Page 52 of Just a Little in Love

Detective Mason glanced at Daddy. “She leads a very expensive life. Travels extensively most weekends and eats out in top-class restaurants. She also enjoys visiting Las Vegas. I believe that’s where she met her previous boyfriend.”

Rowan gaped.

“And she knew it was coming to an end,” Daddy said quietly.

“Mrs. Edwards is a notary.” Cregarrah said.

Daddy glanced at Rowan, but Rowan shrugged, and leaned forward for his water. Daddy let him go this time, and Rowan just curled up in the corner holding his water as if it were a shield. “She used to work in a bank. Mrs. Edward’s, I mean,” Rowan added, and didn’t meet Daddy’s gaze.

“And can you confirm you didn’t take out a bank loan against your house last week for forty-thousand dollars?” Detective Cregarrah asked.

Rowan almost laughed, but then his amusement died as he realized the detective was serious. “Of course not.”

Daddy leaned forward. “But I’m assuming Janice did and Mrs. Edwards notarized it?”

Both detectives sent Daddy an admiring glance, but Rowan was really confused. “But I don’t own the house,” Rowan said. “I could never take a loan out against it, anyway.”

Both detectives looked a little uncomfortable. “Actually, you do. The divorce proceedings stated Janice Wilson could live in the house or sell it and buy another with your agreement, but on her death, it reverted to you.”

“But Dad could afford to buy twenty houses,” Rowan said.

“Not then he couldn’t,” Daddy pointed out. “I’m guessing your dad agreed to pay for Janice to live a certain way on the understanding that it would eventually be yours.”

“But he never told me,” Rowan nearly wailed. “Why?”

Daddy arched an eyebrow. “Apart from the last couple of weeks, how much have you spoken to your dad about any of this?”

Which was a fair point. Rowan had spent years trying to avoid him.

“He probably hasn’t thought about it in years. He knows he can provide for you, so what was the point of making it an issue?” Daddy continued.

“The problem is the document needed Rowan’s signature,” Mason said. “She picked an out-of-town bank so they didn’t need to appear, just get it notarized.”

“And Mrs. Edwards did it, even though she knew it was illegal.” Daddy said. It wasn’t a question.

“And she now knows how much trouble she’s in, she’s panicking it may come out. Especially as her son is looking at running for the local school board and has big political ambitions.” He paused. “Very big.”

Daddy turned to him. “Unless you want more to happen, it means it’s over.”

Rowan gazed into those deep, dark eyes. “I want you,” he whispered and moved closer. Daddy grinned and, judging from the detectives’ expressions, that might have been a little louder than he thought.

“It’s definitely over?” Gabriel said, turning back to them. “Rowan won’t have to appear in court?”

“Not as a witness,” Mason confirmed. “Obviously if you choose to attend the sentencing—”

“No,” Rowan rushed out. “No, I don’t want to.”

“Well, the lawyers are negotiating sentencing, but it’s likely she will get four years at a minimum because of the amount of money involved.” The detectives stood up and reached out to shake hands with them both. Cregarrah hesitated. “I’m sorry we couldn’t get her for the other matter, either for you or the other child, but there may be enough for a civil lawsuit should you wish.”

Daddy glanced at Rowan, but he shook his head. “I don’t want to think about her ever again.”

“Good idea,” Mason said, and they both smiled. “Well, please let us know if you have any questions later. As it is her credit and reputation are ruined.” Then he hesitated. “We’ve made it clear that we will check in with her very frequently to make sure she hasn’t anything to do with kids in any capacity.”

Rowan could barely take it in. It was over.

“I believe you know Captain Sean Chiltern of the Matthews police department?” Cregarrah asked.

Daddy didn’t even blink. “Yes, we have mutual friends.” Mutual friends? Rowan couldn’t decide whether he wanted to laugh or cry. Daddy Sean brought his little Roxy to the club to play most Friday nights.

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