Page 104 of Sweet Talking Man


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"I'm sorry. Ever since you told me she was your mother, I've been sick with worry-"

''That people would know what a greedy bastard you are?" Leif rose, moving toward Bart.

"Yes, but guilt had burrowed inside me for years. I couldn't undo what I did to your mother, so when Hilda came to me and asked to revive the art festival, I donated the money.”

“And that makes up for what you did?"

"No, but I can help you. Whatever you need, I'll give you. You can tell the truth. You have that right. And I won't stop you... even if it means I go down as the bad guy. I wronged your mother." He took a deep breath, releasing it. ''The truth is finally out there."

"How do I know you didn't push your uncle? Why shouldn't I call the police?"

Bart jerked back. "I'm not a murderer, Mr. Lively. I'm greedy and weak, but I wouldn't harm anyone."

"You harmed me.”

Bart looked confused.

Leif helped him out. "My mother left pregnant. Because of you, I never knew my father. Because of you, my father never knew I existed."

"What?" Bart shook his head. "I didn't know. Wait, you don't think it was my uncle? No, couldn't be. So who is your father?"

"I wish I knew."

"You don't...oh. Well, perhaps that's how I can help. Maybe hire an investigator and do blood tests? No expense spared."

"I'll take care of it my way, Mr. Harvey. You've done enough."

Bart nodded, still pale but his features reflected a measure of relief. "For what it's worth, I'm sorry. If you need my help, you have it." He turned and walked out the door.

Leif let him go because he didn't trust himself not to kick the man's ass for being such a manipulative worm. If his mother hadn't felt so threatened, if she'd felt like she had some support in this town, outside of Simeon, she might have stayed. Leif might have had a father to toss the ball with, to teach him to drive, and to share his first beer with.

As Bart's headlights swept over the front windows, Leif shook himself from the past. His phone vibrated in his pocket.

"Thank God," he said, answering.

"Leif, what's up?" Jolene said, sounding out of breath.

"Birdie Orgeron brought some entries for the junior sweepstakes today. Did she bring something for the auction, too?"

"Uh, yeah. And it's stunning. So-"

"Is it a picture of Abigail?"

"Abigail?" Jolene sounded confused. "Wait. Oh, crap. ThatisAbigail. The hair. Don't know how I missed it."

"Take it down. Now."

"It's already up. Have you looked at the clock? We opened ten minutes ago."

Leif glanced at the clock. Holy shit. He grabbed his keys and lurched out the door. "Go take it down. I don't care if it causes a fuss, go get it."

"I can't-"

"Do it," he said, pressing End and finding Abigail's number. "Pick up, pick up, pick up," he said as the phone rang...and rang…and rang.

He didn't leave a message. Instead he texted for her to call him and ran to his car. The gala had just started. If he could hit all green lights, he might make it before anyone realized the sketch was of Abigail.

His lateness made him want to punch Bart.

Source: www.allfreenovel.com
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