Lucy’s brows drew together and Hayden smothered a smile. “As I said, Lucy is helping with this investigation—you can trust her. Do you have friends or family who know the same things about Eleanor and the baby as you? People you might have talked to on the phone after Angelica left?”
Her face crinkled up in thought for a moment. “I did phone my friend Nancy Marlin and told her how the interview went.”
“Nancy knew about the baby?” He’d been planning to ask about Nancy Marlin since Lucy had overheard Angelica and Marnie discussing her, but it was even better that it had arisen naturally in the conversation.
“She worked for the Morrows for one summer, the one when Eleanor left, so she knew—or suspected—as much as me.”
He caught Lucy’s gaze. There was a faint flicker in her eyes that most people would have missed, but he’d come to be able to read Lucy—her investigator’s senses had perked up the same time his had.
He looked back to Barbara Jessup and gave her a warm smile. “This is very important, Mrs. Jessup. Think back to that phone call for me. Did either one of you mention in that conversation that you thought the baby might have been Ted Morrow’s?”
Her hand flew to cover her mouth, her eyes wide. “Is it all my fault?” she said from between her fingers. “Has that boy got all this trouble falling on his head because of me? I wasn’t even sure the baby was his. Oh, sweet Jesus, what have I done?”
Lucy moved over to the sofa beside Barbara and put a comforting hand on her arm. “No, Mrs. Jessup. This is not your fault. You did really well when you were interviewed. You kept the Morrows’ secrets.”
He’d bet money that after Ted Morrow was elected president, Angelica, like hundreds of other journalists across the country, had gone looking for a new angle. Something different to put on TV. She would have gone back over the footage and interviews from her first trip to Fields, looking for tidbits. When she saw the baby mentioned again, she would have done a simple internet search, as Hayden had done, and found Eleanor Albert was Ted Morrow’s prom date. There was no record of Eleanor Albert having a baby, or even of Eleanor herself after high school, so Angelica would have had no idea if she’d gotten pregnant within a time frame that could implicate the president.
So, hoping for a scoop, she would have gone back to Fields, interviewed the same people again, stirred up memories, and planted the taps on the phones. She’d lucked out when she overheard Barbara and her friend Nancy discuss the baby and their theory that Ted Morrow had been the father. Then she would have had Ames and Hall hire the hackers that focused on Ted Morrow’s and Eleanor Albert’s friends and families—the infamous scene that had been caught on tape—and they found enough information to run the story that had aired after the president’s inauguration. It was all clicking into place.
“I’m sorry to tell you, Mrs. Jessup,” Hayden said as gently as he could, “it’s very likely there’s a tap on your phone and some of the conversations you thought were private have been overheard.”
Her face twisted in disgust. “That’s plain wrong, that’s what that is.”
Lucy’s gaze met his again, just briefly, but in that moment he knew their thoughts were completely in sync. He felt somehow warmer.
“We agree,” he said, nodding. “And I’ll be working hard to make sure those responsible face justice. In the meantime, I can take care of your phone for you. And if you give me a list of your friends Angelica or her team spoke to, I can check their phones, as well.”
“You’re a good man, Mr. Black.” She turned to Lucy and patted her hand. “You hold on to this one real tight.”
Lucy’s mouth opened, startled. Hayden hesitated with his coffee mug halfway to his mouth. If Barbara Jessup had suspected their connection, they’d have to be more careful of betraying it, become more circumspect when they were together.
And even if he could admit there was something between him and Lucy, neither of them would be holding on to the other one tight. What they had was temporary. Physical and temporary.
Before Lucy could reply, Hayden stood and headed for the phone in the corner of the room. “I’ll start with this one.”
* * *
They stopped at a deli in town for lunch after their interview with Barbara Jessup. While Hayden waited for their sandwiches to be made, Lucy found a pretty table on the sidewalk. The town had an interesting vibe with the mix of traditional and new and she soon lost herself to people watching—a lifelong pastime that came in handy now that she was a journalist on the lookout for stories.
“Lucy? Is that you?”
She twisted in her seat to see her aunt—a tall woman dressed in understated elegance—emerging from the ski shop next door. Within moments, Lucy was off her feet and finding herself wrapped in a warm embrace.
“Aunt Judith,” Lucy said, hugging her tightly.
Judith stepped back, pulling a tissue from her bag and dabbing at her eyes. “I didn’t know you were in Fields, sweetie. You should have let me know.”
Lucy felt her own eyes mist over and blinked the moisture away. She should make more of an effort to see her father’s family—a couple of times a year was nowhere near enough. Being busy might be true, and it definitely had been easier to spend time with them when her father was alive and able to be the conduit, but family was important.
“I’m here for work,” she said, promising herself she’d visit again, soon. “Otherwise I absolutely would have called.”
Judith’s face brightened. “How long?”
“Just tonight.”
“You’ll have to come up to the villa for dinner.”
She glanced back to the deli, where Hayden was waiting for their order. “I’m traveling with a colleague.”
“Bring them,” Judith said with a generous sweep of her arms. “Philip and Rose are here, too, so we’ll make a cozy group.”
From the corner of her eye, she saw Hayden approaching their table. How would he react to the invitation? He’d made his feelings about his ex-wife’s family clear—inherited money didn’t impress him. In fact, he’d been disdainful of their lavish lifestyle. Aunt Judith was her father’s sister—a Royall through and through—and had expensive tastes to go along with her wealth.
She stepped away from her aunt and turned to Hayden, who’d placed the sandwiches and drinks on the table. “Judith, this is Hayden Black. Hayden, this is my aunt, Judith Royall-Jones.”
Hayden reached out a hand. “A pleasure to meet you.”
“And you, Mr. Black. I was just telling Lucy to bring you up for dinner tonight at the villa.”
Hayden turned to her and raised an eyebrow. She started to shake her head, wanting to save him from a situation he might find uncomfortable.
“We don’t get to see enough of our Lucy, so I won’t take no for an answer.” Judith linked her elbow though Lucy’s and grinned, obviously certain of Hayden’s answer.
He looked from her aunt back to her, then a charming smile spread across his face. “In that case, I’d love to come.”
Nine
That night, Hayden drove the rental car up the mountainside to Lucy’s aunt’s lodge. They’d spent the afternoon visiting Barbara Jessup’s friends whom Angelica had interviewed and checking the phones at each house. Most had taps. There were a few more people he wanted to interview in the morning, then he and Lucy would catch a lunchtime flight back to D.C. But before that, there was dinner with some of Lucy’s family to contend with.
He cast a quick glance over to the passenger seat. Lucy was staring out the window, seemingly lost in thought.
“So who will be there tonight?” he asked.
She turned to him, tucking a few strands of shiny blond hair behind one ear. “Aunt Judith and Uncle Piers—it’s their lodge. My cousin Philip and his wife, Rose. She didn’t mention anyone else, but with Judith, nothing surprises me.” She reached over and laid a hand on his thigh. “Hayden, I’m sorry you were dragged into this.”
“It’s no trouble. Bes
ides, maybe I’d like to meet some of your family.” It was true—his curiosity was piqued about the Royalls. During his marriage, he’d thought Brooke’s family wealth had been the cause of her pampered-princess ways. But Lucy’s family was much richer than Brooke’s, and Lucy hadn’t shown a sign of the high-and-mighty or petulant behavior that Brooke had wielded like a weapon. Lucy had obviously been raised very differently.
He covered her hand on his thigh with his palm. “But if you’re really sorry, how about you make it up to me later?”
She laughed. “Deal.”
Lucy directed him to the house and when he turned into the drive, he gave a low whistle. “When you said lodge, I was expecting, I don’t know, a lodge. Not a mansion.” The place was huge—four stories built into the side of the mountain so each level was stepped in as it went up. Glass and wood everywhere, a soft golden glow coming from many windows, and a carpet of spring flowers that wove around paths. It looked like it belonged in some kind of fairy tale.
“Aunt Judith likes her little comforts,” Lucy said with an ironic twist to her mouth.
He chuckled. Going by what he could see of the house, that was something of an understatement.
Judith met them at the door, taking Lucy’s hands and squeezing. “Lucy, dear. I can’t tell you how thrilled I was to see you in town today.”
“Me, too,” Lucy said with genuine warmth.
“And Mr. Black.” She turned a welcoming smile to him. “I’m glad you could come.”
He shook her hand. She was tall, with glossy silver hair that came to just under her chin and hazel eyes that reminded him of Lucy’s. He liked her already. “Call me Hayden.”
“Then you must call me Judith. Please, come in.”
She led them through a house that was all soaring glass and warm wood tones. Fires crackled in grates as they went past, and thick wall-to-wall carpets kept the rooms toasty from the spring-night air in the mountains.
They emerged from a hallway into a large library with soft yellow walls, fresh flowers on small tables and built-in bookshelves on each wall. Three people were already standing in the room, each holding a sparkling crystal glass—he recognized them from Lucy’s descriptions as Piers, Philip and Rose. Piers and Philip came over to give Lucy hugs, and Judith performed the introductions.
Within minutes, Hayden had a martini in his hand and was ensconced in small talk with Philip that mainly revolved around skiing and red wine. Every so often he met Lucy’s eyes across the room and lost his place in the conversation, but he seemed to cover well enough for Philip not to notice.
Partway through a discussion on the finer points of choosing a good merlot, Judith interrupted them to lead the group into the dining room—a room with spectacular views of the town below. Hayden found himself seated with Lucy on one side and Rose on the other and served stuffed mushrooms that appeared to be a traditional family favorite. The main course followed and conversation flowed smoothly among the group.
“So, Hayden,” Judith said in a deceptively sweet voice once the plates were cleared. “Are you married? Single?”
Hayden cleared his throat. “Widowed.”
“Oh, I’m sorry to hear that.” Judith’s tone was sympathetic, but she clearly intended to pursue the topic. He shifted in his chair and prepared to redirect the conversation.
“Hayden has a little boy,” Lucy said from beside him. He held back a smile—she’d dived in to protect him from her family. She was a good woman, that Lucy.
“How old is he?” Judith asked.
Hayden took a sip of his wine. “He just turned one.”
“Such a lovely age,” Judith said. “I remember when Philip was that little. He was so sweet, always rushing up with flowers he’d picked for me.”
Hayden saw Philip look across the table at Lucy and share a glance of amused exasperation. Either not noticing or not minding, Judith continued. “And Philip was always being carried around by one of his sisters when he was one. He milked it for all he was worth.”
“Smart boy,” Hayden said to Philip and grinned.
Philip tilted his head in acknowledgment. “What’s your boy’s name?”
“Joshua. Josh.” His chest hurt, missing his little boy—he hadn’t been away from him overnight since Brooke died and he’d taken complete parental responsibility. He was already looking forward to seeing him again the next afternoon.
Judith leaned forward. “Do you have a photo of him?”
Hayden found one in his wallet and passed it across to Rose, sitting to his side, just indulging in a quick look himself first. “It’s a couple of months old now, but he looks much the same. Just bigger.”
“He’s gorgeous,” Rose said, and passed the photo along the table. Hayden’s chest expanded an inch or two. Josh was the best son a man could hope for.
“So you’ll be on the lookout for a new mother for him?” Judith asked, smiling to cover for her complete lack of tact.
“Mom,” Philip interjected good-naturedly. “The man lost his wife not long ago. Give him a little peace.”
“It’s okay,” Hayden said. “It has only been three months, but, no, I won’t be looking for a new mother. I won’t marry again.” He resisted the impulse to glance over at Lucy and gauge her reaction, but she’d known their relationship was only temporary. This shouldn’t be too big a shock for her.
“Maybe with time...” Judith began but let her words trail off when Hayden shook his head.
“It’s not about time, or healing. It’s about parenting. This might sound selfish, but I’m not prepared to share decision making about Josh ever again.”
Judith’s brows shot up with unbridled interest. “You didn’t agree with your wife’s philosophy on child raising?”
“Not even close to agreeing with it,” Hayden said with blunt honesty, which seemed to please Judith. “In fact, I was locked out of most of the decisions. Obviously, I should have challenged it at the time, but I didn’t. I won’t risk a situation where I don’t have a say about my own son again.”
“What about love?” Judith asked, leaning back in her chair, wineglass in hand. “You can’t control that.”
“Love isn’t the most important thing. Josh is,” Hayden said. There was nothing he was more certain about in his life. “I know I’m not a perfect father. I’m still learning as I go, but I have a clear vision of what I want for him, and I won’t compromise. Even for someone I loved.”
“Aunt Judith,” Lucy said, “I was thinking I might show Hayden your garden before dessert. Even at night, it’s gorgeous. Besides, I think Hayden’s put up with enough of the Royall inquisition for one night.”
The others laughed, including Judith. “Go ahead,” she said, waving an arm in the direction of the door.
“C’mon,” Lucy whispered.
Hayden followed her down a hallway into a small room full of boots, coats and paraphernalia, glad for the chance to be alone with her for a few minutes. Her family seemed nice enough, but he’d choose time with Lucy outside in the dark without question.
She took two coats down from hooks and handed him one. “It’s quite cool at night.”
He held her coat for her to thread her arms through, then pulled the larger one on before following her outside. The landscaped side yard was terraced and bursting full of spring flowers, most of which had closed their buds for the night, yet still looked magical in the moonlight.
“I’m sorry about Judith’s questioning,” Lucy said as they walked along a winding paved pathway. “She means well, but she’s used to being the matriarch and pretty much being able to do and say as she pleases.”
He found her hand and intertwined their fingers, loving the slide of her skin against his. “I didn’t mind. She reminds me of my mother. A bit nosy, but good people.”
They walked farther along, then Lucy stopped and pointed up to the sky. “There’s the moon. I wonder if it’s waxing or waning—living in the city I lose track.”
“It’s nice
,” he whispered. “But it’s not the prettiest thing out here.” Cupping her cheek in his palm, he brushed a thumb over her lip. She was so beautiful. Incandescent. And when she looked at him with those hazel eyes filled with rich desire for him, he was lost. He dipped his head and found her mouth, waiting and ready for him. With excruciating patience—he couldn’t afford to get carried away in her aunt’s garden—he kissed her, just lightly, a gentle sweep across that landed at the corner of her mouth, a hint of teeth as he nibbled on her lush bottom lip. She shuddered and moved in closer. Her lips were beguilingly soft as they moved beneath his, but still he held himself in check. Then she sighed and her tongue slid against his and suddenly the kiss was carnal and he was helpless to pull it back. He tightened his hold on her and she pushed her hands under his coat, to move across his chest.
They were seconds away from being completely undone, so he wrenched his mouth away but stood, chest heaving, for long minutes before he could get his throat to work.
“Lucy,” he finally said. “Unless you’re ready to go back to the chalet right now, we need to stop doing that.”
“You’re right.” She squeezed her eyes shut, but didn’t let her hold on him loosen.
“And if we go inside now, with the way you look, all rosy cheeks and puffed lips, they’ll have no trouble guessing what we’ve been doing.” He said the words calmly enough, but he hated the need for secrecy. If he could walk back into that room and have everyone know he’d kissed Lucy senseless out in the moonlight, he’d be the proudest man in the state. She was the sort of woman a man was proud to have by his side. Instead, they had this mess of rules and secrets that sat more uncomfortably inside him each day. He rubbed a hand through his hair. “How about we talk for a couple of minutes? Till we lose that just-kissed look.”
She dug her hands deep in the pockets of the coat and looked up at him. “You really believe what you said to Judith about not sharing Josh again? That you’ll always be a single father to him?”
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