Page 11 of Breathless
“I will. Thanks for the information.” Chaney smiled before going out the exit door and went outside the building to meet up with Rawlins and Broderick.
The car was waiting for her at the curb and when she got inside Rawlins greeted her with a smile, holding a Styrofoam cup of coffee.
“How was your session?” he asked.
“Good. I have lots to talk with you about later,” she said. “What have the two of you been up to besides getting coffee?”
“We did the grocery shopping while you were in your session,” Broderick said from the front seat.
“You did?” Chaney was surprised. “That’s great.”
“Did you know Broderick served in the military?” Rawlins said.
“No, I didn’t, Chaney said. “Then I guess that means the two of you have lots in common?”
“We do,” Broderick said. “I also feel you’re in good hands, Miss Daniels, having Mr. Grainger by your side when I’m not on the premises. I think your parents would approve of having him with you as well. Maybe so much that they wouldn’t be in such a rush to have you return to Baltimore.”
Hmmm…Chaney thought, but didn’t say anything. She really didn’t think her parents would be swayed that easily in their decision no matter what Broderick thought.
The drive back to the gated community was a silent one, but she didn’t mind. She helped carry in the groceries when they arrived back at her condo and as soon as Broderick left, she fixed herself a drink and began telling Rawlins about The Village as they put away the groceries.
“Dr. Saunders believes it is a great idea for me to work there before making a switch in my majors.”
“That sounds like a great idea,” Rawlins agreed. “You should put together a resume to send them even if you don’t have work experience. Do you have any volunteer experience?”
“Actually, I did work with a church group back in Baltimore for a short period of time before my parents put a stop to it,” Chaney said. “Again, they felt I was getting involved with the wrong sort of people even though I was working within our own church community.”
Rawlins frowned. “I don’t understand their objection there.”
“Neither did our pastor, but my father made a hefty donation in place of my volunteering and nothing more was said about it,” Chaney explained.
He shook his head. “The more I hear about your parents the more controlling they sound. Are you sure they are your biological parents?”
Chaney laughed. “Unfortunately, I did one of those DNA testing kits for class to trace our ancestry and it showed we were all a hundred percent match.”
“Then there has to be a reason they are so protective. Are you certain your father isn’t involved in any shady dealings? I know you said he made his own money and climbed his way to the top, but what if he did it unlawfully?”
Chaney leaned closer to Rawlins. “You mean like getting involved with the mob?”
“Yeah. Organized crime families are still around. It wouldn’t be impossible. And if he did, I could see why they’d want to keep you close to home growing up,” he explained.
She thought about it for a moment, how white collar her dad was and finally shook her head. “I can’t see that being my dad, but I do appreciate you trying to explain why my parents are like that.”
Rawlins didn’t accepther answer. He decided to look into her parents’ background. He called Hank Patterson while Chaney retreated to her room to work on her resume.
“Rawlins, what can I do for you?” Hank asked after they’d exchanged pleasantries.
“I’ve been talking with Chaney Daniels about her parents. They are pushing for her to return to Baltimore before the trial,” Rawlins explained. “It started with their demands that she cut ties with Justus and Liberty Killion and if she doesn’t, they are going to refuse to pay for her schooling and living expenses. Furthermore, they want her back in Baltimore.”
“It sounds like it might be idle threats on their part,” Hank said. “Nothing really to worry about.”
“I was thinking that too at first,” Rawlins said. “Until Chaney told me how they had always prevented her from working or even having dealings with a youth organization through her church. It makes me wonder if Mr. Daniels isn’t involved in something that could put Chaney’s life in danger and that is why they’re not wanting her out of their sight.”
“What gives you that feeling?” Hank asked.
“Chaney told me her father made his money the hard way, pushing his way to the top,” Rawlins said. “What if he didn’t get by it honestly?”
“Webster Daniels is a Chief Executive with UBS Financial Services,” Hank said. “I can’t see a company like that hiring someone that hasn’t been vetted to the fullest. But I trust your instincts on this. I’ll have Swede do a deep dive into his background and see what he can uncover for you.”
