Page 10 of Road to Redemption

“That’s when we hatched our plan. He would go back to Valemont, confront Isaac for his crimes, and likely end up dead if he couldn’t sway his best friend to do the right thing. And when he did, we needed to hide his shares just like we’d hid mine. But this time, Isaac wouldn’t have an incentive to protect Kiera.”

Dom sucked her teeth. “So you built it into the plan.”

“Hiding here, waiting for me to come looking.” I nodded.

A question gnawed at my stomach.

Why would he choose to leave me? He knew what Isaac would do.

But I couldn’t bring myself to ask. He’d put his life on the line to save hundreds of girls and women. Women like Spencer’s mom. And I wouldn’t have sacrificed Spencer’s mom just to have a corrupted childhood with my dad.

Don’t be selfish.

The soft pitter-patter of the rain had gotten heavier as Viv spoke. “And here you are. Brennan was a smart man, but Isaac was his weak spot and I should’ve known it wouldn’t work.” Viv shook her head. “I should’ve taken a prison sentence myself and just slit his throat in that office. Could’ve saved my baby, Brennan, and his baby a whole lot of trouble.”

Dom scoffed out a laugh as she looked into her mom’s matching blue eyes. “Killing him wouldn’t have changed anything. We needed control, total control to make our move.”

“Exactly, my dear.” Vivienne winked as she scanned the room. “And now the time has come.”

From the look on her face, it must have been obvious how exhausted all of us were. Even Lady was passed out on the couch. She’d explored the house before crawling up onto the sofa to listen to Viv’s story.

Between the long journey and the emotional turmoil of discovering Viv here, we were all due for some rest.

“But first, you all need to rest. There’s a lot to catch up on but we have time.” Vivienne wouldn’t tear her eyes away from Dom, the shock and pride still all over her face. “It’ll take some time to get the paperwork to sign over the shares going. So, you might as well settle in.”

8

KIERA

Viv backed away from Dom, standing in front of us with a clap. “Why don’t you all get settled upstairs while I try to scrounge up some lunch for us. Had to have been a long trip from New York, I’m sure you’re beat.”

I held in a scoff. That was one way to put it. If the travel hadn’t been enough to exhaust me, the emotional whiplash of the last thirty minutes had done a number on me.

“Any rooms in particular?” Dom asked.

“Just not mine,” Viv quipped. “But it’ll be pretty obvious to you which are guest rooms. There’s only two of ‘em, but if you don’t mind sharing fulls, you can double up? Or maybe I can dig up some extra bedding from the attic.”

“We don’t mind sharing.” Spencer smiled, earning a subtle kick from Dom.

“Perfect,” Viv smiled, heading for the kitchen. “Just let me know if you need anything.”

As the rest of us shuffled toward the door, Leo lingered just behind. “Are you sure we can’t help with lunch, ma’am?” It was clear that she felt wrong having any woman, let alone Dom’s own mother, be stuck alone in the kitchen.

But Viv just laughed. “Nonsense sweetie. I don’t think I could open the oven with you standing in there. Go, make yourselves comfy. My home is yours.”

Shooing Leo toward the door, Viv ducked into the kitchen, a couple of loud clangs announcing her intention to make something much more elaborate than any of us needed.

“You’ve just gotta let her do her thing,” I whispered, pulling Leo’s attention back to the task at hand. “She likes to host, I’m sure she’s thrilled at the opportunity.”

“Mmmmm….” Leo grumbled, sparing one more backward glance to the kitchen before swinging open the porch door for me. Up ahead, Dom and Spence had already popped open the trunk of the Cadillac and started hauling out our matching black duffel bags while Lady ran around underfoot.

I saw the one with my luggage tag already draped over Spencer’s shoulder opposite her own. Dom carried one bag, grumbling at Leo as she slammed the trunk shut. “I’m not carrying your shit, ‘Princess.’”

Spencer shrugged her shoulders mischievously at Leo. “Sorry, I’ve got my hands full.”

Leo rolled her eyes as she bounded down the porch steps. “Don’t worry, I wasn’t expecting either of you to be helpful.”

While Leo went to retrieve her bag, stopping to give Lady a pet, Spence quickly filled her place on the porch beside me, holding open the door for me with a little curtsey. “M’lady.”