Mila, who’d settled on my lap, went into great detail about the game they’d been playing.
Brad picked up Logan and set him on his lap, and the little boy buried his face in his chest. He turned him to face me. “This is my sister, Madison. And Madison, this is Logan.” He waved shyly.
“Very nice to meet you.” I gave him a big smile.
Brad turned his attention to Mila. “Do you think you can keep Logan entertained for a few minutes so I can talk to Auntie?”
Mila nodded, jumped down, and grabbed Logan’s hand after Brad set him on the floor. He followed them into the living room, pulled out a basket of toys, and turned on the television to a kids’ show, then motioned to me, and we sat on the couch.
“Dude.” I kept my low voice. “Did you skip the part where Logan’s your son and you just found out?” The boy was Brad’s spitting image.
“Layne noticed right away, and when she introduced us the first time, we laughed at the uncanny resemblance. But I swear to you, I just met her a few months back. I’ve heard it said that everyone has a twin somewhere; well, there’s mine.” Brad inclined his head.
It was hard not to stare at the little boy. Brad, Mila, and Logan were remarkably similar and could easily pass as a family with their sun-streaked brown hair and brown eyes. “What are you going to do?”
“I have no idea. What happens if Logan’s preschool finds out that his mother took off? Do they have a legal obligation to involve the authorities? Last thing I want is to be caught off guard, with Logan hauled out of here crying.”
“First thing you do is enroll Logan in the same school as Mila. Cook told me his daughter expanded last year and is now accepting preschool to sixth grade. If she asks, you have the POA, and you have references from me and Cook.”
“I’ll give them a call.” He smiled as he watched Mila handing Logan toys to throw into a pile.
“Better yet, I’ll get Cook to put in a word for you before you talk to her. You know how that family works—if it’s in their power to make it happen, it’s a done deal. They’re an accommodating bunch. What about…?” I inclined my head toward Logan, who was busy chatting it up with Mila. About half of what he said made sense. Mila didn’t skip a beat and answered back.
“Are you asking what if Layne doesn’t come back? I don’t have an answer since I don’t know what my options are, if any. I tried asking Allegra a few questions, and she was so evasive it made my head hurt.” Brad watched the kids for a minute. “As you can see, Mila and Logan are more than a little attached.”
I followed his gaze to the kids playing. “They’re very sweet together.”
“I need to know everything there is to know about Layne, and that’s where you come in. Would you run a background check?”
“That’s an easy request.” I smiled at him. “If you could decide the outcome, what would you want it to be?”
“For Layne to walk through the door. Logan loves her. I thought we were building something, but I’m not interested in someone who’d leave their kid.” Brad got up and stomped to the kitchen, coming back with more water and sitting down. “I did a little research this morning, and since I have no blood relationship to Logan, it’s a toss-up if the POA would hold up. The other thing that bothers me is that there’s probably family out there. And if so, they’ll want him, and reuniting them would be the right thing to do. I never got the entire story on bio dad; Layne vaguely brushed the subject off. I’m thinking the grandparents are the best people to take him—as long as they’re suitable and not crazy. I’d like to know what our options are before making any decisions.”
“Then there’s Mila.”
“In hindsight, I shouldn’t have let Layne move in. I told Mila back in the beginning that it was temporary while they looked for a home.” Brad sighed. “How do I explain this turn of events to my daughter? I don’t want her thinking I’d do the same thing to her.”
“Here’s what I’m going to do. I’ll have background checks run on Layne, her family, and any friends that can be located,” I said. “If I’m able to figure out where she disappeared to, you can be the one to make contact. Fab could force her back, but that would be awkward.”
Brad half-laughed and shook his head. “You’re right, it would be better if I was the one, and then find out for myself why she’d take such a drastic step.”
“You could always call your cop friend, Kevin.”
Brad shook his head. “No way. We both know he’s by the book. What I found out online was that since I’m not related, if anyone were to report Logan staying with me to the cops, they’d call Social Services, and who knows what would happen to him. Sad thing is, because I’m not family, I’d never know. As you know, not all the stories you hear about foster care are good, and I’m not doing that to Logan. I’m sure once we locate his family, they’ll be eager to have him.”
“I know you think you can keep this a secret. Mother—remember her?—will be caught by surprise, but she’ll be there for you. You could collect kids off the street and she’d be all, ‘More grandkiddios.’” I attempted to mimic Mother’s excited tone. The kid’s heads popped around, and when they saw me laughing, they laughed too.
“I suppose it would be rude to have someone else tell her.” Brad looked hopeful that I’d volunteer.
“The only thing Mother will be annoyed about is that she didn’t know first. Remember that she’s shown herself to be great in a crisis. More than once.”
“Must be where you get it from.” Brad looped his arm around me for a hug.
“I’m going to jump on this and help you figure out Logan’s options. I’ll keep you updated on anything I find out and email you a copy of every report. I want you to be able to make the best decision.” I pulled out my phone, asked Brad a couple of questions about Layne, and typed the answers into a text to Xander, with a “step on it” to my request for information. I got back an answer that he’d start immediately. He added that everyone had left for the day and he was locking up and heading out.
I called Creole, and when he answered, I said, “I’m bringing dinner, you got a preference?”
“Got it covered. At the mention of food, a couple of others invited themselves, so…”
“You going to keep me guessing?” When he laughed, I said, “I hope you have enough for three more. And it’s a surprise.”
We hung up. “Got this last-minute great idea. Come to dinner. Creole just told me that ‘a couple’ of other people are invited.” I made air quotes. “You can bet it’s probably twenty. Bring the kids, and I promise no one will ask any personal questions.” I waved off his maybe some other time answer. “The kids will have a great time, and by the time you get them home, they’ll be half-asleep and ready for bed.”
“Do you want to go to Auntie’s for dinner?” Brad asked.
“Yes.” Mila jumped up, hands in the air. Logan mimicked her.
Chapter Eighteen
I asked Brad to give me a five-minute head start so I could put the fear into people if they didn’t do as I asked. I called Creole on the way home. “Has Mother been invited to put in an appearance?”
“They’re headed to another Key for a romantic dinner.”
“My original number of three has now grown to five, and if there’s not enough food, you need to light a fire under Fab and tell her to hustle to the store.”
Creole laughed. “Good thing we have plenty. You know she’d shoot me.”
“I’m on my way.” I knew if I didn’t call Mother, I’d get grilled later on.
“This is your favorite daughter,” I said when she answered. “You’re so going to owe me when I tip you off to this tidbit.”
Mother laughed. “I don’t know what you’re up to, but put it on hold; the husband and I are having an evening out.” She made a kissy noise.
I gagged, loudly.
“Madison Westin,” she admonished.
“Mother dear, you get lover boy to turn your buggy around and head to m
y house or you’re going to grouch for nigh on ever about missing the evening.” That was met with silence.
“I’ll talk it over with the husband and see if he’s amenable.”
“Spoon lives to please his honey, so I’ll see you two later.”
I took every shortcut I could remember and sped to the house. When I opened the door, I saw several people in the kitchen, a couple with their backs turned as they headed out the sliders to the deck. Why invite one when ten will do?
Creole and Didier were prepping food, which I assumed would be barbequed. Fab tipped her martini glass in my direction.
Before I took another step, a ball of fur skidded to a stop at my feet and sniffed my shoes, then worked its nose up my legs. “What the hell is that?” I pointed, knowing the what. More importantly, where did it come from?
Fab shook her finger and, in a snooty tone, informed me, “Bad words aren’t allowed.”
The guys looked up and grinned.
On the heels of the dog came Alejandro Famosa, arms crossed, his brown orbs every bit as intense as his father’s.
Before he could launch into whatever was sitting on the tip of his tongue, I said, “Try not to get your shorts in a bunch when I know darn well your sensibilities haven’t been one bit offended.” I wanted to hug the high-schooler but knew that wouldn’t be on his list of favorite things.
“Let me introduce you to the latest Famosa family member,” Alex said with a smirk. “Larry. Madison. Try not to bite her.”
“What kind of—”
“Australian Shepherd. Highly trained. My dad claims he behaves better than we do.”
“It better be cat friendly or it needs to hustle outside.” I pointed to the door.
“No worries. The cats took one look at Larry and hightailed it down the hall. He didn’t chase them. He’s better trained than that,” Alex said with a snort.
“Where are your siblings?” I asked.
“When you get the food on the table, whistle, and they’ll come running,” Alex said in a stern tone. Only the quirk of his lips let on that he thought he was funny.
Creole came up behind me and enveloped me in a hug. “We’re having a ‘welcome to the family’ dinner for Larry.”
“Larry was the best name you could come up with?” I asked Alex, who wasn’t amused.
“My sister named him.” His tone dared me to comment.
“Sweet Lili.” I smiled. “I suppose those thug brothers of yours are around.” I’d nicknamed Cisco and Diego One and Two, since I couldn’t tell them apart.
“They’re playing on the beach with Dad.”
“Okay, everyone listen up.” I pointed to Alex. “I’ll need you to spread the word to any adults, along with the warning that if they don’t follow my edict, they’ll be in hot water with me.” Alex looked happy with his new task. “Brad is about to come through the door, and not one personal question or I’ll sic Fab on any offender with orders to put a bullet hole in their butt. Kids excluded, of course.”
“This is going to be fun.” Alex whistled for Larry, and the two ran out the door and down to the beach.
“I’ll be right back.” I hustled to the bedroom, threw my purse and briefcase down, and changed into a comfy dress, then bent down to kiss Jazz and Snow, who were asleep on the end of the bed. I padded barefoot back to the kitchen. “Do we have enough food?” I asked, going into hostess mode, knowing that we didn’t this morning.
“Casio brought the steaks, and between Didier and me, we’ve got the rest covered.” Creole handed me a margarita.
It took a lot of effort not to gulp it all the way down, but I managed to stop halfway.
Before Creole and Didier disappeared outside with the two trays of food they were holding, I said, “I know you’re all eager to hear about my chat with Brad, but I’ll let him tell you.” I turned to Fab. “We both have a lot going on. I’m thinking a morning meeting to get on track is called for. Let’s do it at the office; I’m more than happy to bring food.”
“Good idea.” Fab nodded. “So you know, Larry was a surprise to me, as I met him right before you arrived. When Casio asked about getting a dog, I didn’t realize he was telling me that he’d already gotten one. Larry’s got a great resume: guard dog, well-trained, good with kids, and won’t eat other animals.”
“When Mila meets Larry, she’ll be back to burning Brad’s ears off for a pet.” I crossed to the cupboard. “I think I have enough plates.” I did a mental count. “I need to do some shopping.”
Fab groaned. “Real stores or flea markets?”
“I’m thinking the out-of-the-way stores that I love and you hate.”
Fab’s nose went in the air. She didn’t need to know that when I had a minute, I planned to sneak off on my own. Non-stop knocking saved me from a response. I knew it was the kids. “I’ll get it.” I raced to open the door.
I bent down, and Mila threw herself into my arms. I opened my arms wider to include Logan and kissed them both on the cheek.
“Thank you for inviting us,” she squealed. Logan mimicked her: “Tanks.”
My brother stood behind them, a big smile on his face and two infamous pink boxes in his hand from everyone’s favorite bakery.
I stepped back as they all trooped inside. Mila grabbed Logan’s hand and dragged him over to meet Fab, who enveloped them both in a hug without hesitation.
“Mila’s going to be over the moon—the Famosa kids are lurking outside. Logan will fit right in, and they’ll have a great time.”
Brad craned his head around. “Does everyone…”
“I ordered everyone, under threat of dire consequences, not to ask a single question.”
Brad laughed.
Fab took Mila’s and Logan’s hands and led them outside.
“Beer or something stronger?” I asked Brad as I took the boxes and set them on the counter, taking a peek and licking my lips.
“I got it.” He headed to the refrigerator, helping himself. “The bakery had slim pickings left, so I cleaned them out of everything they had.”
I picked up the other half of my drink and slugged it down. “I put the word out, so there won’t be any weirdness.”
Brad set his beer down and pulled me into a hard hug. “You’re the best.”
“So you know, Mother and Spoon are joining us.” They’d be on their best behavior; I’d make sure of it.
“Most boring dinner ever is what you’re saying,” Brad teased.
“I’m going to help you figure everything out, but for tonight, screaming kids will keep all of us from having a single rational thought.”
I pulled out an enamelware tub, filled it with ice, and stocked it full of beers and sodas. Brad picked it up and carried it outside, sitting it on one of the side tables next to the railing. Looking down at the beach, I saw the kids and Larry running wild from one end of the sand to the other, Casio’s arms waving around in an attempt to steer them away from the water.
“Casio looks like he could use some help,” Brad said and, with a nod, headed down the stairs.
No one questioned me, which made me happy, but I did catch a couple of questioning stares from Creole and Didier. I kept my focus on setting the table.
“Anyone home?” Spoon boomed out.
I craned my head to see him and Mother in the kitchen and went to meet them. I gave them the same admonishment as everyone else, which earned me quizzical looks but no questions.
Fab had come back from the beach, and when the food was ready, she unleashed a whistle loud enough to wake the dead. The kids trooped up the stairs, followed by Casio and Brad.
Brad hugged Mother, and the two talked for several minutes. She patted him on the cheek. Spoon, Mila in his arms and Logan on his shoulders, brought them over, and they exchanged kisses with Mother.
The food had been set up buffet-style, and everyone was directed to grab a plate and help themselves. Brad and Casio helped their kids and got them seated. A few stares were sent Logan’s way
, but no one said a word. The kids kept up a constant chatter, relaying what they’d done in school.
I leaned sideways and asked Fab, “What kind of activity do you have planned for the kids after dinner?”
“I say we move the fun back down to the beach and let them continue running in circles until they fall asleep on their feet.”
“When I was a kid, I always wanted to stay outside and milk every last second of daylight because going inside generally meant bedtime.” I made a face and Fab laughed.
Once we finished eating and the dishes cleared away, we moved down to the sand, Brad and Casio taking balls and frisbees. Larry staked out his position on the beach, Mother at his side with Logan in her lap, and the three kept an eye on the action.
Spoon organized everyone into two teams for beach ball kicking. It appeared to be the adults’ job to make sure no one took one to the head.
“How long has Brad known he has a son?” Creole asked me, Didier and Fab in hearing range. “And how long have you known?”
“Do we congratulate him?” Didier asked.
I hurried to relate what I knew. “If you have more questions, you need to wait until he’s back at the office.”
“It would be easier and a more clear-cut course of action if Logan were his son,” Fab said.
Casio had come up in time to hear bits of the conversation. He punched Didier in the shoulder. “You’re up, dude.” He jumped up and ran down the beach to change places with the man.
“I can hit up a cop friend of mine, who can check to see if there’s any active reports on the mother,” Casio offered.
“Is there any chance that Brad wants to keep him?” Fab asked.
“He wants what’s best for Logan.” Reuniting him with his family needed to come quick, before Brad and Mila got really hurt.
The kids yelled for Creole, who jumped up and answered the call.
“What’s your plan to find this woman?” Fab asked.
“Layne has to want to be found. If not, it could be difficult, but hopefully not impossible. I’ve got Xander working on a background check and sent him her last known phone number. I tried it, but no answer. Then I’ll locate her family. If it comes to that, the three of us can show up, introduce ourselves, and won’t that be awkward?”
Bodies in Paradise Page 12