Page 48 of Park Avenue Princess

Guy and I turn and make our way back to sit on the edge of the couch.

“We gather every shred of evidence we can, including your father’s testimony,” she looks at me. “His files, records,everything. And don’t delete those emails from Hamilton.”

Hollis adds to the conversation. “We need an inside person we can trust to work with you, Lynne, going back to the beginning. Track the funds.”

“Unfortunately, my father isn’t without guilt. Sure, he continued in order to protect my mother, but he jumped in from the start, not realizing the longevity that would come into play. He initially needed the boost—more clients, more money—in order to simply survive, to pay off college debt, start his business, and take care of my mother. Whatever he got from an insurance policy from his parents’ death wasn’t much.” I turn to Guy. “When it went on for much longer than he had envisioned and wanted to pull out, your father wouldn’t allow it.”

“Threatened your father with the past,” Guy says. “Figured as long as he’s getting away with his scheme, why not continue? He’s getting richer and richer, manipulating more business deals, cultivating a far wider reach with his real estate development.”

He sinks back onto the couch, wiping his hands down his face, suddenly looking as weary as I felt when I arrived. I take a hand in mine to now offer my comfort.

“As you said, we gather the facts, follow the money trail, and figure out who is involved and how deep or wide-spread this is within city government. Then, we figure out a plan on exposing them and putting a stop to it.”

“And if the past still comes to light?” Guy asks. “If my father still manages to reveal what your mother went through?”

Too many thoughts, churning, running rampant within my brain, I have a difficult time sorting them.

Until things click into place.

“Maybe it’s time for my mother to face her past, come to terms with it, and maybe turn it into something that will not only help purge her of her demons, but benefit others as well.”

Addy leans forward to stare at me. “Are you thinking of having a conversation with your mother about her willingly coming forth with what she’d gone through?”

“I am. Dad said he was going to talk to her tonight about our talk. As traumatic as it was for her, and can be for many others, maybe coming forth, maybe using what she went through to help others will be cathartic. It’s not such a taboo subject like in the past. Mental health issues aren’t such a stigma anymore. Many people in all walks of life are dealing with a spectrum of issues and there’s no shame in that. If she’s on the offensive, Guy’s father has nothing.”

“Then the only fallout from all this is your father’s participation, Lynne.” Hollis takes a drink of his brandy. “Over twenty years of collusion in city government embezzlement is no joke.”

“No,” I sigh, “it isn’t.” I free my hands to rub my eyes, so tired. Today has felt like an eternity, yet not even twelve hours have passed since Addy and I began our day over breakfast. “With as intelligent as my father is, I keep thinking there must’ve been something, some plan he could have put into place to give him an out. To erase all involvement. But I suppose he didn’t want to chance any possibility of it not being fool-proof and risking the past coming to light. Hurting Mom again.”

“I’m so sorry, hun,” Addy says.

“All we can do is move forward,” I answer.

“Okay,” Hollis says as he stands, taking crystal tumblers to the bar. “I know some people we can work with, and I especially know someone who can handle Carmichael.” He turns back to face us. “Let’s get some rest. Seems it’s been a helluva day for everyone. You especially, Lynne.” When I only nod, and Addy and Guy barely murmur an agreement, Hollis continues. “I reach out to my people starting tomorrow. Lynne, once you get everything from your father, you and Guy find someone to trust within the city offices and see how far back you can track this scheme.” He then turns to his partner. “Addison will dig up research on Hamilton Resources to track their start-up, their ventures and investments, and that wealth fund.” After placing the remaining glasses on the bar, he slips his hands in his pocket and leans against it. “We’ve got a holiday weekend coming up, so you know by Friday people will already be in weekend-mode. Why don’t we meet back here Thursday night and pool our information, see what we’ve got and how we want to proceed? Sound like a plan?”

“Sounds just fine to me,” Addy confirms.

“Same,” I say.

“Perfect,” Guy adds. “This weekend usually means me going to the Hamptons to spend time with my parents, but maybe we’ll have enough by Thursday to put an end to this. May be a long shot but it’s worth a try. There’s no way I could face my parents, especially my father, knowing what he’s done or what he’s capable of.”

“Sorry, man,” Hollis says. “This must be a bitter pill to swallow.”

“Certainly unexpected.”

Both Addy and I offer a lame apology, some sort of condolence to Guy, knowing I’m not the only one whose parent has just made an irrevocable impact in their life.

“Okay then.” Hollis slaps his hands together and makes his way toward the door. “I’m heading home to my dear wife and kids.” He points his finger at Guy like he’s ready to fire a pistol. “Raincheck on dinner and beers. You two, uh, well, go get some rest.” He gives me a glance before winking at his partner. “‘Night, Addy.” A few more strides has him out the door.

Addison stands and looks at me. “You gonna be okay?”

“I will be. Eventually.” I stand and hug her. “Thank you,” I say before pulling back. “You get home to Peter. I’ll call you if I need anything before Thursday.”

She nods before tipping her head toward the door. “I’m going to gather my things from my office then head out. Just lock the door behind you. The cleaning crew will take care of anything else. ‘Night, you two.”

Guy stands and we both murmur another good night. Once she’s out of the room, Guy takes my hand in his. “Feel like eating?”

I turn to him and sigh. “Actually, yes.”

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