Page 44 of Twin Threats In Austin
“What does Jules think?” Camden’s answer was “not no, but hell no” when it came to a meetup, but he wondered what his siblings thought.
“That it might be a good idea to clear the air,” Dalton said.
“After all these years?”
“That’s what she said,” Dalton reported.
“And just like that we’re supposed to agree to this? To think it’s suddenly a good idea after she abandoned us all those years ago?”
Dalton got quiet.
“Sorry,” Camden said. “I didn’t mean to go on a rant.”
“I have no memories of her,” Dalton admitted. “None. It would be like meeting a stranger. And yet…”
“You’re curious?”
“I didn’t think I was when I first heard the idea,” Dalton said.
“Whose idea is it?”
“Grandpa Lor mentioned it.” Dalton issued a sharp sigh. “At first, I thought no way, but I guess now that Blakely and I are starting our life together I’m curious about where I came from. Does that make any sense?”
Camden listened, trying not to judge his brother’s reasons. “We all think differently about the situation.” Camden never allowed himself to think about their mother. He’d closed that door years ago and never looked back. “And, yes, it makes sense. For you.”
“If Jules and I arrange a meeting, are you saying you don’t want to know about it?” Dalton asked.
“That’s exactly what I’m saying,” Camden confirmed. He repeated the words to make sure Dalton heard correctly.
“Okay, then,” Dalton said. “We’ll respect your decision.”
“I appreciate it.”
“Is there anything you’d like us to say on your behalf if she asks?” Dalton continued.
“Not a thing,” Camden said. “Let her wonder about me like I did about her in those early years after she took off.” A surprising cramp in the center of his chest made breathing difficult. Feelings that took him back to his seven-year-old self surfaced. Feelings that brought on stabbing pain with every intake of air. “My partner should be coming any second now and I have to send a text to my supervisor,” he finally said, hearing the strain in his own voice. “I have to go.”
“Take care of yourself, Camden.”
“You know I will,” he assured his brother.
“See you soon.”
With that, Camden ended the call. His cell buzzed while it was still in his hand. A text from his supervisor came through:check your email.
Camden tapped the screen to open his account and then his inbox filled the screen. At the top was a note forwarded fromhis supervisor from Research. He opened the email to find a rap sheet on Asher Foley involving sexual harassment and multiple cases pending that demonstrated a history of violence against women.
He scrolled down to the mug-shot attachment from the man’s last arrest.
Oh, hell.
“You’ll let meknow if Asher shows up, right?” Rochelle asked as she was beginning to make her exit plan from this conversation. It was possible Kage had created a second identity so no one could track him.
It would be a lot of trouble to go through and didn’t make sense considering he had a white-collar-crime conviction. Did he really think it would hurt his dating life?
“I’ll sure do that,” Sabrina promised.
Rochelle gave over her number and then headed back toward the Bronco. Camden’s serious expression told her something was up.
