Page 13 of Second Chance At Love

She had thought Nate was going to kill her. Henry closed his eyes for a moment, painfully aware of the woman in his arms. Cora was a traumatized victim in all of this. If she had done something to protect herself that happened to result in Nate’s death, wouldn’t it be self-defense?

What had Nate died of? Was Cora responsible? What exactly did Agent Kepler think he knew?The questions swirled around Henry’s mind.

How could he best protect her?wondered Henry as Cora’s sobs quieted. She sniffled, holding onto him tightly.

“Did you say anything to Agent Kepler?” softly questioned Henry.

“No,” Cora managed to say with a watery sigh. “I told him the same story I said before. Most of it was true anyways. I’m scared, Henry.”

Kepler must not have any definitive proof, decided Henry. Otherwise he would have arrested Cora already. Which meant as long as she kept to her story and didn’t provide Kepler with a motive or a confession, she might just be okay.

Had she really killed his brother?Henry didn’t like the question and found that even if Cora had killed Nate in self defense, he really couldn’t blame her.

“It’s going to be okay,” he reassured her. “The lawyers are involved now. You don’t speak to Kepler without them. Stick to what you have already said. I’m right here to help.”

“Thank you,” murmured Cora.

Henry hesitated but decided it was best to bring everything out into the open. “I found out that Nate didn’t leave you, Oliver, or the baby anything in his will.”

Cora stiffened, pulling away a little. She looked at him with red rimmed eyes. “Who told you?”

“That doesn’t matter,” replied Henry. “I also learned the house has been sold.”

She nodded, her eyes downcast and her shoulders slumping in defeat. “It’s all been put in Nick’s name. I can’t touch it. I’m not really worried about the money, but I need someplace to raise the boys, and I just don’t know what to do. I can’t work, not with the baby coming. I don’t have any real work experience. I don’t know how I can provide for my sons.”

“You aren’t going to worry about it. You are going to keep raising your boys,” firmly said Henry. Reluctantly letting go of Cora, he grabbed the envelope from the coffee table. “This is going to help you.”

Cora gave him a questioning look before slowly taking the envelope. She opened it to find the paperwork and a couple of cards in her name. There were two credit cards and a debit card. “What is this?”

“I put you on all of my accounts. They are all joint accounts now. It makes it easier if I do happen to pass away so that you can access the funds,” explained Henry.

“You are not going to die,” she stubbornly told him. “And I don’t want your money.”

“You need it. Plus, it is going to you and the boys anyways at some point. Well, some will go to Addison’s kids as well,” he said. “I also set up a trust for Oliver and the baby. You need to know that I’m not certain if Nick’s trust fund is going to be seized by the FBI. Nate was involved in laundering money through the company. He profited personally from doing so. It’s only a matter of time before the FBI puts a penalty against the estate. Whatever it is, I will pay it or replace Nick’s trust fund.”

“Henry, you don’t need to do this,” she shook her head before looking tearfully up at him. “But I’m grateful you are. I’m not really in a position to say no.”

“Hey, I have too much money anyways. I’m happy to share with you and my nephews,” replied Henry as he put his hands on her shoulders.

“Thank you,” murmured Cora, touching the debit card, running a finger over the embossed letters of her name.

“We also need to talk about getting you a new home. The boys need someplace to grow up and they can’t do that at the hotel,” mentioned Henry.

“You can’t buy us a house,” protested Cora, her startled gaze meeting his.

“I can and I am. You are going to find a place that you like and put an offer in. Cash dealwith your name on the deed. You can also get a vehicle and whatever other necessities you need. It’s non negotiable,” firmly stated Henry. “It’s probably a good idea to get it done before the baby arrives. Then you can have the nursery ready.”

Cora stepped forward, hugging him hard. “Only if you come to live with us. Remember, I’m going to help you get through this heart transplant so no more talk about dying. Deal?”

Henry gently hugged her back. “Deal.”

“I’m glad you’re here,” she murmured.

Henry was glad he was here as well, he thought to himself as he gently rubbed her back. It was a bit awkward, holding Cora with the baby bump between them, but Henry wouldn’t complain.

What would he do if she had killed Nate?The question haunted him before he decided to shove it aside. He wasn’t going to think about it until he knew for certain what had happened. If he didn’t ask, then he didn’t need to know. Besides, it was self defense, wasn’t it?

Henry held Cora a little tighter, leaning his cheek against her soft hair. He was tired from the day’s activities. Henry had canceled all of his appointments and had texted Ben what had happened while at the police station. Ben had responded that he would take Nick and Oliver for the night, having a gaming sleepover at his condo. Henry supposed he should give Ben a call to let him know Cora was home. He also had a few questions for his brother.