Page 86 of The Betrayal You Serve
"Let's go talk to Mom. She's got friends in all the right places. Plus Poppy's aunt is some kind of advisor at MKU, if you're lucky, she's in the finance office, but even if she's not, she'll know people."
A little bit of hope flutters within me that even if we don't find a way out of this, then at least we've tried.
"I really don't think—"
"Come on, let's go," I say, pulling some cash out of my purse, enough to cover our bill and place it on the table.
The four of us head for our cars.
"He's getting his hopes up," Kane says sadly once we're alone.
"He wants to help, Harley too. I refuse to accept that there isn't a way to fix this.”
He looks over at me, the hope in his eyes makes my chest ache.
He really wants this but I know he's battling with his conscience as to whether he does actually deserve the second chance.
"We've got to do everything we can. If nothing comes of it, then at least we know we tried. But I fully believe we'll find a way. The team needs you. I need you." I swallow down the lump in my throat as he reaches for my hand and squeezes tightly.
"Okay, let's do this."
The drive to Mom's house is short and when we pull up to the house, we find her car sitting in the driveway.
"Well, that's a good start," I mutter, glad that she's here.
The rumble of Kyle's car arrives beside us and the four of us get out together and head for the house.
"Mom," I call when we find the kitchen empty. After a few seconds, footsteps fill the space as she emerges from her office.
The smile that spreads across her face when she sees us makes my heart happy.
I had no idea how she was going to take to me calling this morning to ask for a favor on Kane's behalf. Any other person would have told me I was stupid for being anywhere near him knowing the things she does about him. But that's not the kind of person our mother is. It makes me wonder just how bad things really got with our dad back in the Creek for her to walk away from him like she did.
"This is a nice surprise," she says, coming to wrap her arms around me. "Missed you, baby," she whispers in my ear, holding a little tighter than usual.
"You too, Mom."
"We've come to talk about Kane," Harley blurts.
"I assumed as much." She pins Harley and Kyle with a look. "You two make coffee, and you two," she says, looking between us. "Follow me. I've been doing some digging."
We trail behind her down to her office before she closes the door behind us.
We both take a seat while Mom does the same and she turns her narrowed eyes on both of us before settling on me.
"How much do you know?"
"Everything," Kane answers for me.
"E-ev—"
"I know about Dad, Mom. If that's what you mean."
She drops her face into her hands for a beat before looking back up at me. "I tried so hard to get you all away from this life, Letty."
"I know, Mom, and I'm sorry. I didn't mean to—"
"It's all my fault," Kane interrupts.
