Return To Sender (The Hart Brothers Book 2)

by J. S. Cooper

  “I don’t know about snooping.” I bit my lip. “I was going to tell you later, but I think I caught Gordon snooping earlier.”

  “Oh, no way! Where? In your underwear drawer?” Her eyes widened. “He wants a piece of you as well?”

  “No.” I shook my head. “He was in Wade’s office. He said he was in there by mistake, but I saw a piece of the paper on the ground.” I pursed my lips. “He must have been going through his paperwork.”

  “But why would he be doing that?”

  “I know this might sound crazy, but I think Gordon might be Wade’s brother.”

  “Whaaaaaaaat?” Lucy looked shocked. “Shit, this is better than any movie. Why do you think they’re brothers?”

  “Well, I just have this feeling. Wade’s mom told me that her husband had an affair, which resulted in a pregnancy. I know for a fact that the child wasn’t in his father’s life because Wade didn’t even seem to know his dad had cheated.”

  “And the dad never said anything? Wow.”

  “Yeah. And Gordon keeps talking about his father who wanted nothing to do with him.”

  “Oh, shit. So you think he wants to get to know his dad now?”

  “I doubt it. His dad is dead.” I wrinkled my nose. “It’s all so sad and sordid, really.”

  “Yeah, wow. What do you think Gordon is looking for?”

  “No idea.” I shook my head. “But if he is Wade’s brother, it makes me wonder if any part of our friendship was real or if he was just using me.”

  “Oh shit, yeah. Ugh, that sucks.”

  “It does, but I feel bad for him. His father sucked. From what Louisa told me—she’s Wade’s mom—the dad was a real narcissist and only really cared about himself. It’s just sad all around.”

  “You’re a good person, Savannah, but don’t let their family drama bring you down.” Lucy looked thoughtful. “Do you think Wade’s words had anything to do with Gordon? Maybe he knows that Gordon is his brother and doesn’t want to share the inheritance with him and he thinks you might help Gordon get some of the money.”

  “You’re smart, Lucy. I’d never thought of that, but you could be correct. All Gordon keeps talking about is money. Maybe that’s why he was here. Maybe he was looking to help himself to what he thinks is rightfully his.”

  “Oh, man. I don’t like this, Savannah.” Lucy shook her head. “I don’t like this at all.”

  Chapter 6

  “Jolene is absolutely loving being able to run in the grass.” Lucy smiled as Jolene wiggled her ass into the ground and then jumped back up and went running. “She loves it here.”

  “Yeah, she does, but I suppose there’s a lot to love if you’re a dog.”

  “So, do you like it here?” Lucy’s voice was suddenly serious and the air between us felt tense.

  Neither of us was comfortable being serious. I suppose it was a defense mechanism that we’d developed growing up with domineering parents. We both resorted to laughter and goofing off, and while we always had each other's backs and could tell each other anything, we seldom had deep conversations.

  “Surprisingly, I do,” I replied.

  “It seems like it would be lonely.”

  Jolene scampered off into the woods and we followed. I shivered a little at the sudden coolness. The dense branches above us blocked out most of the remaining sunlight.

  “To be honest, I never felt lonely until today. When Wade left.” I reached my hands up and touched the lower hanging leaves. “Of course, I missed you and wished you were here, but I didn’t miss the city as much as I thought I would.”

  “I guess that’s what happens when you meet someone who captures your heart.”

  “I suppose so.”

  “I’ve missed you, you know.” Lucy sounded nostalgic. “But it also felt surprisingly freeing to be in the apartment by myself. Almost like I was a real functioning adult. I only had myself and it made me feel proud.”

  “So you didn’t miss me at all, then?” I teased her, but a part of me was sad at what she’d said. Both of us were changing. We were growing up, becoming women instead of girls, and it scared the hell out of me.

  “Of course I missed you!” She laughed. “It’s not fun watching TV alone or eating alone, or even walking to the bar alone.” She looked over at me. “I know it’s good for us to grow up, but I’m not ready for our lives to go in separate directions.”

  “Neither am I.”

  “So what’s it like living with Wade? You make him sound like such an asshole, but I know that there has to be something positive to him. If you fell for him and slept with him, there has to be something more.”

  “He makes me feel alive in a way that I never knew was possible. All these years I’ve been living, but I’ve never really been living, you know? He makes me enjoy mundane activities, he makes me feel happy to breathe the air. Everything seems so much grander, so much better. Even sparring with him makes me feel as if I’m floating through the sky. It’s kinda crazy the way he makes me feel. I must be crazy for still being here after all the weirdness that’s going on.”

  “It sounds amazing.” Lucy’s voice was wistful. “I want a man that makes me feel alive.”

  “Don’t forget the crazy part as well.” I laughed.

  “It reminds me of that quote from Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier. Let me think, how did it go again? ‘It wouldn't make for sanity, would it, living with the devil.’ Yes, that was it.”

  “Oh, I don’t remember that one, but yes, it’s true. You know which quote from Rebecca springs to my mind?”

  “No, tell me.”

  “‘If only there could be an invention that bottled up a memory, like scent. And it never faded, and it never got stale. And then, when one wanted it, the bottle could be uncorked, and it would be like living the moment all over again.’” I walked along the pathway as I quoted from the book. “I understand now. I understand why some people want to stop time or bottle a memory. That night with him. The way he touched me, the way he kissed me, the feeling of him inside of me, it was magic. I never wanted it to end. I could have died with him in me and been in bliss.”

  “Oh, Savannah, you’re so far gone, aren’t you?”

  “So far.”

  “We need to figure out what’s going on. I don’t want you madly and deeply in love with a bad man.”

  I stopped short and turned to her. “Oh, Lucy, what if he’s a bad man? What if he’s a really bad man?”

  “Then you’ll leave with me.” Her voice was firm. “I know you’re being all romantic and sappy now, but there’s no way on God’s green earth that I’m leaving you with a psycho.”

  “What if I won’t go?”

  “I’ll pick you up, kicking and screaming.”

  “You really are good people, aren’t you, Lucy?”

  “Nah, I’m just your best friend. You’d do the same for me.”

  “I would.” I caught my breath and looked around for Jolene. “Jolene, come on girl, let’s go back inside.”

  Jolene was ahead of us, sniffing at something in the trees. I whistled for her. Beside me, Lucy stretched. I could tell that she was tired. I had a feeling that we wouldn’t be having wine tonight, but that was okay. We always had tomorrow.

  “Jolene, come now!” I called again, my voice firmer this time. “We’re going back inside.” Jolene looked up, her expression disappointed as she reluctantly walked back to me. I bent down to rub her between the ears as she reached me and then froze as I heard the sound of branches snapping. I looked up at Lucy. “Did you hear that?”

  Lucy nodded, looking a little nervous. “Are there bears in these woods?”

  “Girl, I have no idea.” I put my fingers to my lips to tell her to be quiet and we listened some more. I heard the sound of more snapping branches and then a loud bang.

  “What the hell was that?” Lucy’s eyes were wide and I could feel all the blood leaving my face.

  “I have no idea, but we need to go back inside now.” I gr
abbed Jolene’s leash and stood up. “Let’s run.”

  Grabbing Lucy’s arm with my free hand, I took off. I was exhausted, but fear kept me going, even as my legs trembled with fear.

  Chapter 7

  “Savannah, you know I love thrillers and scary movies, but this is too much.” Lucy was gasping as we ran back into the house. “What was that noise?”

  “Maybe an animal in the woods?”

  “An animal with a gun?” She raised an eyebrow. “I didn’t know animals were packing now.”

  “It’s their 2nd amendment right.” I joked. “The right to bear arms.”

  “That’s for humans, Savannah. This isn’t funny. This is getting creepier and creepier.”

  “I am wondering if Gordon didn’t come back here.” I sighed. “Maybe he has something to do with everything that’s been going on.”

  “You need to tell that psycho to leave you alone. I know you think he’s a nice guy, but the things you’ve been telling me lead me to believe he’s not that great.”

  “Well, it’s only recently that stuff has started to seem off to me. Are you tired or do you still want that wine?”

  “I’m a little tired, but that running woke me up. Let’s have some wine and do some research. Let’s find out everything there is to know about Wade and Henry Hart.”

  “Gordon was curious to know their net worth.” I said as I walked to the cupboard to grab some wine glasses. “He thinks they’re billionaires.”

  “That doesn’t shock me, but why would he care?” She paused. “I guess if he’s their illegitimate brother, then he wants his share.”

  “Yeah, I mean I get it, I just wish he’d be honest about it.”

  “Why don’t you just ask him.”

  “You know I don’t like confrontation.”

  “I know, but you got to put your big girl pants on now, Savannah. You didn’t ask Wade about what you heard. You haven’t asked Gordon why he’s asking all these weird questions. You need to start being a bit more in these guys’ faces. Don’t let them think you’re just some silly girl that will just accept whatever bullshit they’re flinging your way. Call them out on it, girl. You’re strong, not afraid. Too many men think they can just do whatever they want and women will just accept it. That shit might have passed in the 1950’s, but we’re in 2020 now and we’re not going to put up with it.”

  “You’re right, of course.” I grimaced, still feeling a tinge of nerves at the possibility of having to ask Wade and Gordon what was really going on. “It’s still scary to have to question someone though.”

  “I know, girl, but you have nothing to be afraid of. If they don’t like your questioning, then they can lump it. And honestly, if you’re scared that their answers will reveal them to be shitty men, then it’s better to know now, then to become even more involved with them.”

  “You’re the voice of reason.” I nodded and felt a sense of calmness as I listened to her. “You know who you remind me of?”

  “Mother Teresa?”

  “No,” I laughed out loud. “You wish.”

  “Bella Hadid?”

  “Who?”

  “You know that Supermodel girl? Or maybe she’s a super influencer?”

  “Never heard of her and so no. And I should clarify it’s a what, not a who.”

  “A what? I’m so confused.”

  “You remind me of self-help memes on Instagram, ha-ha. They always say something like, tell him the truth and if he leaves, then it’s on him. Or be your own flower and bloom.” I grinned. “I’m getting the quotes from but you know what I mean.”

  “Yeah, I know what you mean. I guess that’s good?”

  “It’s great! You’re my own personal therapist.”

  “I wouldn’t go that far, girl, but we’re too smart to be weak and pathetic. I know you like Wade and I know you slept with him and that makes you feel like you’re in love, or whatever, but if he’s an asshole, you’re out of here. I will take you crying and screaming, if that’s what it takes.” She gave me her tough guy look. “You’re not going to be statistic.”

  “He’s not a serial killer, Luce.”

  “We don’t know what he is. In fact, I’ve never even met him and I don’t care one iota about him. If we find out any crap, I’m not letting you stay. Also, I’m not leaving until we figure it all out.”

  “Oh wow, what if he comes back before then?” I hadn’t anticipated Lucy staying for more than a couple of days.

  “And what?” Her eyes narrowed. “Girl, this place is crazy. I’m not leaving until I’m 100% sure you’re safe. I’m not one of those crazy friends that just leaves their friend and hopes it will work out.”

  “What about your job?”

  “It’s an internship.” She shrugged. “I mean, it’s a good internship and it pays, but it is what it is. I called my boss before I left to see if I could work from here for the time being. I don’t really need to be in the office right now, so let’s see what they say?”

  “What did I do to get a friend like you?” I could feel myself growing overwhelmed. “You really are the best friend a girl could ask for, you know that?”

  “I’m here for you, for life. And I’m never going to allow you to put up with shit or to be in harm’s way. Never. What’s that saying, we are our brother’s keeper? I’m your keeper, girl. I am here for you. You can count on me, for absolutely anything, at any time. You can tell me anything, I will always have your back. You’re my best friend, Savannah. You’re like a sister to me.” Her voice caught. “I’m going to get emotional and I’m really not trying to, but all my life I prayed for a best friend like you. Someone who had my back. My ride or die and you’ve been it. I know you have this attraction to Wade and I know you want him to be a good guy. And I want that so badly for you. But if he’s not a good guy, I’m going to be here to catch your fall.”

  “Lucy, everyone deserves a best friend like you.” I squeezed her hand. “And whichever lucky guy gets you is going to be the most blessed man in the world.”

  “I hope so.” She smiled ruefully. “I can’t seem to meet any guy that feels that way about me.”

  “All in good time.” I smiled. “Trust me, I know he’s out there for you. And you know what. If Wade is a shit head, I will leave with you.” Even as I said the words, I felt a sharp pain in my gut. It would be hard to leave. It would be so damn hard.

  “Come on, you grab the wine and I’ll grab my laptop and let’s do some sleuthing.”

  “Don’t you want to see your room first and have a shower?”

  “Girl, if I have a shower, I’m going to sleep.” She giggled. “Show me later.”

  “Okay.” I grinned. “I understand.” I pointed to the hallway. “Go down there, take the first right and you’ll be in the living room. We can chillax on the sectional and see what we can find.”

  I watched Lucy as she grabbed her bag and walked to the living room. Jolene followed behind her and I felt a tinge of jealousy that she hadn’t waited for me, but I knew that I was being irrational. I found a bottle opener and grabbed a bottle of Zinfandel and carried them into the living room along with the wine glasses.

  “Okay, girl, I found something interesting.” Lucy looked up from her laptop as I handed her a very full glass of wine.

  “Oh, what’s that?” I sat next to her on the couch and leaned over to rub Jolene before the ears before having a large sip of the chilled wine.

  “So Wade Hart is CEO of Hart Enterprises, right?”

  “Yeah, that’s the name of the company.”

  “And his dad was Joseph Hart?” Lucy sipped her wine, her eyes not leaving the screen.

  “Yeah, the dad was Joseph and the mom is Louisa, or as I like to think of her, Queen Bitch.”

  “Oh Savannah.” Lucy laughed. “Okay, well did you know that a few years ago, the company was in really big trouble.”

  “Oh God, what now? What happened?” I shook my head. “And no, I didn’t know.”

  “They w
ere on the verge of bankruptcy.” Lucy was reading quickly. “People thought it might have been the next Bernie Madoff case.”

  “Bernie Madoff, the guy that stole all those people money?” I raised an eyebrow. “No way.”

  “Yeah, he was being investigated by the SEC and some other government agencies. A number of his clients were concerned about how he was investing their money.”

  “Really?” I frowned. “I didn’t know they had a hedge fund or anything? Wade doesn’t seem to do anything like that.” I tried to think about all the calls I’d been involved in. “He lends money to Third World countries to develop and some other corporate real estate stuff.”

  “Hmm, I don’t know, but this reporter from the New York Times has several investigative articles on him.”

  “Oh yeah? What’s his name?”

  “Not a him. A her. Her name was Misha Waterman.”

  “Oh okay. So what happened?”

  “Well, from what I can see, they never filed for bankruptcy.” She frowned. “Maybe I’ll email this reporter and see what she has to say.”

  “I guess, but what does that have to do with me? Wade said he never should have hired me because I could ruin everything. What do I have to do with his dad nearly going bankrupt?” I sighed.

  “Yeah, I don’t know. Have you seen any files incriminating Wade or Henry in any shady business dealings?”

  “No.” I shook my head. “I mean, we can have a peek in his office and see if we find any files.” I froze as I thought of something. “Oh shit, Lucy, what if that was what Gordon was looking for? What if he’s not the illegitimate son, but a reporter?”

  “Oooh, wow. Maybe.” Lucy’s eyes widened as she stared up at me. “Maybe that’s why he was asking about Wade’s net worth?”

  “Yeah, but that doesn’t really make sense now. Ugh, I need to talk to him.”

  “You really do.” She took another sipped and moaned. “This tastes so good. This is not two buck chuck from Trader Joes.” She made a sound akin to an orgasm and I laughed.