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“You’ve been very helpful,” said Tobias, gritting his teeth. “Do you have a message for your sister?”
“Yea. Tell her thanks a lot.”
CHAPTER TWENTY
Tobias elected not to tell Gail anything about their conversation with her sister. It would kill her to know how she felt about her and what happened to her. It was killing him.
“Hey, Tobias. Not all siblings are like us,” said JB, running on the path toward him. “You know I would never, ever leave you high and dry like that, right? Not to mention that Mom and Dad would have never allowed something like that to happen.”
“I know,” he said, nodding. “I just don’t get it, that’s all. I mean, what the fuck would make people act like that?” Slowly, the others started coming toward them as well. The wind whipped out of the north, making all of them shove their hands into their pockets.
“Money. Unfortunately, it was all money-motivated,” said Luke. “We saw the deposits and can conclude they happened right after each time they were used. Lucas and Amy’s accounts were padded more than the others.”
“I want to go find the parents,” said Tobias.
“I know you do, and you will. But I need for you to keep your wits, Tobias. I can’t have you going rogue on us. I need to know everything that Jason Mackenzie can tell us about Quinn. If he’s the one that’s been investing for him, then I suspect there’s something to it all. It can’t just be about losses and gains.”
“Then let’s go find him,” said Tobias. He packed his gear and tried his best to explain to Gail why he had to leave for a few days. He promised he’d be back by Christmas, and they would celebrate JB and Dana.
“I’m scared, Tobias. You’re leaving me here alone after only knowing everyone for a short time. I know they’re wonderful people, but still.”
“Honey, they adore you. You are considered one of ours now. Just take care of yourself, get healthy. Don’t miss your sessions with Ashley and Rachelle. Believe me, they’ll help tremendously. When I return, we’re going to start planning our life together. You and me, baby. You and me.” She looked up at him with those big blue eyes filled with tears and nodded.
“You and me, Tobias,” she smiled. He kissed her and opened the front door, only to find thirty women smiling at him. They each had a dish or plate of something delicious, kissing his cheek as they passed by him and entered the cottage.
“Looks like you’re going to be well taken care of,” he smiled.
“Hello,” she said, staring at the all the women.
“Don’t worry, honey,” said Julia. “This is our version of the Belle Fleur welcome wagon. We’re going to have a feast, eat everything we shouldn’t, watch a movie or two, and just enjoy ourselves.”
“We may do some Christmas shopping as well,” smiled Lauren.
“Oh, this is exactly what I needed,” she grinned. “That’s what this cottage is missing. Christmas. I don’t know if he has a tree or if he decorates or not.”
“We always decorate,” said Sara. “I’m sure it’s just been that he’s been gone so much he hasn’t had the chance. Usually, the trees are delivered, and then we get to work decorating.”
As usual, right on cue, there was a knock at the door. Phoenix and Trevor waived at the ladies, moving the massive eight-foot tree into the living room.
“Where would you like it, hun?” asked Trev.
“Oh, wow. I’m not sure. Maybe in front of the window so everyone can see when the lights are on.”
“I love that,” smiled Julia.
“What do we do about decorations?” she asked. Again, eerily, the door opened with Baptiste and Alec standing with three boxes of decorations.
“Mama said you’d need these,” said Baptiste.
“H-how would she know that?” whispered Gail.
“Best that you don’t ask,” giggled Megan. Georgie and Ellie were standing beside her, laughing, nodding their heads.
“This is the strangest family I’ve ever met,” she smiled. “But I think it’s wonderful.”
“We were promised cookies,” said Baptiste with a little boy frown. Phoenix and Trevor nodded, holding out a hand like little boys.
“You guys are worse than the children,” said Faith.
