Page 138 of Sins of the Father

It’s the conclusion I’ve always wanted my mother to get to, but watching her in misery, and feeling her shake with grief in my arms, makes me wish I could go back in time when she was in denial.

I hold her tight, and when everyone comes back into the room, she’s still distraught. Quinn and I stare at each other with tears in our eyes, unsure of how to help her.

And I vow to destroy Maximillion for breaking my mother. But I wonder if she’s even able to be put back together again.

22

Harper

Quinn and Jamison take Bethto her place, and Steven and I leave to his. He’s not said anything and spends the drive looking out the window.

There was so much pain in the room when Beth broke down. I’m not sure if watching Steven and Quinn witness it was more or less disturbing than her sorrow. And I’m not sure what to say, but I also think I need to give him some time to cool down. But I see his anger and worry for his mother, and it cuts at my heart.

The car stops, and we get out. He stays silent then slings his garment bag over his shoulder and puts his duffle on top of my suitcase.

“Want some help?” I ask.

“No, I’ve got it.”

We go inside. He takes everything to the bedroom and begins to unpack. I step behind him and put my arms around his waist. He pauses and sighs.

“Why don’t you sit down and let me rub some of this tension out of your neck?”

He puts his hands on mine. “He’d set her up and let her take the fall. After everything she’s given up for him, he’d have no issue doing it.”

“I’m sorry.”

“I know my mom is in the wrong, being with him all these years while he’s married. I’ll never say any different. It doesn’t matter if his wife knows and puts up with it. It will never be right. But what he’s done to her...the way he’s used her and is willing just to throw her to the wolves...”

I hug him tighter.

“I don’t even know the best way to help her.”

“Sit down for a minute.” He slowly turns and obeys.

I sit on the bed with my legs crisscrossed, facing him. “I think I know who you should call.”

Lines form on his forehead. “You do?”

“Yes. I have a friend in New York. She represents a lot of people who have done bad things—”

His face turns red. “My mom makes stupid decisions when it comes to the sperm donor. She’s not a bad person.”

“I didn’t say she is. Hear me out.”

He briefly closes his eyes. “I’m sorry. Go on.”

“She’s known for getting people immunity in exchange for their cooperation with the FBI. She’s licensed in most states, and because of the size of Chicago, I’m sure she’s licensed in Illinois.”

“This attorney, most of her clients are criminals?”

“Yes and no. She only takes on clients if they did something criminal but didn’t know they were doing something wrong. And I don’t know what your mom told you, and to be honest, it might be better if I don’t know, but if she’s done anything criminal, whether she knew it or not, she needs someone who knows the FBI and can create an ironclad deal.”

He nods. “Okay. What about the mob coming after my mom?”

“The FBI will need to discuss how to protect her.”

Steven puts both hands over his face. “She’s screwed either way, isn’t she?”

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