“I destroyed the employee records from that time. No one investigated the murders that followed. I may have had money, but not the kind it would have taken for a cover-up of that magnitude. Only someone very rich, very connected, and very evil could have done this. No, I don’t have proof, nor do I have a reason to lie anymore. Look at me. What do you think I have left to lose?”
Grant went over the story, searching for something he could act on. “Are the local police corrupt?”
“I know what they did, but I don’t know if they were given the same choices I was. The police chief moved to Argentina. At least, that’s what people said.”
“Who was the American? Do you know his name?”
“Senator Forn. He retired after that term. He can’t help you, though; he killed himself a year later.”
“Patrice Stanfield is dead as well. She died a few years ago. Natural causes, they think.”
“Thank God she’s gone. I probably didn’t have to run as I did, but she was the type to set something evil in place, even if there was no longer a need for it. I couldn’t risk putting my family in danger again.”
“There is no one left to corroborate your story.”
“No.”
Grant rubbed both hands over his face roughly. Of all the scenarios he’d thought he might uncover, this was by far worse. He’d told Ian he would tell his mother any truth, regardless of how ugly. How could he tell her this?
“Why did you have Helene visit you at all if you were worried about her safety?”
“I didn’t perceive danger for her until your brother started asking questions. Then I became afraid he would stir up old trouble.”
Grant walked away from Stiles. He needed a moment to think. From across the room, Stiles asked, “What will you do now?”
Grant answered without turning back to face him. “If you weren’t Helene’s uncle, I would have you prosecuted for what you’ve done. Or killed. Or whatever I deemed the least painful for my family. My brother was murdered at your clinic, and you did nothing to honor his memory or bring comfort to his family.”
“Is there any comfort to be found in knowing that one’s own sister killed one’s child?”
“No, there is not.”
“I know it’s too little too late, but I am so very sorry about what happened to your brother and what it put your family through. I may not have killed him, but Kent’s blood is on my hands. I am responsible. You’re right—it was my clinic, and the choices I made back then have been my own ticket to hell.”
Grant turned then. “I have all I need for now. There will be someone in town who will make sure you can’t run again in case I have further questions.”
“Will you tell Helene you saw me?”
“I don’t know,” Grant said with a disgusted shake of his head. “I don’t know.”
He stepped through the door of Stiles’s home and took a deep gulp of fresh air. He sat down on the top step of Stiles’s steps and continued to take deep, calming breaths.
“Did you get what you came for?” Marc asked as he approached.
“No,” Grant said in a hollow voice. I wanted it to be something we could all forgive. A mistake covered up. I didn’t want this.
Until he’d spoken to Stiles, a part of Grant had felt powerful and in control. He was neither. There was no good way to spin what he’d learned. Rather than uncovering something that would bring his mother closure and peace, he now had to decide if some questions should remain unanswered.
I’m sorry, Mom. I didn’t find what you need.
And I don’t know what to do with the truth.
Viviana peed on a fourth stick because the positive result on the first three pregnancy testers had to be a mistake. Because I can’t be pregnant.
I’m too smart to get knocked up by a Mr. Any Name.
Double lines again.
Shit.
So much for trying to forget him.
Two weeks without hearing from the man whose name was now banned in her apartment. Week one had been the hardest. Even after her talk with Audrey, Viviana had clung to a sliver of hope that he would call. She considered herself a good judge of character. Yes, there had been glimpses of arrogance, but overall he’d been decent.
Now I have to face it. His wife was probably away on a trip, and he was looking for a diversion. I just happened to throw myself at him at the right time.
And the cherry on top? I’m pregnant.
I should have known there’d be a price to pay for cutting loose. Some people live on the wild side and somehow nothing bad happens to them. I stick my toe in a puddle of decadence and now I’m going to be a mother.
Mom, where did you meet my father?
Um, next question please.
Did you love him?
Love? That’s hard to feel when you never knew his real last name.
Viviana tossed the testers in the trash and washed her hands before exiting the bathroom. Audrey was stepping out of her shoes near the coat rack but froze when she saw Viviana’s face.
“Did someone die?”
“No,” Viviana said in a tight voice. “Can we talk?”
“Sure.”
They each sat on their usual ends of the small couch. “I’m pregnant.”
Audrey’s eyes rounded and she blinked a few times. “How sure are you?”
“Four testers sure.”
Andrey moved closer and put a hand on Viviana’s arm. “What are you going to do?”
“Do?”
“You have choices.”
“Like an abortion?”
“Or adoption.”
Viviana sat back and put her hand on her still flat stomach. “I’m only two weeks along. I’ve heard people don’t even tell anyone at this stage because it doesn’t always stick.”
With a sympathetic squeeze of her hand, Audrey said, “Hop
ing it goes away is not a plan.”
“I’m not hoping—” Viviana stopped. Really, she was still in shock. It didn’t feel real yet. She thought about what her father had once said about her own existence and knew what she couldn’t do. “I couldn’t abort a baby or give one away. I’m not judging anyone who could. I just think that every life is precious. Mine. This baby’s. Everyone’s.”
Audrey hugged her. “Any baby would be lucky to have you for a mother.”
“I guess.” Viviana sucked in a shaky breath. “I hope so. I’m still trying to figure out my life. I don’t know if I’m able to guide anyone else along.”
With a sympathetic smile, Audrey said, “No one is ever ready.”
Viviana searched her friend’s face. “So, no lecture about how I should have been more careful?”
Audrey shook her head then smiled. “No, but if it’s a girl can you name her Audrey? After all, I am partly responsible.”
Viviana laughed even though her stomach was still doing flips. “You did tell me to fuck him.”
Audrey bent and cupped her hand as if speaking to the baby. “I thought she knew about condoms.”
With a groan Viviana said, “I did. My brain just turned off that day.” She placed her hand back on her stomach and rolled back onto the couch so she was looking up at the ceiling. “I don’t regret it, though. Not even if it changes my life.” If she were honest with herself, she’d known before she’d bought the testers. Her body felt different, and it wasn’t simply because it had finally experienced good sex. She thought about her mother and wondered if she’d regretted having a third child after she’d been diagnosed with cancer. You didn’t, did you, Mom? I can’t either. Little girl or little boy, this child will grow up knowing it is loved exactly as God made it. A tear ran down her cheek.
“You’re going to be okay, Viviana. You’re not alone. You have me. And even if you don’t want to hear it, you have your dad and your brothers. We all love you.”
Viviana raised her head. It was exactly what she needed to hear, and she wrapped her arms around her best friend. “Thank you, Audrey. I’m still trying to absorb this. I’m scared, but I’m not. Does that make sense?”
