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“Great.” I got to my feet.
“Where is it you think you’re going?” Lizzy said. “If you show up looking like that, you’re likely to get arrested.”
“She’s right,” Kalen said. “It doesn’t sound like she’s in immediate danger.”
Connor agreed. “It’s best if you have a plan. Not having a plan didn’t work the first time. He’s a heavy hitter. He owns a pharmaceutical company, but the dark web has him as a player in the drug game.”
It finally hit me how easily he was coming up with this information. “How do you know this?”
Lizzy grinned. “My husband is a genius with a computer.”
“I don’t think I can wait. You didn’t see her face,” I said.
“But everyone can see yours. You admitted, he didn’t see you before the—” Connor circled his fingers around his face. “If you show up now, he’ll spot you coming. Best to heal first. I can keep an eye out on any chatter about her marrying this guy. If I see something, we can push up the timetable.”
“You have a plan?” I asked.
Connor pointed at Kalen. “Let’s call Griff and talk this out.”
I’d had an idea, but among the six of us, we made it better. Though I wanted to leave right away, from what we could tell, Natalie’s father’s estate was impenetrable without a small army running defense. With Natalie a willing party, we had no legit reason to go in guns blazing. That didn’t mean I wouldn’t do whatever it took to get her out.
Five
Natalie
The next day when food was brought to me, I demanded to see my father. I made enough of an uproar: he eventually came to shut me up.
“You said I could talk to my mother if I followed your directions,” I demanded.
“Yes, I did, didn’t I?”
I didn’t answer his rhetorical question but scowled instead.
He pulled my phone from his pocket. “Go ahead and call your mother.”
I snatched the phone from his hand, eager to speak to her. I hated the idea she was worried about me. I didn’t take the time to look for messages or texts because I didn’t know how long I’d have the phone.
“Mom,” I said hurriedly when she answered. I moved to the window to put distance between me and my father as he hadn’t left.
“Natalie.”
I fought back tears. “How are you?”
“I’m fine. You don’t have to worry. I’m finished with the medication and treatment. I feel much better.”
I exhaled. “Mom, there’s something I have to tell you.”
“I know. Your father called.” If he wasn’t in the room, I would have asked exactly what he told her. Instead, I hoped my silence would urge her on. “He tells me you’re getting married.” Her voice wavered as if she wanted to cry, much like I felt.
“Yes.”
“It isn’t to the boy, Liam, you told me about.” Mom and I were close, and I’d given her some of the information about meeting Liam and the crush I had. I kept the more salacious details to myself.
“I wish things could be different.” I paused before adding, “I wish I could be there with you.”
“Your father’s there, isn’t he?”
I wanted to nod, but forced myself to say, “Yes.”
“Whatever this is about, don’t do it unless you want to.”
“Mom,” I croaked.
“I know my daughter and I know your father. My guess is that you are doing this for me. Don’t.”
“I have to,” I said, glancing over my shoulder to see if he was coming to end the call. He hadn’t moved yet, but his eyes were on me.
“If he’s threatened you in any way about me, I’ll be fine. If not, I’ve lived my life, Natalie. You need to live yours.”
I wiped my eyes with the back of my hand. “It’s not that simple.”
The phone was yanked from my hand. I never heard her reply.
“Your daughter is well, Michelle. I know you may not agree to all her choices, but she is an adult.” I reached for the phone and he stepped back. He didn’t leave because he wanted me to hear. “If you want an invite to the wedding, I suggest you get used to the idea.” Mom shouted as I could hear muffled words, but not enough to make them out. “Such language. Now I know where our daughter got that foul tongue. But I remember all the ways yours could be sweet.”
I closed my eyes and turned away because no matter how old you were, hearing about your parents’ sex life was so gross.
He grinned at whatever she said, and I knew it wasn’t nice. “Bye, Michelle.” He made a show of holding up my phone before pocketing it.
“All I am is a commodity to you, huh?” I accused.
“I should get a return on my investment.”
“Investment? You think a sperm donation is an investment?”
His face went hard. “I bought that house you grew up in. Your mother was able to afford the rent out of the kindness of my heart. I bet she didn’t tell you that.”
