* * *
IT TOOK AN HOUR FOR GARRETT to learn exactly nothing. Not only was there no birth certificate, but no record whatsoever of their baby even having been born—or having died.
More than anything, Garrett wanted to give in to the slow burning rage building inside. He’d honestly been dumb enough, naive enough, to believe even the all-powerful Hal Barnesworth wouldn’t have been capable of pulling a stunt such as hiding his own grandson, but he’d been wrong.
In the crowded parking lot, Garrett found Eve asleep with the car’s windows down. She looked at peace and he didn’t want to ruin that.
He tried opening the driver’s-side door quietly, but she bolted awake.
Some of her hair had spilled from her tight French twist, making her appear more like she had back in school. His fingers itched to reach out, sample the soft strands as he once had been free to do, but he instead kept his hands to himself and climbed behind the wheel.
What they’d once shared was as lost as their son.
“Well?” she asked, tidying her hair. “What’d you find out?”
Right hand fisted, he punched the steering wheel. “Not a damned thing.”
Chapter Four
“Eve Barnesworth, you can just march those sweet buns of yours right back home.”
“Thanks for the compliment, but you know what they say about there being no rest for the weary.” Eve kept right on walking toward the elevator. Her assistant Darcie was not only a good friend, but held her MBA from the University of Florida, and in a pinch, could run Barnesworth Industries. There wasn’t a day that passed when Eve wasn’t appreciative to Human Resources for finding her. Following Eve into the car, Darcie pressed the button for the third floor.
“I thought the saying was ‘no rest for the wicked’?”
Eve managed a smile. “That probably describes us, as well.”
“True.” Darcie may have only stood five feet tall, but she was a dynamo. Another reason Eve admired her was because she was a single mom. Back when she’d still believed her son had died at birth, Eve liked to think had he lived, she’d have been much like Darcie—scrapping her way to the top, no matter the odds stacked against her. Between her quick wit, adorable dimples and killer work ethic, it was all too tempting to hand Darcie the company reins while she in turn ran off to Fiji. “Sorry I missed Hal’s funeral. Leo had a 103 fever and I couldn’t leave him.” Leo was Darcy’s four-year-old son. Cute didn’t begin describing his freckles, red curls and rotating assortment of missing teeth.
After Eve’s last miscarriage, she’d secretly dreaded whenever Darcie brought her son to the office. The pain of losing yet another child had been too much to bear. Lately, Eve had been able to enjoy Leo, but now that she’d learned she may have her own son out there, she’d grown curious about what he might be like.
Eve gave her friend a squeeze. “I wouldn’t have wanted you to leave the little guy—although I’m assuming you’ve heard Daddy’s send-off wasn’t exactly the dignified affair I’m sure he wanted?”
“Unfortunately, yes.”
The cranky elevator finally dinged and Eve gestured for Darcie to lead the way onto their floor. Barnesworth Industries’ official headquarters was located in the century-old former Buxton County hospital. What the place lacked in amenities, it made up for in charm. Cypress floors glowed and the pink, mission-style exterior had become a recognizable landmark to everyone within a hundred miles. Much of the building was rented out to other longtime partners, legal firms and coincidentally enough in light of the building’s past, a few doctors. The Spanish-tiled lobby’s vaulted ceiling and grand double staircase rivaled those of any historic hotel.
Well-wishes and hugs from most every employee she passed meant it took Eve another fifteen minutes to reach the corner office that had once been a patient dayroom. Tall windows welcomed in healing sun and Eve was determined to not let even the stack of ten newspapers that’d featured her father’s funeral and the scandal bring her down.
“Sorry.” Darcie dashed ahead to take away the pile of bad news. “Guess I should’ve asked Gladys to get those out of here, but I don’t think she’s coming in today. Zack was the one insisting, you know.” Gladys was Hal’s bosomy secretary. The woman was big as a house and bore the motto that if you got in her way, she’d mow you down like a wrecking ball. She’d been with Eve’s dad from the start and had the loyalty and facial structure of a bulldog. What she lacked in physical beauty was more than made up for by the kind of inner beauty that seemed to get harder and harder to find. Zack, on the other hand, had been her father’s right-hand man. A Harvard Law graduate, his fair hair and green gaze might’ve been easy on the eyes, but he was also beyond intimidating.
“It’s all right.” Eve winced. “I was kinda there when the story first broke.” Finally seated in her comfy desk chair, she exhaled. She’d been working from home alongside her father for so long that a guilty part of her felt good to be back among the living. “Is Gladys all right?”
“She’s had a tough time with Hal’s death—we all have. Even though we knew it was coming, you know…”
“Sure.” Eve ran her fingers over the desk’s cool, wood surface, reminding herself this was what mattered. Her dad might be gone, but the business was still here, along with all the people whose livelihoods depended on her to keep the company running strong. Responsibility bore down on her shoulders, bringing on an instant headache and literal pain in her neck. “I’ll call her in a little bit. Tell her to take as much paid leave as she needs.”
Eve’s father had easily been one of the most recognizable figures in the state. Larger than life with a loud laugh and even louder temper. In his prime, the army veteran had been over six feet of muscle. In his older years, too much steak and heavy cream sauces had loaded on the pounds. He’d been generous with compliments and holiday bonuses, but those who crossed him learned to deeply regret it. Along with seemingly everyone else, Eve had once worshipped Hal. Now she wasn’t sure what she felt for her father.
Darcie asked, “Want me to call her for you?”
“No.” Eve powered up her computer. “She’s practically family. I owe her a personal visit.”
“That may well be.” Darcie tugged at the curtains to keep sun from shining in Eve’s eyes. “But you only lost your dad a few days ago. With all due respect, maybe you also need more time off?”
“Probably.” Eve shook her head. “No, definitely, but part of the reason I came in today was to get my mind off of his dying. Right before he went, in true Hal Barnesworth style, he dropped a bombshell on me that still has my ears ringing.”
“Oh?” Darcie dropped onto one of a pair of ivory leather guest chairs.
“Prepare to have your mind blown.” By the time Eve relayed to her friend the events of the past couple days, Darcie’s mouth hung open.
“I fail to see how even Hal could’ve pulled all of that off—especially without Zack knowing.”
“That’s just it. Daddy pulled this stunt long before Zack came on board. I’m sure not even Gladys knew.”
Leaning forward, Darcie rested her elbows on Eve’s desk. “While I’m still processing the fact that you have a mystery child, tell me more about Garrett. Is he handsome? You two have sparks? Was he excited by the prospect of you two sharing a son? Is he as larger-than-life as navy SEALs are made out to be, or is it all a bunch of hype?”
“If you ever pause for breath—” Eve cast a faint smile “—I’ll fill you in.
Plus, he’s meeting me here in an hour, so if you’re not stuck in a meeting, you can judge him for yourself.”
* * *
GARRETT HAD DRIVEN BY what Coral Ridge residents dubbed the Pink Palace no doubt hundreds of times, yet he’d never stepped foot inside. Since he’d always considered Hal Barnesworth to be a bloated, power hungry, egotistical brute of a man, Garrett halfway expected Barnesworth corporate headquarters to feature a flame and pitchfork-themed decor, but upon stepping off the third-floor elevator, Garrett was welcomed into a serene office space buzzing with productivity and rich furnishings. Far from the theme featuring black-and-orange flames, monochromatic sand-colored everything save for the occasional potted palm and pricey-looking painting made him feel even further from his comfort zone than Barnesworth Mansion.
While waiting for Eve, a receptionist requested he park on a leather couch the color of his mother’s Sunday pearls.
The formality only reinforced how different he and Eve truly were. They might share a son, but that was where all other comparisons ended. This kind of life wasn’t for him. Like his father, Garrett needed plenty of fresh air and excitement.
That point noted, when Eve rounded a corner wearing creamy-colored slacks that made her legs go on for miles and an ultrafeminine, breast-hugging blouse with fabric looking too soft to be real, Garrett struggled for his next breath. Making matters worse, Eve sported a flawless side ponytail that all at once made her elegant, yet fun. Had her smile reached her eyes, he doubted he’d be capable of speech. Still no sleep? Even all her styling perfection couldn’t hide her red, puffy gaze.
“Garrett.” Rather than giving him the hug he stupidly craved, she extended her right hand. “Thanks for meeting me here. I needed to handle a few things.”
“Sure.” What did it mean that even after their simple handshake, he still felt her touch? “Need me to come back later?”
“No, not at all.” She led him down a wide hall. “Since my mind is already occupied by our son, I’m happy for a break.”
“Know the feeling.” It came as a relief—knowing she was also consumed with finding their child.
Her private office was even more intimidating than the rest of the place. Walls lined with silver-framed photos of Eve smiling alongside faces he recognized from magazines and TV had him feeling all the more out of his league. When she sat at her desk, offering for him to take a guest chair, he had the oddest sensation of being in some swanky principal’s office with her about to give him detention.
He took in the twelve-foot ceiling. “Quite a place you’ve got here…”
“It’s okay. Daddy’s decorator had more to do with it than me. She wanted magazine coverage. All I wanted were plenty of windows and a comfy chair.” She handed him a yellow legal pad on which she’d made notes. “I think our best course of action is trekking back to Savannah. Maybe through real-estate records, we can find a forwarding address for Rose.”
“Worth a shot.” He returned her paper. “But are you sure you’re up for that? It’s one thing discussing the woman who no doubt took our baby through a third party. Meeting her face-to-face may not be so easy.”
“Let’s face it, we could’ve just as easily run into her on our last trip. I had no idea the unwed mothers’ home was closed.” Her eyes welled, but she held her composure. “Rest assured, no matter the personal cost, I’ll do whatever it takes to find our son.”
* * *
GARRETT HAD LONG HEARD from his friends with small children how they were fast to fall asleep in the car. Eve apparently was no different. Thirty minutes into their return trip to Savannah, she lightly snored—a fact which, were she to discover, Garrett guessed she wouldn’t like. Back in school, where her grades were concerned, she never settled for anything less than perfection. She’d made him feel like king of the world when she’d told him that’s what the two of them together were—perfect.
How easy it would be—falling for her all over again. She might be a highly accomplished businesswoman, but she also carried an air of fragility that made him want to fight all her battles. His job was protecting those who couldn’t protect themselves. Only what he felt for Eve was far from professional.
Ten minutes from their destination, he gave her a gentle nudge. “Wake up, sleepyhead.”
“We’re here already?” She lowered the visor to fuss with her hair. “I’m so sorry. I never meant to crash like that.”
“It’s okay. You’re cute when you snore.”
“I don’t snore.”
He laughed. Had he called it, or what?
“I don’t.”
“If you say so.”
“Whatever.” She folded her arms. “Are we almost there?”
“My GPS says ten minutes, but you know how that goes.” In the past hour, the computer lady had advised him to take three alternate routes.
Though he wouldn’t admit it to Eve, Garrett’s stomach was uneasy. When they’d initially launched the search for their son, he’d assumed it would be no big deal. Now he fully grasped how difficult the task may prove to be. Not only logistically, but emotionally. They’d just gotten started and already he dreaded the letdown if today’s search also left them empty-handed. Even worse was being with Eve. Just now, their banter had been fun, but he didn’t need to flirt, he needed to find his son. Eve had destroyed him once, and no way was he opening himself up to that brand of pain again.
In just under nine minutes, they reached the Chatham County Courthouse.
Inside, Garrett noted one of the governmental departments they passed. “Good to know we can also get our mosquito problem handled while we’re here.”
Eve faintly smiled.
In the Tax Commissioner’s Office, they researched back taxes owed on Rose’s former home, and after plenty of schmoozing over the baby pictures on the clerk’s desk, Eve soon enough had Rose’s current address.
During the twenty-mile drive to Lake Hudson, the mood was tense, which made Garrett nuts. Trying to lighten the vibe, he said, “You did good back there. I’m not sure we’d have gotten as much info as we did without your advanced people skills.”
“I wasn’t faking. Her baby boy really was adorable.”
“I know, but— Never mind.” Something about Eve’s tone hit him wrong. He’d been trying to pay her a compliment, but she’d taken it the other way. Story of their short-lived relationship. Perfection, then too many miscommunications to count, then nothing at all. “You nervous about seeing Rose?”
“Yes.”
“Care to elaborate?” Why was it so important for him to understand what she was feeling?
“Sorry…” Hands clasped on her lap, posture rigid, her former fragility had transformed to ice. As if she’d built a wall she had no intention of letting him breach. “Truth is, I’m not sure what I’m feeling. Part fear and resentment mixed with anticipation stemming from hoping she has answers.” Though the teary smile she sent Garrett’s way vanquished his irritation with her silence, part of him preferred he and Eve keep their distance. Seemed safer that way.
* * *
“HOW’RE YOU HOLDING UP?”
“So-so.” Eve honestly wasn’t sure. Standing on the front porch of a run-down house settled square in the center of a weed-choked lot filled Eve with not just dread, but sadness. Rose had been kind to her. It was hard seeing an elderly woman reduced to living this way. On the flip side, if Rose knowingly helped Eve’s father deceive her, she deserved whatever fate deemed fit.
> “Here goes nothing.” Garrett knocked on the front door.
The sound startled a cat from an overturned plastic milk crate. Three kittens instantly mewed.
“Aw…” Eve knelt to pet the black-and-white furballs. “They’re so tiny. Their eyes aren’t even open.” Rising with the kitten still in her arms, she glanced about the porch. “I don’t see any food for the momma.”
Garrett knocked again.
A white-haired woman wearing a housecoat and slippers stepped out onto the porch of the house next door. “If y’all are looking for Rose, she volunteers at the library. She’ll probably be home in an hour.”
“Thank you!” Eve waved.
“You’re welcome!” Just as abruptly as the woman had emerged, she dashed back into her home.
“Wanna grab a bite to eat?” Garrett suggested. “That should take about an hour.”
“Sure, but can we stop by a store?” The momma cat had returned, and now did figure eights around Eve’s ankles. “We need cat food.”
“Eve…” Garrett’s look implied she was crazy, but Eve didn’t care. Focusing on a creature alive and in need of help shifted her worry away from her all-consuming thoughts of her son.
“I have to do this, okay?”
“Sure.” He met and held her gaze for an uncomfortably long time. Enough to leave her wondering what he thought of her. Was he as proud of her accomplishments as she was his? Did he find her as attractive as she did him? Was he equally as certain the effortless connection they’d once shared was forever lost? “Hop in the car and we’ll find the nearest store.”
“Thanks.” For everything. Helping her escape from her own father’s funeral to chauffeuring her on what may ultimately turn out to be a heartbreaking wild-goose chase.
* * *
“ONE THING I DON’T GET.” Garrett nudged a fallen tree branch from the park trail on which they meandered after lunch. The small town only had two restaurants—one downtown diner and one truck stop out by the highway. Having opted for the bustling diner, he and Eve finished the pot-roast special ahead of schedule and still had time to kill. Suited Garrett just fine. The few minutes alone gave him the privacy he needed to get to the heart of a couple matters. “Your dad told us our son died for our benefit. But—no offense—Hal struck me as the kind of guy who never did anything for a purely altruistic motive.”
The SEAL's Stolen Child Page 5