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As Courtney helped me set up my new email, I wondered about the office's morale following my abduction—the latest incident in the Rosedale mystery. Although it seemed improper to broach the topic during the onboarding process, I was aware of the possible repercussions within the company. Since it involved me, I cautiously inquired, "Courtney, I need to ask you something personal."
She cast a worried look my way, "Oh yes…no problem."
"It's about my kidnapping. Would you be comfortable discussing it? I mean, I know you were the first to see that horrifying picture of me bound and..."
Courtney seized my arm and guided me to a nearby sofa. Then, nibbling on her lip, she divulged, "Honestly, Amy, I'm relieved you mentioned it. I was petrified... for you. But also for the rest of us. It appears the drama is unrelenting. And in my opinion, I believe there's more than one individual responsible for everything."
"Really?" I questioned, taken aback. "What makes you think that?"
"Nothing definitive. I collaborate with all the co-owners even though I'm officially Mr. Stratford's assistant. I overhear and observe things, you know? It's impacting all of us, despite the guys maintaining brave facades. Given the circumstances, I'm relieved you can work remotely and be near your family."
Gratitude warmed my chest as I responded, "I appreciate that. However, I'm uncertain how long my parents will be in town. They're eager to return to Vail and manage our family business."
We continued our conversation for a bit, touching on the harrowing events of my abduction, and Courtney shared her own anxiety and fears during that time. It struck me how resilient the Rosedale team truly was. A comforting smile found its way to my lips, thankful for the incredible colleagues and friends surrounding me.
Courtney jumped when her phone buzzed in her back pocket. "Oh, that's a message from Mr. Stratford. I better run! You know how to get back to the elevators, right?"
"Absolutely," I assured her, shaking her hand. "Thank you for everything!"
Heading towards the elevator, I caught sight of a familiar face approaching from the opposite direction. It was Mitch! Surprise washed over him as he noticed me, his expression instantly brightening.
"Amy!" He enveloped me in a warm hug, then pulled away to appraise me with a careful gaze. "You look absolutely breathtaking! I've been dying to call you, but I wasn't sure if you'd be up for lunch or dinner considering everything…?”
My smile broadened, my heart brimming with happiness. "It's fine — I'm thrilled to see you too," I replied. Before I knew it, we were stepping into the elevator together.
"I heard through the grapevine you'll be working remotely for us." Mitch stuffed his hands into his pockets.
Feeling slightly self-conscious, I nodded. "Yes, I'm beyond excited to join the team! It's a fantastic opportunity."
As the elevator doors opened, Mitch courteously touched my shoulder, gesturing for me to exit first, and murmured, "It was wonderful catching up, but there's someone waiting for me in the lobby. Mind if I call you later?"
"Of course!" I replied, the warmth of his touch still lingering. "I'd love that."
As I made my way to the parking lot, curiosity gnawed at me, urging me to find out who Mitch was meeting. Could it be another woman? Disquiet seized me as I stole a covert glance back at the lobby. There, a deputy sheriff's piercing gaze focused on Mitch, his expression chillingly stern.
Chapter Four
Mitch
With hands trembling like an October wind, I tore into the oversized envelope the deputy handed me. His words tumbled around in my skull, seeking an exit from my predicament. "Son," he drawled, "you've been summoned to a custody hearing in Eagle County, Colorado. Happens at the end of the month."
As the words spilled from his mouth, I inhaled sharply and spat out, "Nicole?"
"Yup. One Nicole Barns, she's the plaintiff."
Chase's cautionary tale about my susceptibility to the fairer sex played on repeat as I made my way home. "Watch yourself. You're a good-looking, wealthy guy... prime target for a gold digger." I'd brushed him off then, cocksure and dismissive, certain I had everything in hand. But when Nicole had severed ties without warning after I told her I wasn't interested in anything long-term, a nagging suspicion she might be pregnant gnawed at me. I didn't have the nerve to ask, though — the truth scared me too much.
Entering my beachside sanctuary, the court order sat heavy in my grip. My stride grew sluggish as I ambled to the fridge and snagged a brew. Shoes kicked off, I lumbered to the couch and collapsed with a weary groan. Glancing at the document once more, reality crept in. "I'm a father? With Nicole, who can be sure," I muttered, disbelieving, as I shook my head. The child, previously a phantom haunting my guilt-ridden conscience, was now a fact of life, and Colorado demanded I take responsibility. What was Nicole playing at?
I drained the remainder of my beer, changed my clothes, and gazed at the sunset and the surf's relentless assault on the shore. Fingers flew through my contacts, found Nicole's number, and dialed. To my astonishment, she answered.
"Hello, Mitch. I wondered how long it would take for you to call," Nicole's voice was ice and miles away.
"What's going on? I got a court summons today. Says I'm the father of our kid, and... you're giving up custody! Why didn't you tell me you were pregnant? I would've helped... if you'd asked."
"Mitch, I tried asking. But after a couple of unanswered voicemails, I figured you were done with me."
"Nicole, you know me better than that..." I protested, backpedaling, unwilling to confess I'd deliberately ignored those messages.
