by Mari Brown
Chapter 34
Kat
Two days later I find myself on the phone with Warren. He’s called me several times a day since we met for lunch. I felt bad for him right now. He confronted Ann when she got home from my office the other day. It apparently led to a huge fight. She admitted that she paid my mother and her family to leave town. However, my mom chose to remain in Belmont and for a hefty yearly sum plus Ann paying the mortgage on the house. In exchange, she was to never contact Warren again nor ever let me know he was my father.
“I have Nancy and Landon coming over tonight. I plan to tell them about you tomorrow. I would like it if you and Cole would join us around seven for dinner.” His voice is sure and confident. He has no qualms about introducing me to his family. Something tells me life would have been a lot different had I grown up with this man as my father.
The day goes painfully slow as nerves build about going to the Richmond home this evening. What if Nancy and Landon hate me when they find out? Will Ann cause problems tonight? I’m still trying to get to know Warren as well. He just readily accepted me in his life. I don’t know how to handle that.
Cole and I walk up the steps to the Richmond home. A million thoughts are racing through my mind. My stomach feels as if elephants are doing gymnastics in it. I need to calm myself. My biggest fear is emotional attachment to people.
A maid answers the door after Cole rings the bell. “Follow me. The family is waiting in the study for you.” We follow her through the tiled foyer down a hallway. She stops at an open doorway. “The Knights are here.” she announces before taking off further down the hall. Warren walks up to us immediately and shakes Coles hand while hugging me and giving me a kiss on the cheek.
“I’m so glad y’all are here, Nancy was getting impatient to know what this big family meeting is all about.”
“Well, I did hire a babysitter for the kids.” She retorts with a huge grin.
I smile on the inside at the thought of her two young daughters. I’m an aunt. It excites me. I realized after losing a baby at eighteen that I want to be a mother one day. I love kids. I trust them and have no problem forming emotional attachments to them. Now that Cole and I were married the thought of starting a family made me happy. I couldn’t wait to have kids with Cole one day, hopefully soon.
“Please, take a seat.” Warren shows Cole and I to a love seat. As I sit down I glance over at Ann who sits stoically on the end of the couch. Landon is slouched in a chair with a glass of liquor and a huge grin. “Landon and Nancy are both chomping at the bit to find out what is going on.”
“I’m dying with curiosity.” Nancy bubbles out. I wonder if I would be as happy go lucky as her if I had grown up differently but I’m exactly who I am supposed to be.
“Years ago, I’m ashamed to admit, I had an affair with a member of my office staff. It has come to my attention recently that I fathered a child with the woman. Your mother…” he pauses as he faces his wife with a hard look in his eyes. “Thought it was best to pay the woman off and not tell me about my child.”
“What?” Nancy asks. Her eyes show deep shock. I’m not sure if it’s because of her dad or mom’s actions.
“What does that have to do with Cole and Kat?” Landon asks straightening up in the chair he sits in.
“Let me reintroduce you to Katarina Knight, you half-sister.”
“Holy shit!” Nancy exclaims.
“Nancy!” Ann admonishes her daughter.
“Oh, stuff it mother.” Nancy rushes to my side hugging me tight to her. “I knew there was a reason I was drawn to you. This is so exciting! Katrina Knight is my half-sister.”
It’s obvious that Nancy is totally okay with this information. She isn’t the least bit upset. Until she turns back to her mother.
“I don’t understand how you could do this to dad or an innocent child.” Her motherly instincts are taking over right now. “It would have been a little embarrassing that there was proof he cheated but to let an innocent child suffer. Buying off her mother. What kind of person does that?”
“Apparently, our mother does.” Landon says a little harshly. I turn toward him, assessing him. His jaw his tight and his eyes are narrowed. He is tense and the earlier grin is gone from his face. I’m fearful for a moment that Landon is not pleased with finding out he has a half-sister he knew nothing about. “There is no defense for my own mother’s actions. The press is going to eat this up.”
“Mine? What about your father?” Ann asks her son, shocked that her children are so upset with her. “Everything I have done is to protect this family.”
“Bullshit, mother!” Landon says. “This is about you. You didn’t care about dad, Kat or anyone else when you decided to be devious and underhanded. Voters will ask if I take after you.” He slams his glass down on the end table. The sound echoes the room.
Warrens speaks up, “Landon, lets meet with your campaign manager and he can help us figure out the best way to handle this situation without hurting your chances of being elected.” As my Eyes dart around the room. I see the reactions on the Richmond’s faces and it's then that I realize a shift has happened in their family. I am the cause of it.
“I’m sorry.” I direct toward Landon. “I don’t want to cause problems for your campaign.”
He gives me a tight smile. “You are not the problem. My mother’s actions are going to be the problem.”
“Yes Kat. Don’t apologize it’s not your fault our mother is a bitch.” My sister says.
It’s strange how easy it is to think of them as my brother and sister. It’s natural feeling.
“Warren, are you going to let our children speak to me this way?” Ann asks my father.
“Ann, you made your own bed…”
“I’m going to call my manager now. See if he can come over while we are all together.” Landon says to no one in particular as he walks out of the room, his phone already to his ear.
“White trash bitch just like your mother!” Ann yells at me. Nancy whips around to her mother, her mouth hanging open to hear such venom from her own mother.
I try to keep my mouth shut. We all know that I tend to react before thinking. Cole’s hand grips mine giving a tight squeeze.
“Remember who you are talking to.” His cold voice aims at Ann “My family has way more influence then you do. I can make you or break you in Belmont.”
Ann visibly pales as her hand trembles around her throat. She nervously gazes at Cole. She doesn’t speak. She looks toward her husband but he turns away from her, as does Nancy. I watch as Warren wraps an arm around Nancy who is upset by what is taking place.
“Did you really think you would get away with what you had done?” I ask Ann.
“I did for over twenty years. I’m not sure why your mom ran her mouth now.” she spits out at me.
“I don’t know why she did either but it’s the nicest thing my mother has ever done for me.” Ann stalks out of the room when I stop speaking. I’m not sure where she is going and I don’t care.
Drew and I both talked yesterday agreeing that our mom telling me about my birth father was the kindest thing she had ever done. Not that she intended it to be kind. I’m sure she had some other reason. Drew recalled our grandmother briefly but not the aunt. We agreed to have Hunter track both of them down for us. We had no idea if they were living or not but it would be nice to know. Drew and I had come to peace a long time ago that we were the only blood family we had. Now we were discovering who our father was and that we had other relatives.
“My staff is on their way. We will figure out the best way to address this and I will hold a press conference tomorrow.” Landon says as he walks back in the room “Welcome to the family sis.” He chuckles at his own joke. “Are you ready for the role of sister to a politician?”
“I’m handling being the sister in law to a supposed murderer pretty good.” I say reminding everyone that I’m no stranger to the press or stress of being high profile.
&nbs
p; “How is that situation going?” Landon asks sincerely.
“We are dealing with it. He has one of the best lawyers and a dedicated team of investigators.” Cole speaks. “Found the employee that allowed the woman into the club. We just have to figure out what happened after that.”
Landon nods his head. “Sure it doesn’t have to do with that Sal Martin?”
“Sal Martin?” Nancy questions “What does that lunatic have to do with anything?”
“You know Sal?” I ask my sister.
“Sadly, yes. We all went to the same prep school.” she gives a little shake of her shoulders. “He was crazy.”
“Really?” I question her. “Something tells me we need to chat about this one day soon.”
“Ummm, okay…” she looks at me questioningly.
“Sal believes the Knights should be destroyed. He really dislikes me after an incident a few years back. He is seeking personal revenge against me and Cole.”
“Oh my gosh.” her hands cover her mouth in horror. My poor sister is getting ready to be introduced to a side of life she never ever dreamed existed.
My job is to protect Nancy and Landon from certain parts of my life. Nancy was not the type of person who could accept the lifestyle. She was more of a black or white type. There were no shades of gray. Landon did not need to be overly involved because of his political ambitions.
This familial connection being announced now is going to bring all kinds of press to both families. We were in for a fun time the next few weeks as the press feasted like vultures on the story. It would fade into oblivion when another new scandal came along but until then….
“Don’t worry, Nancy. I know how to take care of myself.” I smile at her as I joke. “Remember all those stories you have heard about me?”
“Oh yeah.” she says quietly while laughing. “I guess you can handle whatever comes your way.”
The conversation lulls a bit as we wait for Landon’s staff to show up. I’m afraid this might go a bit rougher. I’m sure someone will get on my nerves and I will tell them exactly what I think. Ann rejoins us at some point, taking a seat quietly as we wait.
“I can’t believe Katrina Knight is your half-sister….” A man wearing an expensive tailored suit says as he enters the room. He plops a briefcase on the table and pops it open. “Let’s get started; tell me the real story, from start to finish….”
“Who the fuck are you?” Cole asks the man. Laughter bubbles out of me. Everyone looks at me strangely but I can’t help myself. It’s just too funny; this man walks in and takes charge and expects Cole Knight to just go along with it.
“Sorry… private joke.” I mumble. I lean closer to Cole because I am still trying to contain the laughter wanting to erupt.
“Chance Williams. I’m Landon’s Campaign Adviser/Manager. however you want to look at it.” He says holding his hand out in front of Cole. Cole looks at the man’s hand and purposely does not shake it back. Chance nervously withdraws his hand. “Anyway, I need the story so I know how to use it to the best advantage for Landon’s campaign.”
“That’s fine” I say. Warren and I both tell the story the best we can from the time my mom started working with him until I found out he was my father.
“Well, not knowing each other and recently discovering the truth will be a good way to grab sympathy. Ann, your actions leave a lot to be desired.” Chance says looking at her pointedly. “I may have to keep you away from the campaign for a while.” He scratches his head before grabbing a pen and making some notes in a notebook.
Chance is intelligent but he messed up coming in barking orders at Cole Knight. He has Landon’s best interest at heart and that’s what matters most right now. My fierce need to protect those I care about is already kicking in with Nancy and Landon. They are my siblings just as Drew is and its natural to want no harm to come to them.
“Chance, the number one priority is telling the truth but not hurt Landon’s election results.” Warren says concern lines his face.
“Once the rest of the staff arrive we will fill them and sit down and brainstorm.” Chance’s gaze lands on Ann. His eyes harden as he looks at her. “Our goal is to make sure everything is spun in a positive light for Landon.”
“Mrs. Richmond…” The maid stands in the entry to the study. “Cook says dinner is ready…”
“Thank you.” She dismisses the maid. “Shall we adjourn to the dining room.”
“Yes, mother! Let’s sit at the table and pretend we are a happy family.” Landon’s sarcasm is clear. “Come on father, sisters, and brother in law. Let’s go eat.”
I’m surprised when my husband chuckles at Landon. Its apparent that Cole is going to enjoy his new brother in law. Cole moves behind me as Nancy takes her place by my side.
“Landon is pissed at his mother.” He remarks.
“You think?” I ask.
“I’m furious with her so I can only imagine how he feels. He’s always been a mama’s boy. Mother catered to him and this shatters the image of her he had.” Nancy remarks.
The three of us follow the direction Landon disappeared in. There is a part of me who feels bad for Landon. He’s innocent in this situation. I’m not sorry I discovered my biological father or my siblings but I hate that Landon’s view of his mother had to be changed in the process.
Chapter 35
Kat
Landon’s press conference was successful. The public was finding the story heartwarming and sympathetic. The press was following me everywhere. It was a nightmare the morning after the announcement was made that Katarina Knight was the long lost illegitimate daughter of Warren Richmond. It was big news. Landon’s numbers in the polls were actually going up.
Surprisingly, my mother has been hiding out since she dropped the bombshell on our wedding day. Drew and warren were able to piece together that my mother’s new apartment was being paid for my Ann Richmond. I promised Warren I would meet with him one day soon to talk some about my mother.
Focusing back on the computer screen in front of me I look over the numbers for remodeling Knight’s Castle. It was projected to take six months to complete the project. We would be losing thousands of dollars each month with the closure but the goal is to reopen and be as profitable or more.
Cole gave me free reign in designing the new club and branding it. After playing around with different names and themes I finally decided on a new name…Siren. Siren would be the hottest nightclub Belmont had ever seen.
“Kat…” Gracie’s voice interrupts me. “Landon Richmond is on line three.”
“Thanks Gracie.”
I pick up the phone. “Hello brother from another mother.”
“Don’t remind me of that woman right now.” He sounds a little churlish.
“Landon, you can’t let this ruin your relationship with your mom.” I sigh at my new brother. “It’s not worth it.”
“Kat, she’s not who I thought she was.”
“Trust me, I know all about shitty moms. on’t let it get to you.” Silence greets my statement. “But I’m guessing you didn’t call to talk about mothers…”
“No…” His tight laugh comes through the phone. “I wanted to invite you and Cole to attend a fundraising dinner.”
“You want more money from me?” I joke.
“Not exactly. You’ll be my guests of honor. It’s a move that Chance thinks will help.”
“In that case, send the information and we’ll be there.”
“Thanks I know you didn’t sign up for this. A political campaign involves everyone, not just the politician.” Landon says, sounding genuinely sorry that he’s asking so much of me.
“Landon, it’s all good. I’m rather enjoying supporting my new brother.” I want him to understand that as far as I’m concerned that we shouldn’t have to pay for the sins of our parents. We have the opportunity as adults to make the most of our new found relationship. We choose how we respond to the situation. I will always choose to rise abo
ve it. I make sure to write a note in my calendar reserving the date for the fund-raising dinner after we hang up. I’m actually looking forward to it.
As I turn my chair around and gaze out the window that overlooks the riverside park I think to myself, it’s been a strange year for me. First, I return to Belmont for the first time in five years. The Knights had become family to Drew and I both over the years. Then, reuniting with Cole and marrying him. Now, finding out who my father is and that I had another brother and a sister only made me happier. I was at peace. I was finally home where I belong.
Cole and I each had some learning and growing to do. When I was eighteen, I was an immature, headstrong and uncompromising little girl. It was only as I was on my own out in California that I begin to learned about about being an adult. At twenty-three, I still had moments of immaturity but for the most part I was learning to be an adult who controlled her emotions. I no longer barged in headstrong but instead tried talking and reasoning. Mostly this was an issue with Cole. He is learning too. I can’t imagine life without him.
“Kitten.” Speak of the devil and he shall appear. I look up from the pad I have been doodling on and see my husband leaning against the door frame to my office. He is wearing black pants with a light blue button-up shirt. His tie and jacket have been discarded. It doesn’t matter. He is still a fucking sexy beast standing there.
“What’s up?”
He shuts the door, locking it before he speaks. “We need to talk about Justin.”
“Cole, what’s going on?” He plops down in the chair in front of my desk. His body posture is not his usual confidence.
“He is spinning out of control.” He rubs his temples as he continues “He’s been so distracted with this murder charge. He’s drinking heavily every night.”
“I’ve noticed.” I give my man a sad smile. “He’s not left the house at all recently. He barely comes out of his room to eat.”