“She’s right, Doug,” Charles said. “He doesn’t get to walk away without consequences. I don’t trust him anymore, and there’s damn sure no other firm that’d take him. He’ll do it again if he gets away with this now.”
My dad drummed his fingers against the table. “Charles, you understand what kind of position I’m in…”
“I already told the auditor if the findings are correct,” he nodded at the briefcase, “I’d recommend prosecuting, but my word isn’t the one they need, Doug. It’s your decision. That’ll be key in getting your funds back.”
I leaned back into Lincoln’s chest, soaking up his warmth. Having him next to me was the only thing preventing me from panicking. Somehow, knowing he was there kept me steady.
Dad looked at me, scrunching his nose. “And this is what you want, too?”
I nodded. “It is.”
How could I not when he’d not only stolen from my family for his own benefit but put his hands on me as well? No, I was done letting men like him walk over me and my family.
The relationship between Ellis and I made sense now. Whenever he saw me slipping away, he’d throw on a fake smile and turn on the charm to lure me back in. Like an idiot, I fell for it every time. When he met Lincoln, he saw that the control he’d worked so hard to secure had begun to slip away. Somehow, that bastard knew he wouldn’t stand a chance against the man at my side.
Lincoln kissed my forehead, running his fingertips along the hem of my shirt sleeve. “You sure, darlin’?”
I nodded, leaning into his side. “Yeah. It isn’t just about me. This is about what happened with Dad.”
“I don’t give a shit about myself, Josie. Money is money. We could lose everything tomorrow, and I know we’d be okay.” I looked over, seeing him clasp Cleo’s hand and press a kiss to it. “My family is all I care about.”
“I know, Daddy,” I said, giving him a genuine smile. “I love you.”
Charles piled the documents in a neat stack, packing the rest of his stuff. He stood from the table. “I’m requesting an investigation on all the accounts Ellis represented. By the morning, the office will be crawling with auditors and Ellis… Well, I don’t know what will happen with him.”
Dad pushed to his feet. “I’m sorry about that, Charles. I really am.”
Charles sighed. “So am I.” He looked at me. “I thought I raised a good man, but I was wrong. A good man wouldn’t have done this.”
“I don’t think it’s your fault, Charles,” I said, wiping my eyes. Seeing what this was doing to him was eating me alive. Charles was one of the kindest men I knew outside of my dad.
Charles nodded. “I hope you’re right.” He tapped the table, grabbing his briefcase. “I’m gonna get out of your hair. I just wanted to make sure the news came from me first. The auditors will likely be calling first thing.”
The timing wasn’t ideal. Tomorrow was the first day of our second round of clinics. Our time would be spent sorting out the new arrivals and their horses. As if reading my mind, Dad looked at me and said, “Don’t worry, sugar. We’ll figure it out. If we need to step away to handle it, we’ll do that.”
“Just tell me what you need from me, sir,” Lincoln said, sitting up straighter. “Bishop and I can whip the hands into shape.”
“I appreciate that, son, and I’ll be taking you up on that.” We stood up, taking turns shaking Charles’s hand before Cleo walked him out. As I sat back down, I turned and stared out the big baywindows, looking over the drive, waiting until Charles’ car was a blip down the road.
Dad sighed, running his hand through his hair. “This is a fucking mess.”
“It is. I’m sorry, Daddy,” I said, wrapping my arms around my middle.
“Why’re you apologizing, sugar? I should be thanking you. If you hadn’t found this shit, who knows how much more we could’ve lost. I hate that this has fallen on your shoulders.”
I leaned over and placed my hand on his. “I’d do anything for you. You know that.”
“I do, and I’m damn thankful for that.” His gaze swept between Lincoln and me, smiling. “I guess congratulations are in order, then?”
I coughed. “We aren’t getting married…”
“Yet,” Lincoln added. “I’ll wear her down eventually, though.”
“Oh my god,” I said, turning to slap his arm. “You can’t just say that shit.”
“Why not?” he asked. “It’s the truth. I can’t wait to be Mr. Hayes.”
My cheeks flushed. This was absolutely not the time to have this conversation. “Mr. Hayes?”
