I drew a calming breath and turned my attention to Reed who still hadn’t put two and two together.
“As for you, let’s just say you’re lucky the statute of limitations has run.”
“What?” He shoved to his feet, his expression clouding with anger.
“I know what you did to my mother, you and the others. I know how the four of you tracked her down in College Station and tried to convince her to return to Mossy Creek. I know why as well. She’d just turned twenty-one, old enough to claim her great-grandmother’s estate. When she wouldn’t go with you, you tried to force her. She fought back. But you taught her a lesson, didn’t you? You dragged her inside her apartment. You beat her. You raped her. Then you left her there, battered and broken because she’d dare stand up to you.”
“How dare you!”
Reed took a step toward me, his hand raised as if to strike me. Instantly, Apollo moved between us. The Mal growled menacingly. At the same time, I reached behind me to where my gun nestled in the small of my back.
“I dare because it’s the truth. Remember, Annie is every bit as good an attorney as her grandfather was. She also has Miss Olivia working for her. Between the two of them, they’ve managed to uncover the whole sordid affair. If you think my accusations against your buddy there are bad, think what will happen if this goes public. How many of your clients will continue to come to you when they find out you’re a rapist?”
“You bitch!”
“Quite possibly.”
“What do you want?” Luíseach demanded.
“What I want is for my mother to never have met you or your family. But that isn’t going to happen. So, here’s what your family is going to do. Your parents are going to sign statements acknowledging the fact they have no right to Faith Nelson’s estate. Any monies the trustees may have advanced them on the possibility the estate would one day come to them will be repaid with interest within the next six months. You will execute these documents within the next twenty-four hours or I will go public with the rest of the documents my partner has found.”
“That’s blackmail!”
“Not at all. I am simply laying out what I will do if you don’t convince your parents to drop their attempt to steal what is mine.” God, this was easier than I thought it would be. “One last thing, none of your family will attempt to contact me without first coming through my attorney. Frankly, I could happily live the rest of my life without ever having to lay eyes on any of you ever again.”
“Come on, Luíseach. Let’s get out of here. They aren’t going to be reasonable,” Reed said.
“You might want to wait to hear what else I have to say.” You could have heard a pin drop in the silence that followed.
Slowly, he turned to face me. “If you think you’re going to get a single dime out of me, you’re crazy. I’ll ruin you if you try.”
“You can try, but I don’t want your money.”
“Then what?”
“Other than you to rot in hell?” It was out before I could stop it. Annie once again rested a hand on my arm, a reminder to stay calm. I nodded, letting her know I was all right. “You’re going to make a generous contribution, say one hundred thousand, to RAINN, a rape survivor charity. You will also never have any contact with me without first going through my attorney. In return for that, I will sign an affidavit waiving all claims to your estate.”
“And if I refuse? You have nothing tying me to what happened to your mother.”
I laughed. It might have been a bit maniacal but that didn’t matter, not in the grand scheme of things.
“But I do,” I countered. “Not only do we have witness statements from that day as well as the police report, we have one thing Mom didn’t have back then. We have DNA.”
For the first time, he paled and lost the cocky look he’d worn since entering the office. He opened his mouth and then closed it. Anger burned in his eyes. He knew I had him. He simply didn’t want to accept it.
“Gentlemen, we will give you until nine in the morning to make your decisions,” Annie said coldly as she climbed to her feet. “I believe you can find your way out.”
The moment the door closed behind then, I sagged against the desk. Annie slid an arm around me and led me to the sofa against the far wall. As we were seated, the door banged open. Lucas rushed in, followed closely by both Beth and Drew. Drew hurried to where I sat. His hands closed around my arms and he pulled me into a tight embrace.
“If that doesn’t rattle their cages and shake something lose, nothing will,” Lucas said as he pulled his phone and sent a quick text.
I had no doubt he was letting Quinn know what happened.
“We’ll see.” I looked to Beth. “Does she have anything else on her schedule today?”
“No.” When Annie shot her a look, she simply smiled in response.
“Then gather your things, partner. I’m taking you home.”
“We’re taking you home,” Drew corrected. “Gran’s going to meet us there and will stay with you until Sam gets home. Aunt Camille is picking up Robbie and will bring him home. That means she’ll probably stay as well.”
“In other words, you called in reinforcements,” Annie groused.
“Yep.” Drew wasn’t the least be repentant. “As for you, we’re under instructions from Miss Serena to stop by the butcher shop to pick up her order. Then we are to head to her place.”
“I just need to grab a few things from my office.”
“I’ll take Annie home,” Lucas volunteered. “She and I are going to have a little talk.”
I ducked my head to hide my smile. He was still pissed at what we’d done and was going to let Annie know about it. Better her than me. Not that I had any doubt Drew had more than a few choice words for me.
“I’ll pick you up in the morning, Annie,” I commented as I paused in the doorway. “And no working tonight. Enjoy the evening with Sam and your son.”
“Drew,” she said before we could leave.
“Yeah, twin?”
“You take good care of her. I’m going to be really pissed at you if you let anything happen to her.”
“I’ll let you in on a secret, twin. I’ll be pissed at myself if I do.” He gave her a cheeky grin and then, with his hand at the small of my back near my gun, he led me out. “And we will be discussing what you two just did, Meg,” he added softly.
“I’m not going to apologize.”
“I’m not asking you to.” He leaned against my office doorframe and watched as I gathered my things. “I am asking you to be careful and don’t take any unnecessary risks for the next few days. If your hunch is right and one or the other of those two is responsible for what’s been happening, they’ll act soon. If not, well, you’ve managed to mark two suspects off our list.”
I clipped Apollo’s leash to his halter and straightened, my backpack slung over one shoulder. “Ready?”
He waited until I stood next to him. Then he smiled down at me in such a way I really wished we were alone in the office. “What I’m ready for is some quality time alone with you.” He bent and whispered what he planned to do to me once we weren’t looking over my shoulder.
My heart might not have melted but lust burned hot and I couldn’t get him out of there fast enough.
Chapter 29
“Neither of you are to leave the office without giving Lucas or me a head’s up first,” Drew said as he leaned in the driver’s window of the Discovery.
I didn’t roll my eyes, but it was close. He’d already given me the lecture not once but twice since we woke. He’d ridden with me to Annie’s, wanting to make sure his sister was all right. He said he’d catch a ride from there with Sam. I knew better. He’d borrow Sam’s truck or Annie’s Mustang and follow us. Not that I objected, at least not too much. I knew we’d pushed Reed and Luíseach yesterday. If either of them was behind what had been going on since my arrival in town, they couldn’t afford to delay taking action. The clock was ticking, and their t
ime would run out at nine this morning.
“We’ll be good. I promise.” I reached out and cupped my hand behind his neck. A moment later, I pulled him down enough to kiss him. “Quit worrying.”
“I can’t.” His thumb caressed my cheek for a moment. Then he looked past me to his sister. I didn’t need to turn to know she sat there, grinning at us. “And you, don’t you dare overdo, twin.”
“Your girlfriend there won’t let me.”
I swallowed hard and blushed. Drew looked at me and grinned. Then he lifted my chin and kissed me once again. “Be careful. We’ll be keeping an eye on you. I promise.”
I nodded and slid the key into the ignition. He stepped back and watched as I carefully backed out of the driveway. As I did, I felt Annie’s eyes on me. When I glanced at her, she grinned and reached over to lightly pat my arm.
“You’re good for him, Meg.” She turned to look out the windshield, her hands folded across her belly. The look on her face changed and she looked both excited and peaceful at the same time.
“Baby kicking?” I asked as I pulled onto Main Street.
She nodded. “They’ve been very active the last few days.”
“They?” I slammed on the brakes, for once not worried if anyone might be behind us. Then I glanced at her in surprise.
“They.” Annie shifted slightly in her seat before continuing. “We haven’t told anyone because of my mother.”
“Who would go overboard going overboard?” I chuckled as she groaned.
“And then some.” She grabbed my arm. “Please, don’t tell her.”
“I won’t.” I checked the mirrors and, after making sure we were clear, started off again. “Still, it would be interesting to see what her reaction would be to know you’re having twins.”
I chuckled softly as Annie punched my shoulder. “You wouldn’t dare.”
“Probably not.” I grinned and turned my attention to the road.
I pulled in behind the office and parked in the space Annie usually took, the one closest to the door. It didn’t surprise me to see we were the first in. Drew and Lucas had planned it that way. They knew, and I agreed, if the person behind the attacks on me was to strike again, they would do so now. Much as I hated exposing Annie to possible danger, I felt sure I could get her inside without trouble. But the more people around, the higher the danger for everyone.
“Wait here,” I said. “Let me get the dogs out and the office door unlocked.”
The look she gave me spoke volumes. She didn’t like being told what to do. She didn’t like being left in the car as if she were helpless. She didn’t like being safe inside the car while I took the risks. To stop the protest I saw coming, I simply glanced at her stomach. She nodded. Then she grinned and stuck out her tongue.
“Take Brigid inside and keep her with you,” I said softly as I opened her door and handed her Brigid’s leash.
“Meg?” Concern filled her voice and she looked around.
“Stop it,” I hissed. “We’ve got eyes on us, remember that, but there’s someone else nearby. I can feel them.” And that was something new. Whether it was just nerves or being here in Mossy Creek had kickstarted a new talent, I didn’t know. Nor did I care. There’d be time later to think about all that. For now, I needed to get Annie safely inside. “The door is unlocked. Once you are out of the car, go around the front of it and straight inside. Lock the door behind you and turn on the alarm.”
“Meg.”
“Annie, either do as I say or I’m climbing back inside and driving you home.” I dared to dart a glance over my shoulder. Whoever watched us had yet to reveal himself. “I can’t worry about something happening to you and the babies.”
“And I don’t want to worry about you.”
“I know.” I gave her hand a quick squeeze. “You’re my ace in the hole, Annie. If I’m right and they are here waiting, you’re going to be able to let Drew and Lucas know. You can also call in the troops from the café and everywhere else you can think of. But you have to be safely inside to do so.”
She didn’t like it. Hell, neither did I, but what choice did we have?
With a slight frown, she nodded. I stepped back and helped her out of the Discovery. Together, we walked around the front of the vehicle. As we did, I made sure I covered her with my body as much as I could. Just a few more feet and she’d be at the door. Then she’d be safely inside.
The sound of a shoe crunching on pebbles came from behind me. I gripped Annie’s elbow and increased our pace. She gasped softly as I did. I inhaled, steadying my rising emotions. I couldn’t let on I knew they were there. Not until I had Annie safe inside the office.
As Annie reached for the door knob, I gave her arm a quick, reassuring squeeze. At the same time, another step sounded, closer this time. I reached past Annie and grabbed the door, pulling it open. Without warning, I shoved her inside and slammed the door behind her.
“Meg!” Anger and worry filled her voice.
“Lock the door!” I ordered.
I turned, eyes scanning the parking lot and surrounding area. The two men standing a few feet away concerned me, but not nearly as much as the possibility they weren’t alone. I reached back and pounded on the door, reminding her I needed to know she was safe. A moment later, I heard the lock being engaged. I had no doubt Annie was already rallying the troops. That meant I needed to act fast if I wanted to get the answers I needed before anyone else showed up.
“I have to admit, you’re not who I expected.”
I gave Apollo the hand signal to stay alert as I took one step away from the door. I wanted to keep the building at my back. Even so, I needed room to move. As I did, I felt my phone vibrating in my hip pocket. A smile twitched my lips and, not taking my eyes from the two, I reached for the cellphone.
“Hey, babe.” I hadn’t checked to see who was calling but I had a feeling it was either Lucas or Drew. Either way, I didn’t want to give away their identity.
“Damn it, Meg, have you lost your mind?” Drew demanded.
“That sounds about right, love.” I lifted my free hand and warned the two off as they took a step forward. They started at me in surprise when I waggled a finger back and forth in the age-old “no-no-no” motion.
“Are they there?”
“Absolutely. Grabbing some breakfast sounds great. When can you be here?” God, let him understand he needed to get here ASAP.
“Get your ass inside. I’m less than two minutes out. Lucas is coming in from the other side of town.”
“Love you too, babe.” I made a show of acting as if I ended the call before placing my phone on the hood of the Discovery. “Now, gentlemen, as I was saying, you’re not exactly who I expected.”
I stood, feet apart, arms and hands relaxed, my entire focus on the two men standing before me. Mathias Luíseach might have been wearing the same black suit and white shirt I’d seen him in the first time we met. This time, however, he’d unbuttoned his jacket and pushed the sleeves above his wrists. His longish hair blew in the breeze and I saw the gray stubble on his chin. Expression hard and with hate-filled eyes, I realized I might have misjudged him. After my first encounter with the Luíseachs, I’d assumed Eileen ran the family. Maybe it was a patriarchy after all. Not that it changed anything.
Winston Reed stood with him. His presence didn’t surprise me. My being in Mossy Creek threatened not only his standing in the community but, in his eyes, his financial health. Watching him stare at me, hate burning in his eyes, something suddenly dawned on me. Something in the shape of his face, especially around the eyes and nose, reminded me of Eileen. Could they be related?
God, if he and Mom were related… .
My stomach churned and I fought to ignore it. Now was not the time to be distracted by what-ifs.
“It’s time you learned your place, girl,” Mathias Luíseach said as he took a step forward.
As he did, Reed stepped to his left. I instantly recognized the tactic. They wanted my
attention focused on the old man, leaving Reed free to act. Well, that wasn’t going to happen. All I had to do was keep them talking for a few more minutes, just until Drew and Lucas got there.
“I think I have.” I took a step to my right, mirroring Reed’s movement. “My mother wanted me to come here and meet people she cared for – and who cared for her. She also wanted to make sure I didn’t fall victim to either of you the way she did.”
“She should have stayed away. She was never anything but trouble,” Mathias said
“She was your daughter!” Anger licked at the edges of my self-control. I pushed it back. I needed to stay focused.
“She was a whore and an abomination!” he spat. “She deserved everything she got and more.”
That did it. I saw red, literally. Around me, the wind swirled as if called. Energies built. Overhead, clouds moved across the sky, turning it dark. Lightning flashed, crackling in the air. If this bastard thought my mother an abomination, he was about to see what a demon I could be.
“She deserved to be beaten and abused at your hands and the hands of that bitch who bore her?” I shoved my right hand forward, as if throwing a baseball. Lightning struck the pavement in front of the old man’s feet, forcing him back. “She deserved to be beaten and raped by you?” A second bolt landed between Reed’s feet. “She deserved not to be told of her inheritance, forcing her to work herself to an early grave just so she made sure I have everything I needed?” I raised my right hand over my head, gathering energy from the ionized air around me.
“Witch!” Luíseach pointed a thin, bony finger in my direction, terror reflected in his eyes.
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