening me?”
“Not yet, I’m not.” Brooke folded her arms. “I have several witnesses who saw the bruises Chuck left on my body after he beat me in my apartment. Another witness is the neighbor who drove me to the hospital when I was having a miscarriage caused by his beating. I don’t know why you insist on spreading lies, but one o
f these days, they will catch up to you. In fact, I’m glad Justin Monroe dumped you, because now I know how intelligent the man really is.”
A louder gasp from Robin ripped through the air and she swung her head toward Tiffany. “Are you going to stand there and let her talk to me like this?”
Tiffany wrung her hands as her gaze jumped between Brooke and Robin.
“It doesn’t matter anymore.” Brooke swept her hand through the air. “Robin’s lies will no longer hurt me. In fact, I forgive you for everything you’ve ever said to me out of hate.”
“You forgive me?” Robin threw back her head and laughed. “Oh, that’s big of you.”
“Yes, I forgive you, because you are a mean and hateful person. But you can’t help it, can you? At least I’m kind to others. You will never be that way.” Brooke arched an eyebrow at her cousin. “It looks like I’m the better woman now. I’d like to hear you say something nice – and mean it – for once in your life.”
Robin growled and faced Tiffany. “If you don’t stop her, I swear to you now, I’ll—”
“Don’t worry,” Brooke cut her off. “I’m leaving.” She looked at her sister. “I’ll call for a taxi. You’d better stay here with Robin. She can’t handle it when other people prove they are better than her.”
Hurrying out of the room, Brooke’s breathing quickened, and it had nothing to do with what she’d planned on doing next. Where had she found the courage to say those things to Robin? But she knew her strength came from one source.
Justin Monroe – the man she’d fallen in love with.
Now she’d use her courage to complete her next plan of action, and she prayed her uncle didn’t come home and catch her. Brooke wasn’t sure if he killed family members or not...
So that no one could hear her booted heels click on the polished floor, Brooke took off her boots and carried them, tiptoeing to Uncle Tony’s study. She tested the doorknob, and just as she suspected, it was locked. But she also remembered where he hid the spare key.
Close to the door stood a table that held only a potted plant. She lifted the pot, and sure enough, the key was still in its hiding place.
The Billionaire's Secret (The Tycoons, #4) Page 8