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“He was a different man back then, Calista,” Robert says gently. “I think once he got entangled with that company, it was hard to extricate himself. But he eventually did. We all make mistakes, especially when we let moments of weakness rule us.”
I shake my head, sorrow mixing with anger inside me. “A mistake is accidentally running a red light, not sacrificing public health for power and greed.”
“What’s done is done,” Robert says. “Your father came to deeply regret those early unethical choices. He spent the later part of his career fighting hard for consumer protection laws.”
“That doesn’t make it right. Who knows how many lives were ruined or lost because of his actions?” I pause. “When did my father finally stop dealing with AstraRx?”
Robert drums his fingers on the desk. When he finally answers me, there’s a veil of guilt covering his face. “I think it was approximately a year ago.”
I close my eyes, suddenly exhausted. My image of the principled, heroic father I loved has been shattered. The letter opener slips from my fingers and clatters to the floor.
“Are you ready to leave, Miss Green?” Sebastian asks, keeping his gaze on Robert.
As if the manager could hurt me anymore than he has already.
I take a shaky breath. “Yes.” I look at Robert. “Thank you for telling me the truth, even though it was hard to hear.”
“I know I haven’t been around much since the funeral, but if you need anything, don’t hesitate to call.” Robert gets to his feet, and I follow suit. He reaches for me and immediately drops his hands at Sebastian’s glare. “Senator Green may not have been the most ethical politician, but he was a wonderful father before his untimely death.”
A thought strikes the heart of me, making my pulse race and my skin sweat. What if this pharmaceutical company was involved with my father’s murder?
I bend down to retrieve the letter opener. Once I’m upright, I lift my chin and pin Robert with a hard look. “I’m going to keep looking into my father’s death until I find who’s responsible. If you had anything to do with it, tell me now.”
Robert raises his hands. “No, Calista. I swear it. The only thing I’m guilty of is not talking your father out of that mess.”
I pocket the letter opener inside my coat, not only as a keepsake but to issue a warning. “I hope you’re telling the truth.”
Sebastian follows me as I hurry out of the office building with the letter opener heavy in my pocket. The morning air hits my face, unsuccessfully cooling the turbulent emotions burning inside me. I stop on the sidewalk, wrapping my arms around myself as I try to steady my breathing to keep from having a panic attack.
My bodyguard approaches me while maintaining a respectful distance. “I know this is a lot to take in,” he says. “But you’re not alone in this. Although I’m certain Mr. Bennett won’t like seeing you upset, he does care for you.”
I nod, not trusting my voice yet. A few rebellious tears slip down my cheeks.
Sebastian offers me a handkerchief from his pocket. I take it with a whispered “Thank you” and then dab my eyes.
“Whatever mistakes your father made, he clearly regretted them and tried to make amends,” Sebastian continues. “You admired him for good reason. That hasn’t changed.”
I shake my head. “I feel like I didn’t really know him. I’m not sure how to reconcile the scheming politician with the man who put band-aids on my scratches as a kid.”
“Sometimes people have more than one side to them. The one they show the world and the one they keep hidden. That doesn’t mean you can’t love part of them.”
“I don’t know how to love in pieces. When I give someone my heart, I share all of it.”
“Mr. Bennett is a very fortunate man then.”
I sigh, folding the handkerchief neatly before offering it to Sebastian. “Maybe you don’t want this back?”
“You keep it, Miss Green. Hopefully, you won’t need it again anytime soon.”
Chapter26
Calista
“Please takeme to Hayden’s office.”
Sebastian turns around in the driver’s seat. His expression is conflicted, but at the fresh tears streaming down my cheeks, he nods slowly. “Okay, Miss Calista. But first, you have to give me your word on two things.”
I bite my lip. “What are they?”
