Beyond the Edge (the Knight Series Book 3)

by Mari Brown

  It makes sense Justin would want to take his frustration out on the kid. Hell, his life is being turned upside down.

  “Come on, let’s head back downstairs.” Justin follows me but he brings the bottle with him. I have a feeling that Justin is going to be wasted before too much longer. I can’t blame him; in his place, I’d probably do the same thing.

  “Cole?” I hear my wife’s voice call from somewhere downstairs.

  “Upstairs…we on our way down.”

  “Hey, it’s my favorite sister in law.” Justin slurs. I wonder just how much of that bottle he has had.

  “Come on man…” I usher Justin down the stairs with me. Rocco and Kat stand in the middle of the floor. Kat looks up as she hears us enter the room.

  “Has he been drinking?” she asks eying the bottle in Justin’s hand.

  “Just a little...” I answer her sarcastically.

  Rocco takes Justin with him to the waiting car. Kat stands looking around the empty bar.

  “We have to decide what to do about the club.”

  “I know.” A part of me hates the idea of closing the upstairs but I think it’s the only thing we can do. Maybe we can open another BDSM club at another time. “I think we need to move everything upstairs into storage.” I run a hand along the smooth tabletop closet to me. “Remodel the second floor make it part of the regular club.”

  Kat gives me a sad smile “I hate to see that happen but I think it’s for the best.” Her eyes move around the room. “I think we can turn that space into a VIP floor with two-way glass that allows them to look down on the first floor but keeps them hidden from prying eyes.”

  “That’s a great idea, Kitten. Guess it’s something we can work on in the office next week.” I grab her hand in mine and begin leading her out to the car “Let’s go deal with drunk Justin.”

  The ride home is interesting as Justin keeps drinking. By the time we reach the mansion the bottle is empty. Rocco has to help him inside. My father greets us as we start up the stairs with Justin.

  “Is he drunk?”

  “Yes… apparently he cracked a little under the pressure.” I tell my father. He only nods his head at me. “We found the employee who allowed Ruth in.”

  “Oh?” my dad calls from the bottom of the stairs.

  “Kat can fill you in. She’s in the family room.” I watch as my dad heads off to find my wife. Rocco and I continue up the stairs with Justin.

  We struggle to get him in his room. He no longer can stand steady on his own two feet. We toss him onto his bed. Rocco pulls off Justin’s shoes tossing them on the floor.

  “Sleep it off, little brother.” I can’t be upset with Justin. I understand that this situation is tough for him. It’s hard on all of us but it’s his life that is hanging in the balance. My anger begins to build again as I think about this Ruth woman. I want to know what her motive was for setting up Justin. It wasn’t money or she would have come to us not the police.

  Rocco and I walk back downstairs with one another.

  “Pete took that guy to the barn.” My hand trails the banister as we walk. “I want to head over there and start questioning him.”

  “Want me tagging along?” Rocco asks. “Or do I need to stay with Kat?”

  “I want Kat and you going with me.” Rocco’s face is clearly surprised at the mention of taking Kat with us. “My wife is tough. She can handle the barn.”

  He nods his head “Yeah, she can… more than anyone I know.” We enter the family room to find Kat and my dad talking quietly with one another. Seth is playing a video game on the TV. Pride swells in me as I look upon my family. The love and loyalty that bonds us is unbreakable.

  “Katarina told me about this Bart.” My dad says when he sees me. “What are your plans?”

  “Not real sure yet. Pete has him at the barn right now.” I sit down next to my wife. I place my hand on her upper leg, letting it rest against her warm flesh. “Rocco, Kat and I will head over in a bit. First. I want to stop and talk to Hunter.”

  “Life is insane right now.” Kat says. “Justin being framed, getting married, finding out who my biological father is.”

  I place my hand on Kat’s shoulder, “Kitten we will get through this together, as a couple.” Glancing at my father I add, “and as a family.”

  “Katarina, my son is right we will get through all of this as a family. When you’re ready you need to meet with Warren. He’s a good man. I find it hard to believe he knew about you and didn’t have contact with you.”

  I give her shoulder a gentle squeeze under my hand. I want her to know I’m here for her no matter what. It doesn’t matter if its big or small.

  My eyes travel to Seth playing his game. I get lost watching him lead a solider through a war torn area. He is shooting at his enemies with skill and precision. Sadly, he’s probably going to have to learn to do it for real one day as well. This family will never be able to live a normal life. No matter that the majority of the organization is legit. The parts that aren’t are dangerous. We always have someone wanting our slice of the pie. There will always be enemies. It’s just a part of the lifestyle.

  There is no rush to head to the barn. It’s actually better to make the kid sweat some more. It seems to work well for getting him to talk. Not the he is all that savvy anyway. He is not the sharpest tool in the shed, that’s for sure. I have little doubt he just let his cousin in believing he was just sneaking her into the sex club. However, I’m not sure Ruth was all that innocent. The only problem is she is dead and can’t answer questions. Hunter was going to have to do some digging to get us answers.

  I glance at Kat and smile. She looks over at me when she feels me watching her and returns my smile. I want to be there for her when she deals with Warren Richmond. I am hoping that we don’t find out he knew about her and just left her living in abusive conditions all those years. I’ll be very disappointed. I also can’t help but think that Landon being Kat’s half-brother will be a huge asset to us in the future. It will be nice to not just have a politician in our pocket but one that is family. I have a feeling Kat is going to have a brother and sister who are part of her life even if her father isn’t. I know Nancy will be all over it. She already loves Kat.

  Life is ever changing. I have to be prepared for anything. Even though I want Kat by my side for everything, it’s still my job as her husband to protect her and take care of her. She will always be a priority to me. No one or nothing will ever change that.

  Chapter 33

  Kat

  The last few weeks have been a whirlwind of emotions. I married my soul mate. I saw my mother for the first time in six years and she dropped a bombshell about my biological father, Warren Richmond! I didn’t know if this was going to be a good thing or not. I’m nervous but I want to talk to him. I have to know if he knew or was kept in the dark all these years. There was no doubt of our relation. The illegally obtained DNA from the wedding reception proved it medically.

  Cole and I were meeting with Warren at Tony’s. My stomach was rolling over and over from the nerves. I made sure that when I made the reservations I requested Rachel be our server. I tried to make things as comforting as I could for what is sure to be a chaotic meal.

  “Kitten…” Cole’s soft voice calls my name. “It’s going to be fine no matter what happens.” His hand pats my leg.

  I appreciate Cole’s willingness to be here for me. It’s how a relationship should be between us. The one thing I was happy about was that Warren didn’t hesitate to meet with Cole and I. That led me to believe he didn’t have anything to hide or didn’t know who I really was.

  The hostess greets us warmly as we walk in. “Your table is ready and your guest is already waiting for you.” She leads us to the back of the room.

  Once we are closer to the table Warren stands to greet us. He gives Cole a firm handshake before turning to me and grabbing my hand bringing to his lips. “It’s a pleasure seeing both of you again. However, I’m curious
to why you two wanted lunch with this old man.”

  His directness reminds me of myself. I am going to drive myself crazy looking for similarities between us.

  “Let’s sit.” Cole speaks up. “Kat will explain the reason for this meeting.” Cole pushes my chair in. I smile at him. I’m grateful I get to spend the rest of my life with.

  “Thank you for meeting with me.” I pause as it dawns on me I’m not sure what to call this man who is my father I’ve never known. “I came into some information the day of my wedding. The honeymoon postponed the time I could research and make sure I had facts.

  Warren’s eyebrows are furrowed as he focuses on me. “What kind of information?” he doesn’t hide his curiosity.

  I have an estranged relationship with my mother. She thought it would be fantastic to crash my wedding and drop a bombshell on me.” Taking a breath, I continue. “It seemed it was time I learned who my biological father is.”

  His mouth turns down. “I don’t understand. What does this have to do with me?”

  “My mother is Diana Roberts.” His mouth falls open eyes wide. The shock is evident on his face.

  “Why wouldn’t she tell me?” he murmurs quietly,“I don’t understand…”

  I cut my eyes to Cole. He’s quietly observing the exchange between Warren and I. “You aren’t questioning me?”

  “I may not know you, but I know about you. You wouldn’t be talking to me if you didn’t already have proof.” Warren responds to me.

  Reaching into my purse I draw out the envelope that hold the DNA results. He pulls the paper out and scans the summary page. A slow grin forms on his lips. “Well…. I have another daughter, one I was denied the pleasure of making a part of my life.”

  “I’m trying to figure out why my mother didn’t use this information years ago to blackmail you.”

  “The Diana I knew wasn’t like that.” He scratches the back of his head. “She was my secretary. We spent a lot of time together. One thing led to another and we soon were in love. Then one day she just disappeared. He looks lost in a thought for a moment. “In the beginning, I tried calling but her number was disconnected. I went by her apartment, it was empty. I had lost the woman I loved. I was married and I couldn’t change that.”

  I’ve met his wife. It’s not surprising that she would be able to trap him into staying in a loveless marriage. She is a very shrewd woman. I can’t imagine she would let anything stand in the way of remaining Mrs. Warren Richmond. An idea pops in my head. “Do you think it’s possible your wife knew all along?

  “What?” he asks. “You think she knew all these years?”

  “It’s a possibility. Your wife is smart and I can tell you she doesn’t like me at all. I knew that from our first meeting.”

  “At the time you knew Diana, would you say it was like her to up and disappear like she did?” Cole finally speaks for the first time. His glass of wine is poised in the air.

  “No. Honestly, she was sweet. So loving. It was nice to have someone like that in my life. Warm and caring.” Warren describes a woman I don’t recognize at all. “She doted on her son. And was close with her family.”

  “Family?” I blurt.

  “Yes, her mom and sister lived in the area at the time. I even tried contacting her sister but never could find her.”

  This was all new to me. Drew and I never had a clue we had family that lived in Belmont at any point. Or maybe Drew just was too young to remember them. This is a lot of information to take in. Warren describes a Diana Roberts I have never met. The one I knew was cold and hateful. It’s like we are talking about two different women.

  “I’m at a loss for words right now.” I say, “You’re describing a different woman from the one I grew up with.”

  “I’d like the opportunity to get to know you. I want to know everything I missed. His smile causes a warm sensation to crawl over my body.

  Cole’s hand grips my knee in a gesture of comfort and support. I swallow the lump in my throat. “I’d like that.”

  We continue our lunch at a leisurely pace. Cole and I share about how we first started dating, the time I was at UCLA and coming back to Belmont. I avoid any discussion of my mother or anything to do with my childhood before the Knights took me in. I want to ignore that subject as long as I can.

  “I’d like to have time to talk with my family. I want the kids to know you’re their half-sister. I also think I need to have some discussion with my wife.” He scratches the back of his head. “She has a lot of explaining to do. She went way to far keeping you away from me.”

  It’s then I realize he believes without a doubt his wife kept him in the dark all these years. My fear is that she is going to do everything she can to keep her kids and Warren from getting to know me. I can handle that bitch when the time comes.

  Rachel comes to the table and clears away all of the dishes. “Can I refill your drinks?”

  “No, we have to head back to the office” Cole replies to her.

  I smile at her, hating I didn’t talk to her much. “Rachel, will you be at the soccer game tomorrow?”

  “Yeah, I will”

  “Good! We can catch up then.” I’ve been so preoccupied with my meeting with Warren I didn’t talk to her as much as I normally do.

  Cole and I head back to the office after lunch. We have a meeting with some of the staff to discuss the renovations of Knight’s Castle. Cole already had some men clear out the furniture and equipment from the second floor and it now sits in one of the storage buildings at the Yard. The club is getting a whole new makeover and name before we have a grand re-opening scheduled six months from now.

  “That went really well.” Cole finally says of our lunch.

  “It did. I’m glad he is open to a relationship; that he wants to introduce me to Landon and Nancy as their half-sister.” I lean my head back against the seat and close my eyes, letting myself relax fully. “I’m not too worried about Landon and Nancy’s reception of me Their mother is going to be a problem.”

  “She’s not one you can’t handle.” Cole says with confidence. His support meant so much to me. When we first dated he tried treating me much like he does Julie, like a delicate china doll. He forgot I had been taking care of myself for a long time. Deep down I was thrilled Cole wanted to take care of me and protect me but I tried to hide it from him. I didn’t want him to view me as weak. I hope to learn balance between the two.

  Cole is just like the rest of the men in the Knight organization. The men in the organization have an old fashioned notion of a woman’s place and it’s not with a smoking gun in her hand. Yet, they were all readily accepting me in that very roll. I had earned the respect of the men with the way I handled several situations since I have been back in Belmont.

  “Yeah…I’m sure I can handle her just fine.” I agree with him. I’m a fighter, a survivor. Nothing will ever stop me from what I want in life.

  Gracie is pacing in front of the elevator when we return from lunch.

  “Everything okay?” I ask our assistant.

  “Ummm…” she rubs a hand across her cheek. “There is a woman in the lobby to see you Kat. She refused to leave”

  “Do you have a name?” I question.

  “Mrs. Richmond.” I turn to Cole giving him a look

  “Why is she here?” Cole asks.

  I have a good idea what she wants, and I prepare myself mentally as I step into the lobby.

  “Mrs. Richmond, what can I do for you?”

  “I spent a lot of money the last twenty-three years to keep my husband from finding out about your existence.” Her chin is held high. “You had to marry well and show up in our lives anyway.” She can’t hide the bitterness in her tone.

  Cole’s arms wrap around me from behind and I’m thankful for that because I let out a long sigh. “Maybe you shouldn’t have been a scheming bitch.”

  “You dare talk to me that way.” her face reddens as she glares at me. “Who do you think you are?�
��

  “Apparently, I’m the daughter of Warren Richmond.” I can’t help the glibness to my tone. “The cat is out of the bag. You are going to have to face the consequences of what you did.” Ann Richmond cannot intimidate me. She doesn’t scare me. I will not fade into the background quietly.

  “This could ruin Landon’s political aspirations!” she screeches.

  “Are you effing kidding me right now?” squeezing my eyes shut I try to focus my thoughts. “I’m not the scandal in this situation, you are. When it comes out his half-sister is married to Cole Knight it will only help elevate his status.” I take a breath. “If his campaign manager is any good he will be able to spin this where Landon gets all the sympathy.”

  “You’re insufferable” the arrogant tone chastises me. “You insolent twit…”

  “That’s enough.” Cole's stern voice comes from behind me. “You will not come into our company and talk to my wife this way. I suggest you check your attitude before I check it for you.”

  Her face goes from haughty to fearful, instantly. She huffs and then brushes past us without another word. Turning we all watch her hasty retreat. I slide out of Cole’s arms thankful he gave me the support during that conversation but I grab my cell phone. A quick text to Hunter asking him to investigate any connection between Ann Richmond and my mother.

  How dare she think I want to ruin Landon’s political aspiration. If anything, learning he’s my half-brother makes me a bigger supporter of his career path. I wasn’t sure how I felt about having a father but finding out about that I had another brother and a sister excited me. Living with the Knights prepared me for siblings. I love having them.

  “I’m convinced after that little fit she just threw she is responsible for my mother’s demise and money.” I always wondered how my mother kept the house and food etc. with her drug use. Something tells me we will find out Ann Richmond was responsible for it.

  “I’m sure that’s exactly what we will uncover.” Cole agrees.

  “This is going to be exciting between Justin’s legal troubles and my new family.” I can’t help but quip. Sometimes I feel much older than tweny-three and other days I feel like I’m barely thirteen. I’m not sure what the future holds for us but I can do anything with Cole by my side.