“Alright, I’ll go first. Lindsey is being held without bail. She’s also a suspect in a hit-and-run out of California, which has been confirmed. In addition, she’s now facing charges of conspiracy and attempted assault for her role in last night’s events, specifically in helping lure Sophie. It’s still unclear whether she’ll be held here or extradited to Los Angeles, but either way, she’ll remain in police custody for the foreseeable future.”
Linc’s entire body was tense as soon as his brother mentioned Lindsey. At the news that she was locked up, he relaxed, but only slightly. Mason looked at Walt, then back at the group, a silent conversation between the two. Clearing his throat, Pops spoke next.
“Both Max and Natalia are in the process of being investigated. They haven’t been arrested yet, but I was told that’s because they’re still being investigated for other areas of corruption and want to make sure the case is airtight. They let me know out of courtesy, and because I’m cooperating with their forensicaccounting team to figure out how much Max and Helen have used in company funds.
“I’ve also shared the financial information our PIs have gathered. Either way, Max’s medical condition has him in the hospital still. Natalia is staying with her parents, and Helen is pretending she had no idea any of this was going on.”
Pops looked as if he had aged ten years overnight, tired and like the weight of the world was on his shoulders. Taking a beat, he paused before continuing to fill us in on the laundry list of repercussions Max, Nat, and Helen were facing.
“Max is insisting on filing for divorce and pressing charges against Natalia for drugging him. Apparently, she went to see some phony doctor for a magical sperm potion that wound up being ketamine, among other things. The ketamine is enough to have Natalia arrested for illegal administration of a controlled substance. I was told they were going to serve her later today, once they had a search warrant to see what other drugs she was giving him.” Pops filled us in.
“I have a meeting with the board on Monday. We are going to start the process of restructuring. Max and Helen will have all access to the company revoked, on top of whatever criminal charges come out of this. By the time my lawyers get through with everything, none of them will have a job or access to anything related to Townsend & Sons.
“They’ll be out of this town and out of your lives either way. Whether that’s in jail or out on the street, it doesn’t matter to me anymore.” Pops’ voice was stronger now, his jaw set in a determined line as he eyed the group.
“Whatever you need, we’re here to help. I’m very confident in Carmichael, but if you need any other lawyers or recommendations, just let me know. I’ve maintained strong connections in the community among the people who care and go the extra mile to make sure the right people come out on top,” Abigail offered, her voice equally as fierce.
“Thank you, all of you, for your support.” I looked around the group and hesitated.
“Can I have a moment alone with Pops? I’m so sorry. I know it’s your house I just…” Before I could finish the sentence Abigail was hushing me. She stood up from the table, pausing only to pass over a plate of muffins for Pops and me. The Carson family filed out of the room, the even sound of their muted voices filtering in from the living room. The voice of a sports announcer adding to the din as a TV turned on.
“I’m going to petition to revoke Max’s paternal rights. I don’t want him around Lou. I can’t think of any situation where it would be healthy for her. Max has never made an effort to have or maintain a relationship of any kind with Lou, and his actions recently have only put her in danger.” I paused, studying Pops’ face.
“That being said, nothing changes between us. You are still Pops, my grandfather, Lou’s great-grandfather. Cutting ties with Max doesn’t mean cutting ties with you. I don’t expect you to cut him off. Just respect the boundaries I put in place where Lou and I are concerned,” I told Walt, and he covered my hand.
“Of course, my dear. I wouldn’t expect anything less. You’re a wonderful mother. Not to mention, Lou’s already got a daddy who will protect her the way she deserves. Thank you for telling me and keeping me involved.
“I hate Maxwell for what he’s done, the pain he has caused you and Eloise. But at the same time, it brought you into my life, and I’ll always be thankful for that. You and Lou are my light. You give this old man hope. You, Linc, and Lou are going to make a beautiful family.
“Together, you’ll embody the sentiments and foundation of what a beautiful life is—one is fueled by peace, love, and happiness. Everything I wanted you to have with Max, everything that you deserve, Linc will give you. And I’ll even put up with Gary for the two of you.” I gave a watery laugh, leaning over to rest my head on his shoulder.
“We’re gonna get through this, my girl. You’ve been through worse, with far less support and resources. This time, we’ll make sure we get rid of the poison so we can start fresh. Somethingthey can’t ruin.” I nodded in agreement. Then, heavy, uneven footsteps sounded from the staircase. I sat up and met Pops’ smile a minute before Lou came barreling into the room.
“Mommy and Pops! You’re both here! And so is Quinn and Mimi and Gary! This is the best day ever!” she yelled, running over to launch herself in my arms. I winced. My girl was getting big, and I was still a bit sore.
“Mommy, you hurt?” she asked, looking concerned, and I smiled, smoothing a hand down her hair.
“Nope. You just got those pointy elbows. You’re jabbing me all over the place, you little ninja,” I teased, and I was graced with a giant smile. Lou jumped from my lap running around the table to stand between Pops and me.
“Can I do karate? You said I was strong and pointy! Where’s Linc? Can we ask him?” She jumped up and down. As if summoned simply by her voice, he walked in, followed by Garrett, Abigail, and Mason.
“Uncle Mason is here too! It’s like Christmas morning!” she yelled, vibrating with excitement.
“Well, since we had so much fun last night, I didn’t want it to end. So I came over to have pancakes with my favorite girl,” Mason said, crouching down in front of Lou, tugging on her ponytail affectionately. She blushed before running over to Linc, who picked her up.
“Daddy Linc makes me pancakes. With chocolate chips. They’re the best,” she said, and all of us froze at the new title. With a wry smile, Mason stood up and put his hands on his hips.
“Alright, Daddy Linc can make the pancakes, and I’ll handle the bacon. That good with you, boss?” he asked Lou, who took a moment to consider it before nodding.
“Can you make the bacon extra crispy? Mommy likes it that way,” Lou asked, her innocent eyes widening at Mason.
“Crispy bacon and chocolate chip pancakes, coming up,” he said, before patting Linc on the shoulder. Linc had seemingly shut down, frozen with Lou in his arms, just staring at her wordlessly.
“You can put me down now. Can we play UNO, Mimi?” my girl asked innocently, unaware of the emotional bomb she had just dropped on everyone.
“That sounds like fun. Let’s go see where Auntie Quinn is, and we can play a round while the boys take care of breakfast.” There were tears in Abigail’s eyes as she looked at me, and I smiled, holding back tears of my own.
Before leaving the kitchen, she whirled around to point at Pops.
