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She laughs. “There’s zero chance your father was cheating on your mother. He was desperately in love with her. His world revolved around her. I barely believed in love before Trevor, but I believed in the love your parents shared. That was the real deal. You’ll never convince me otherwise.”
“I know. That’s why I’m so confused. I need you to help me figure this out. I don’t want to say anything to Mom.”
“Definitely don’t say anything to your mother. We’ll figure this out together. Tell me what makes you think he was having an…” She shakes her head. “I can’t even get the words out of my mouth, it’s so ridiculous. Who made you believe this nonsense?”
“Thomas Daulton.”
She scoffs. “That’s hardly a reliable source.”
“Hear me out. He’s not looking to destroy my business because of some beef with Jackson. He said his beef was with my father. He said my father cost him a lot of money and was the reason behind him having a criminal record. He said my father was defending his girlfriend. He used those exact words. He saidgirlfriend.”
“Hmm. Well, if Thomas has a criminal record, I should be able to find it. Let’s see what we can dig up before we start jumping to far-fetched conclusions.” I nod.
She gets up and sits in her desk chair. She puts on her glasses and starts typing away on her computer. After only a few minutes, she says, “Found it. Thomas Daulton was on probation for two years for assaulting a woman named Rochelle Sanderson. Does that name ring a bell?”
I nod as I put my hand over my mouth in shock. “Yes. I remember Rochelle. She was a young associate in Dad’s office. I met her during my summer internships there. She was definitely attractive.” I pause. Tears welling in my eyes. “Do you… do you think he was having an affair with her?”
“I don’t, but there’s only one way to find out. Let’s go find her and talk to her.”
I shake my head. “I don’t think I can. I don’t want to know those type of details about my father.”
“Your mind is already in the worst place possible. We might as well find out the truth. Let’s track her down and get the answers you need.”
It takes Aunt Cass all of five minutes to find her address. She doesn’t live too far away from where we are now. Aunt Cass drives us to the address. I’m too nervous to drive myself.
We pull up to a nice house and knock on the door. Aunt Cass grabs my hand and squeezes it. “Whatever we find out, it doesn’t change the fact that he loved you very much.” I nod, but I’m scared shitless of what we’re about to find out.
Rochelle opens the door. She’s obviously a bit older than I remember her, but she’s still extremely attractive. She must be in her early forties now.
She looks at Aunt Cass in confusion, but when she turns her head and looks at me, she smiles. “Reagan? Reagan Lawrence? Is that you?”
I muster a small smile. “Hi, Rochelle.”
She puts her hand over her mouth. “Oh my god. You look just like your father. You are absolutely stunning.” I give her another small smile in gratitude. She waves us in. “Come in. Please.”
“This is my aunt, Cassandra Blackstone.”
Rochelle nods as if thinking. “I remember that name. You’re Darian’s closest friend, right?”
“Yes, I am.”
“Scott was very fond of you as well.” Aunt Cass smiles.
We move into her living room. She motions for us to sit in on her couch, while she sits in a chair next to us.
Rochelle looks at me. “Reagan, I read about your flourishing business and the franchising agreements all over the country. Good for you. Your father would be so proud of you. He always knew you’d be a successful businesswoman. He talked about you all the time.”
Aunt Cass interrupts. “Rochelle, we don’t want to waste your time. We’re here today hoping you can you tell us about a criminal case you filed against Thomas Daulton back when you were working for Scott.”
Rochelle’s expression changes and her face drains of blood. “Why… why do you ask?”
“Reagan has had some interactions with that family. Some information has come to light about an incident that went on between you, Thomas, and Scott. We’re just trying to understand the facts.”
She slowly nods. “I guess I saw somewhere that you’re engaged to his son, Carter. I’ve heard that he’s not like his father. His father is a horrible man. Sorry to say that about your future father-in-law, Reagan, but Thomas is a monster. The worst kind of monster.”
“I know he is. I agree with you. No offense taken. He said something to me recently that has been weighing on me, and it has to do with your case against him. Can you tell me what happened?”
“I signed a non-disclosure agreement when we settled the civil case. I guess it was a long time ago though. Can you promise me that this will stay between us?”
