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Lincoln drew in a long breath. Looked at Cal with intent. He knew Father well, so he understood that Cal threatened something Father wanted to achieve. In this case, controlling me. And making money in another business venture. “Then I suppose Father has further threatened our family too, brother.”
The last thing I’d expected was his easy acceptance of Cal. Maybe Lexie and Eric had had more of an effect on Lincoln than I’d realized.
“It’s petty, but I want to humiliate Father and Alex by not showing up at the wedding,” I said quietly.
That would send our father into a tirade. A well-deserved fit.
But nothing could repair all the damage he’d caused.
“And to do that, we need to act normal.” Lincoln pressed his lips together. He glanced at Cal, then focused on me. “Do you trust him implicitly?” He flicked his chin at Cal.
As our entire history flitted through my mind. Yes, he once shattered my trust and everything we were. Every single other thing he’d done had spoken of protection, of putting me first, of lo—nope. Wasn’t going there. Not now.
Everything in the past few weeks had built that trust brick by brick. Even when he wouldn’t touch me as I craved because I was injured. He’d put my well-being above all else.
I’d have to be blind and a fool not to see that.
“Yes.”
Cal’s heartbeat thumped against my back. I was surprised by my answer too, but if we were going to make this mess work, we had to trust each other.
This isn’t a happily ever after forever, Beau.
No, it was athis man has done everything I’ve needed and more latelyand I wouldn’t forget that.
“I agree that we can’t let down our employees, but maybe we can figure out a way to force him into early retirement,” Lincoln said.
“I’ve spent so much time with the man, trying to find anything. There’s nothing.” I threw my hands up helplessly.
“He knows who killed our mother.” Lincoln spoke so quietly I almost didn’t hear him. “But I’m not sure if he’s responsible.”
I was grateful Cal was behind me. I leaned against him for support. This was more than Lincoln had said about our mom in years. He avoided the subject no matter how I pressed.
And this nugget wasn’t exactly what I’d been looking for. I was more curious about what she was like.
But I’d take anything I could get.
As I stared at Lincoln, I realized I was more shocked he’d actually told me than what he’d said. Our father was capable of anything. Even murder.
Chapter Nine
Cal
“Cal,you gotta get me out of here.”
I huddled in the corner of Daniel’s study with the phone pressed to my ear. Joe’s desperate voice nearly tore me apart.
I’d been so focused on Beau, I’d neglected my brother. But if I were honest with myself, he’d needed the time in jail to sober up and hopefully get himself straight.
As pained as he sounded, this was more like the man I recognized. One who was responsible and did the right thing.
“I’ll do what I can, but it may take me a little time.”
I had no idea what I could do. There hadn’t been a hearing yet. I wasn’t sure they’d set bail. I hadn’t even found a lawyer.
I yanked on my hair.
“Can you put up bail money?” He lowered his voice. “You know those fertility treatments wiped me out.”
