Page 158 of Sins of the Father

“Did you figure out Plan B? In case I screw everything up?”

“You won’t,” Harper insists.

“Not yet. But the recording I have of your mom telling me everything she knows is a lot of leverage. Let’s try to make this happen and nail him.”

“What about the mob? Won’t they come after Steven?” Harper asks the question I’ve been scared to bring up. It’s the elephant in my mind I keep trying to push away.

Claire leans closer. “I discussed several options with Creedie. He’s worked on mob cases before. Here’s what we think is best. Get the governor to tell you how he’s going to have the charges against your mom dropped. If we can get him to admit your mom had nothing to do with it and he set her up, along with his plans to get her out of this mess, then we can charge him. Creedie thinks the governor will either flip on the mob or shut his mouth and take his punishment. However, our guess is, due to his ego, he’ll flip on the mob to save his own skin. Guys like him think they’re untouchable.”

“And the mob won’t come after my mom?”

“No. They will go after him. They know your mom is just his fall woman. They will go after the governor and possibly his family, but we highly doubt they will attempt to do anything with your mom. But it wouldn’t be a bad idea to arrange for some protection until things blow over.”

For the first time since finding out Maximillion’s family knew about my mom and Quinn and me, I feel sorry for them. “Is there any way to prevent them from trying to harm his family?”

“We can’t control that. I’m sure the mob will threaten to harm his family, but because he’s so full of arrogance, he’ll probably choose to make a deal and turn on them. It is what it is. Right now, the only people we can try to protect is your family.”

I don’t like this. I hate I’m in this predicament, but I refuse to let my mom sit in prison. “Okay. Whatever I need to do, I’ll make happen.”

The car pulls up to the courthouse.

Claire says, “I get to talk with your mom before she goes in front of the judge. I suggest you wait here as long as you can and come in just before her scheduled time. It can be nerve-wracking watching others talk with the judge.”

“All right. Thanks for everything you’re doing.”

Claire smiles. “Of course.” She slides over to get out.

Fear and sadness flood my chest, and it tries to choke me. I blink hard. “Will you give my mom a hug for me?”

Claire smiles and softly says, “Sure.”

“Thanks.”

“See you both inside.”

Time passes slowly, almost as if it intentionally wants to keep my mom in custody longer. Harper tries to engage me in conversation, but it doesn’t help much. Her phone rings.

“It’s Cindy. I forgot to call her.”

“Go ahead and pick it up. We’ve got lots of time.”

She answers. “Hey, Cindy. I’m so sorry I didn’t call you yesterday. There’s...there’s been a lot happening.”

I stroke Harper’s hand then lace my fingers through hers.

“I want you to know how much I appreciate the offer, but I’m going to decline. Everything sounds fantastic, but the big issue is the travel requirement. I went all over the world the last few years, and I’m looking to find something that keeps me in Chicago.”

I know Harper decided not to take a position that required her to be away from me, but hearing her say it selfishly makes me happy. Now she’s in my life, I can’t contemplate her not in it. If she left for weeks or months at a time, I think I might go crazy missing her. Something about her seems to keep me sane, even through the ridiculous chain of events we’ve already experienced.

“You would?” Harper’s face brightens. “If it works for you and you’re sure, I’ll say yes right now.”

My stomach flips faster, unsure what is happening or if I should be happy or freaked out right now.

“Great. I’ll call you tomorrow and we can talk further. Thanks, Cindy. I’m looking forward to working with you.” She hangs up, and she turns to me. Her eyes twinkle, and she grins.

“Well?” I ask her.

Be supportive. Don’t be a dick if this is what she wants.

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