The Warrior In Me

by Anita Philmar

  Sebastian ignored the sweat trickling down his back. “You didn’t believe it?”

  “I did for the first five or six years. Then we found out I couldn’t have a baby. After that, Mark started to roam.” She twisted the knobs on the air conditioner and adjusted several of the vents in his direction.

  “Did he want kids?” He rested his elbow on the doorframe. From the information he’d uncovered, Mark hadn’t fathered any children.

  “Yes, until he got a girl pregnant. Then he decided he enjoyed playing the field more than he liked the idea of being tied down.” Mrs. Winslow scanned the parking lot. Her gaze settled on the last few people exiting the funeral home.

  Olivia sauntered to the limo at the front of the line with Devin by her side. Zane, Violet, Lily, and Bruce exited next and walked to the limo parked behind the first. They climbed inside. After a brief moment, the hearse rolled out of the lot, followed immediately by the limos.

  “Who was the girl?” Sebastian squashed the urge to bolt for his car and turned in his seat to give his full attention to the woman beside him.

  She stared off into space, as if recalling the events of the past. “I divorced him so he could marry her. I hoped it would make him happy and help him settle down into a monogamous relationship. However, she refused his offer of marriage. She said she wasn’t ready to be a mother. Although, I can’t say, I blame her. She was barely twenty at the time.”

  In a restless move, she rubbed her hand over the back of her neck and frowned. “It was really pretty sad. I wanted a baby and couldn’t have one. She had one she didn’t want. I guess I should have offered to adopt it, but back then, that wasn’t the way things were done. Also, by the time the baby came along, Mark and I had gone our separate ways, and our divorce was final.”

  Unhappy she hadn’t given him a name yet, he aimed for a different approach. “What happened to her and the baby?”

  With a slight jerk of her head, she swiveled toward him, her mouth slightly open. “Don’t you already know?”

  “No. I’ve heard a few rumors Mark fathered a few children, but there’s no concrete evidence to the fact.” But there was always the possibility he could have missed something.

  “Funny, I would have thought Violet would have mentioned something, but then, she’s involved with Zane and probably didn’t want to air her dirty laundry.” She glanced over her shoulder, checking to make sure she could back out of her parking space.

  “And the baby?” He needed to have an in-depth conversation with Violet.

  “Mark had Zane arrange the paperwork, and he found a couple to adopt it.” Mrs. Winslow shifted the car into gear. “Did you say Violet never mentioned it to you? I wonder if Zane even knew the baby belonged to Violet.” She shook her head. “Mark did love his secrets. I guess he needed to keep his affairs private. Otherwise, the university probably would’ve fired him. They do have an ethical clause in their employment contracts.”

  She’d get no arguments from him. Sebastian was almost afraid to know what other secrets Mark Winslow kept.

  ****

  Almost an hour later, Sebastian found himself back in the funeral home parking lot. Karen Winslow had provided insight into Mark’s life from how she helped him get the financing to start his own lab to his true reason for wanting to marry Olivia. Apparently, the woman had connections, and according to Karen, Mark planned to use her to help raise more money for his research.

  Not surprised by the revelation, Sebastian slid behind the wheel of his car and debated where to head next. Seductive images of Lily jumped to the forefront of his mind. Having spent the last few days in almost constant contact with her, he missed having her close, seeing her smile, having the ability to touch her. Still, he needed to give her some time alone.

  Bruce had already agreed to stick close.

  Then where should I head next?

  The building in front of him reminded him of another funeral, one he’d missed, Cain’s. The grief he’d managed to shove aside suddenly assaulted him. Unshed tears cut off his ability to breathe, and he ran his hands through his hair, striving to rein in his emotions.

  He tugged his cell phone from his pocket and debated calling his grandfather. Should he check in and make sure everything went okay?

  A movement in his rearview mirror caught his attention. He whipped his head around and stared at the man leaving the back door of the funeral home.

  Zane?

  What’s he doing here?

  Dressed in the same suit he’d worn to Mark’s funeral, he walked with his head down and his shoulders slightly bent giving him an almost dejected appearance.

  Stepping out of the car, Sebastian glanced around the parking lot again and found Zane’s car in the back row. He slid his cell back in his coat pocket and strolled forward, determined to intercept Zane.

  “What are you doing here?” he called out, delaying Zane as he started to get in his car.

  The man jerked and swung around. His gaze swept the parking lot and zeroed in on Sebastian. “I could probably ask you the same thing. You’re a little late for Mark’s funeral.”

  Seeing no reason to dissuade the man of his belief that he’d missed the funeral, Sebastian countered, “I just finished talking to Karen Winslow. She had some interesting things to share about Mark.”

  Zane cocked a brow. “She probably knew him best. The rest of us didn’t have insight into all the skeletons in his closet.”

  “Like?”

  “Like the one that set you on the path to come see me.” Clicking the remote button on his keychain, Zane unlocked his car doors and slid a hand under the back door handle.

  Sebastian narrowed his focus while Zane shrugged off his suit jacket and tie before dropping both on the back seat. “Do you have something you want to share?”

  With a nudge of his hand, he shut the rear door and stepped to the driver’s. “Man, what a leading question. If you want to know something, you’ll have to ask. Otherwise, I’m going with no comment.”

  “Your lawyer roots are showing,” Sebastian countered. “So tell me about the adoptions Mark asked you to do?”

  “Adoptions?” Zane frowned and shook his head. “Wow, we are going back in time.”

  He unhooked his cufflinks and dropped them in his pants pocket before he began rolling up his shirtsleeves. “I haven’t done anything like that for anyone in almost twenty years. If I remember correctly, Mark had a few students who made a mistake and came up pregnant. He helped them find couples who were looking for a baby, and I drew up the adoption papers. It didn’t take a lot of time, and I made a few bucks.”

  “Do you remember the names of those involved?” Sebastian silently wished he could shed his coat, too.

  “No. Like I said, that was a long time ago.” Zane opened his car door and appeared ready to slide into the driver’s seat.

  “I’ll need access to those files.” Sebastian hoped he could convince Zane to release the names of those involved. Because those records were sealed, he wouldn’t get his hands on the information.

  “Sorry, I left all those records behind when I switched law firms. And unfortunately for you, you’ll need a court order to get them.” He lifted a hand and waved. “I can’t help, so I guess this conversation is over. See you back at Mark’s.” He frowned and dropped into the driver’s seat of his car. “Lily’s.”

  “One more thing.” Sebastian stepped forward, hoping to detain the man a few more minutes. “What were you doing inside the funeral home just now?”

  In answer, Zane slammed the door and started his car. With no more than a slight nod, he drove out of the lot.

  Shit.

  The fact that the man had refused to answer spoke volumes. Whatever he’d been doing, it couldn’t be good.

  Sebastian headed toward the funeral home.

  ****

  “I swear. I can’t believe that woman,” Violet grumbled and paced across the formal living room to the doorway leading out into the hallway. Wit
h a light tick of her heels on the tile, she turned and started back.

  “There’s no reason to let her upset you. After today, we’ll never have to see Olivia again.” Lily sipped on her lemonade. Her gaze drifted to Bruce.

  He rolled his eyes and dropped into the chair by the fireplace. His muscular body hidden under a dark gray suit gave him the appearance of a businessman. Several women at the funeral had spoken to him and appeared interested in getting to know him better. With a polite smile, he’d offered a noncommittal answer and used his concern for Lily to dispel their advances.

  Fighting back a grin, she turned back to her agitated friend. “Personally, I don’t care if it cost more to have two separate limos as long as I didn’t have to ride in the same car with her.”

  “Yes, well, I’m sure she paid for the privilege for being in the first car. She just wanted to show everyone she’s more important than the rest of us.” Violet brushed a hand through her auburn hair. “And where’s Sebastian? Aren’t he and Bruce supposed to be here to protect you?”

  “He’s talking to Karen Winslow to get a better handle on Mark’s background,” Bruce spoke for the first time since they entered the room.

  Lily grinned at his subtle reminder that Sebastian still had everyone under surveillance, but seeing Violet’s sudden loss of color, she patted the cushion on the couch. “Violet, we already talked about this. I’m fine, and the police are looking for the shooter.”

  Violet shook her head and stumbled to the couch. She dropped down beside Lily. “That’s not the problem. That bitch will tell him.”

  “Karen?” Lily didn’t know what else Karen could reveal about any of them. Yes, she knew way more of Mark’s history. If it helped find his killer, why would Violet object?

  “She’s aware of…” Violet tilted her head in Bruce’s direction and added, “My little indiscretion.”

  Confused, Lily studied the other woman’s face and grabbed her hand. “Right, she knows you had an affair with Mark and…”

  Then it dawned on her. As a friendly warning, Violet had confided in Lily after she moved in with Mark. Lily had followed the advice and resisted becoming involved with him for years. Then, for some reason, he’d set out to charm her, pursued her for months until she agreed to marry him. Children were never discussed. “That was years ago. You gave your baby up for adoption so it would have a better life.” Unease tingled its way down her spine, and Lily added, “You don’t even know the name of the couple who adopted him.”

  “Yes, but if Zane finds out…” Violet squeezed Lily’s hand. “I don’t know what he’ll do.”

  “Oh, shit, I forgot he didn’t know.”

  “Know what?” Zane stepped in from the hallway, his long strides eating up the distance before Lily’s overtaxed brain could develop a quick comeback.

  “Damn, I didn’t hear you come in through the front door.” Violet jumped to her feet and raced toward him.

  “I typed in the security code and came in through the garage. I thought since none of us got much sleep last night, you both might have decided to take a nap.” Zane dropped a quick kiss on her lips and wrapped his arm around her shoulders. “What’s happening, now?”

  Violet edged away from him. “Have you talked to Sebastian?”

  “Yes, he was waiting out in the parking lot of the funeral home when I came out. Why?” Zane tilted his head and ran a hand over the back of his neck. Slowly, his expression changed from one of confusion to shocked understanding.

  “Oh, no.” Lily watched as her friend’s emotions imploded. One moment, she appeared slightly upset, and then in a blink of an eye she exploded with fury.

  “Why that sorry bastard. How could he do this to me?” She pivoted on her heels. Taking not more than three steps toward Bruce, she came up short when Zane grabbed her arm and spun her around.

  “You were one of the girls I did an adoption for, weren’t you?” Zane’s incredulous tone told Lily he’d just figured out how his conversation with Sebastian connected with Violet’s sudden anger.

  “What did Sebastian tell you?” Violet laid a hand on Zane’s chest.

  Violet’s anger had morphed into a searing panic, and her eyes silently pleaded with Zane for understanding. Lines formed on his brow, and his mouth narrowed into a straight line.

  “He wanted to know if I remembered any of the names.” He smirked. “I didn’t until now.”

  Violet jerked back as if he’d hit her but didn’t get far with his hold on her arm tightening. “And now that you do?”

  “It brings up the question as to who was the father.” Zane released her and brushed his hand through his raven hair. His blue-eyed gaze turned cold.

  The color again drained from Violet’s face, and she backed up another step. “I—”

  “No, don’t tell me. Mark, right?” Zane stared at her, waiting for an answer.

  Instead of pleading her case, she straightened her shoulders and glared right back at him.

  Lily had to give her friend credit for not crumbling under Zane’s cool reaction. Each appeared determined to match the other in a staring contest. She couldn’t help but butt in. “Zane, I don’t think it matters anymore. Violet loves you. Has for years.”

  Both heads turned. The joint heat of their scowls hit her right in the heart, and she rose. These two were all the family she had left, and she refused to see a mistake from the past jeopardize their future. “Look, you both slept with other people before you got together. Why should it make a difference who it was?”

  “Because it was Mark,” Zane muttered under his breath and turned for the door.

  Lily hurried after him while Violet stayed rooted to the spot where he left her. “Zane, damn it, I know you’re upset, but I won’t let you throw away your future because of this.”

  He turned suddenly, and she slammed into him, her hands falling hard against his chest.

  Grabbing her by the shoulders, he growled, “You don’t have a choice. It’s my life.”

  Hitting him sent a bolt of pleasure through her, and she repeated the action. “No. I won’t let you do this to us. We’re family. Mark is the one who convinced Violet to stay quiet about their affair. He said you wouldn’t understand.”

  “Well, he was right.” He tightened his grip on her shoulders and shifted back.

  Curling her fingers into his shirt, she held on. “No. He wasn’t. If he were, you wouldn’t still be here.”

  “Don’t Lily.” Violet’s voice came from just behind her.

  She kept hold of Zane and spoke over her shoulder, “Why not? Mark did the same thing to Zane. He did to all of us. He used us to get what he wanted.”

  “What are you saying?” Zane shook her, his fingers digging into her.

  “Remember the buyout option in our partnership agreement?” Lily didn’t like doing this. Hell, she hated herself for shattering Zane’s loyalty to Mark, but she had more at stake here than just the lab. She needed him and Violet to hold her world together.

  “Yes, but Mark would never have been able to raise the money to buy us out.” Zane shifted his hands to her wrists and tried to free himself.

  Refusing to release her grip, Lily nodded. “Not true, he planned to mortgage the house and with Olivia’s help pay us both off.”

  Fury sparked in his eyes, and his fingers bit into her skin.

  Pain radiated through her hands, and she cried, “Zane, you’re hurting me.”

  “Let her go.” Violet wrapped her arms around Lily’s waist.

  He released her, his hands falling to his side and knotting into fists. His nose flared as he barked, “Then tell me how long Mark has been planning this.”

  Acting like a shield for Violet, Lily rubbed her wrists. “No, Zane. You don’t understand. I just told Violet about this when she came over to see if I needed any help getting dressed for the funeral.”

  Lily shook her head, wondering why she had elected to reveal Mark’s most recent idea for expansion now. “Mark told me last
week that after the release of the Neanderthal results, he expected to have lots of interest in the lab. He hoped to use the lab’s notoriety to attract investors. Olivia had already approached a few people and hinted they might buy into the company.”

  “Right, but we’d have to agree to sell,” Zane argued.

  “Wrong. He pointed out some of his more recent expenditures to me and said we’d either have to agree to sell or risk bankruptcy.”

  Bruce’s hand landed on her shoulder. “Lily, do you realize that’s a perfect motive for wanting him dead?”

  Chapter Sixteen

  After scanning his security badge to get into the lab, Sebastian strolled down the aisle. Paying no attention to the activity and noise around him, he had one thing on his mind, finding Lily. She had managed to avoid him yesterday evening by locking herself in her bedroom again. He also missed her this morning when she snuck out while he’d been talking to Violet.

  He wouldn’t allow her to keep it up. Bruce had her under lock and key in her office, giving Sebastian the perfect opportunity to talk to her. He especially planned to question her as to Mark’s plans for his company.

  Seeing his partner sitting outside a corner office, Sebastian nodded a greeting and offered, “Why don’t I take over for a while and give you a break.”

  “Sure, but you might want to step inside her office so she doesn’t see you. She just went to the restroom a few moments ago and should be back any second.” Bruce stretched his arms up over his head and shoved his chair back from the desk where he’d been sitting.

  “I don’t think there are many places she can hide in here.” Sebastian leaned against the doorway to her office. The gray walls inside were covered with large pictures of sunny beaches and tropical paradises. Her desk, guest chairs, and a side table were made from white wicker, which looked like they should be in a sunroom somewhere not in an office building.