Park Avenue Secrets

“Why do we have to go to—”

“It’s Brandon,” said Reed, hating what he was about to do to her. “He was killed in a car accident today.”

Elizabeth shook her head in denial. “No. No. That doesn’t make sense.”

“Heather was killed, too.”

Elizabeth took a step back, still shaking her head.

“I’m so sorry, sweetheart.”

Brandon was her only sibling, and she’d adored him.

“It can’t be,” she whispered, even as her eyes welled up with tears.

Reed stepped forward and pulled her back into his arms. She struggled against both his touch and the cruel reality of the situation. “No. No. I can’t believe it. I won’t believe it.”

“I need to get hold of Collin.” Even as he rocked her, Reed reached for the phone. “He’ll contact the jet and make arrangements.”

Elizabeth let out a low, keening moan that nearly broke Reed’s heart.

“We have to get to California,” he told her firmly. “Lucas needs us.”

She stilled, looking up. “Lucas?”

“Lucas is fine. He’s with a babysitter. But we need to get to him.”

She gave a jerky nod, tears flowing freely down her cheeks. Reed wrapped one arm firmly around her shoulders, and used the other hand to dial Collin.

Eight

Elizabeth moved through the next week in a state of shock, picking up Lucas, consoling her parents, attending the funeral in California.

Thankfully, Reed handled the legalities of the will. While her brother had named her as Lucas’s guardian, he had named Reed executor of the estate. Between Reed and Collin, she needed only to sign papers and direct the packing up of Lucas’s things.

She briefly met with Heather’s parents after the funeral. They were nearly paralyzed with grief. They barely spoke, but held Lucas as long as possible, clearly struggling with the fact he was moving to New York.

Finally, she was back in the penthouse. Lucas’s nursery was set up and decorated, and he was settling into a routine with Elizabeth. He still seemed sad and confused at times, but started crawling around the apartment, pulling up on furniture and showing Elizabeth how many changes she’d have to make to protect both Lucas and their antiques.

After a while, when he curled up in her lap for his bottle or drifted off to sleep in her arms, she actually caught herself smiling. There was a permanent hole in her heart for her brother and sister-in-law, but Lucas needed her, and she’d do everything in her power to make sure he grew up loved and protected.

She kissed his silky hair, carefully shifting him to her shoulder to carry him to his crib. His nap was late today. He’d been restless and fussy, chewing on everything he could find. His cheeks were pinker than usual, and his bottom gum was swollen red.

The poor little thing was getting a tooth.

Elizabeth came carefully to her feet.

There was a knock at the door, and he had startled in her arms. She quickly cooed, praying he’d stay asleep.

Rena appeared from the kitchen, drying her hands on a towel.

Elizabeth signaled with a finger across her lips, and the housekeeper glided silently toward the front door, while Elizabeth trundled Lucas down the hall. She laid him carefully into the crib.

She left the bedroom door ajar and padded back down the living room. There, she found Rena with a courier envelope in her hands.

“It’s for you.” She handed it over.

The return address was for a California law firm. Elizabeth sighed. Some new will detail no doubt. The tears that were never far from the surface burned the backs of her eyes.

“I’ll be in Reed’s office.” The envelope felt heavy in her hands. But it was better to get it over with.

She pulled the tab on the courier envelope as she walked into the office, releasing a thick sheaf of official-looking documents. There was a seal on the top sheet, and it was addressed to her.

She scanned the opening paragraph, frowned, went back and read it slowly.

As she read on, her heart all but stopped in her chest, and emotion squeezed her in a painful vise.

Heather’s parents wanted Lucas. This was a legal notification that the Vances were contesting the will. They wanted Lucas back in California, wanted to raise him themselves, wanted to defy Brandon and Heather’s wishes and rip Elizabeth’s nephew from her home.

She galloped through the package, then reached for the telephone, her hand shaking as she dialed Reed’s number. Unanswered, the call bounced to Devon’s desk and Elizabeth asked for her husband.

“I, uh …” Devon hesitated. “He’s out of the office.”

“I’ll try his cell.”

But all she got was his voice mail. She left a message, as another knock sounded on the door.

“Mrs. Wellington?” Rena appeared in the office doorway. “Hanna Briggs to see you.”

Elizabeth nodded. “Send her in.”

Hanna was breezing into the office in seconds. “Baby asleep?” she asked. Her smile faded when she took in Elizabeth’s expression.

“Take a look at this.” Elizabeth shoved the papers across the desk.

With a puzzled frown, Hanna scanned the papers. Then she looked up. “They can’t do that.”

“They’re doing it. They think they’ll be better parents than me.”

“That’s ridiculous.”

“They claim they’ve seen Lucas every day of his life, that San Diego is a better place to raise a child, that Lucas knows them better. Add to that, they’re experienced parents, where I—” Elizabeth’s voice broke. “I’m only experienced in buying designer clothes and planning parties.”

Hanna reached across for Elizabeth’s hand. “That’s crazy.”

“They’re not wrong. I do buy designer clothes and plan parties. And until last week, I hadn’t changed a diaper in my life.”

“Well, that’s it then. Because, I’m sure a diaper changing contest will be the first thing the judge thinks of when determining custody.”

“You know what I mean.”

“I do. But you’re getting ahead of yourself again.”

Elizabeth understood Hanna’s point. She’d gotten ahead of herself when she thought Reed was cheating, and when she thought Joe might be a criminal.

“I can’t get hold of Reed,” she said.

“He’s probably in a meeting.”

“He’s always in a meeting.”

Things had definitely been better between them physically since they returned from France. But she could feel them slowly slipping back into their old routine. Although nine-month-old Lucas kept her busy, she couldn’t help but notice that Reed’s evenings were filling up with business obligations.

“You should call Collin,” Hanna suggested.

“You hate Collin.”

“Only because he’s a lawyer. But they do have their uses.”

Elizabeth thought about that. Should she wait for Reed? Or should she get things rolling on her own? She did want to develop some independence.

Getting a job was out of the question for her now that Lucas had arrived. But that didn’t mean she couldn’t start standing on her own two feet.

The strength and self-assurance of the coconut woman had wedged itself firmly into Elizabeth’s mind. For some reason, she knew deep down in her soul that Reed respected that kind of a woman.

“Collin it is.”

When the line connected, she heard female laughter, then a voice that sounded vaguely like Reed’s. Elizabeth’s spirits lifted.

“This is Collin.”

“It’s Elizabeth calling.”

“Oh. Hello, Elizabeth.” The background sounds suddenly stopped. “How can I help you?”

“Are you by any chance with Reed?”

“Not at the moment. Do you need to get him a message?”

Too bad. “Actually, I need some legal advice.”

There was a pause. “Sure.”

“I received a notice today that my sister-in-law’s parents are contesting my brother’s will.” She gave him the details.

“Does Reed know about this?”

“I haven’t been able to get hold of him.”

“I’ll have him call you.” And the line went dead.

Elizabeth replaced the receiver and frowned at Hanna. “Not a lot of help.” Then, remembering the opening to the conversation, she said, “It’s funny. It almost sounded like—”

The phone rang on the desk. She grabbed it quickly.

It was Reed.

She felt a rush of relief. “Did you get my message?”

“From Collin?”

“I thought you weren’t with Collin.”

“I’m not. He called me.”

So Reed picked up the calls from Collin, but not the ones from her? “Where are you?” she asked.

“What’s going on? Collin said the Vances contacted you.”

Elizabeth explained the contents of the letter.

“Collin’s going to come by and pick up the package,” said Reed. “I don’t want you to worry about it.”

“How can I not worry about it?” She glanced at her watch, noting that it was nearly five. “Aren’t you coming home now?”

“Not for a while. I’ve, uh, got a conference call with the West Coast.”

“I see.” Elizabeth didn’t disbelieve Reed. Problem was, she didn’t completely believe him, either. There was something in his tone that didn’t quite ring true, something that made her feel he was searching for excuses.

She didn’t like feeling this way. But the further they got from Biarritz, the more her confidence faded. If he loved her the way he said he did, shouldn’t he be rushing home? Shouldn’t Lucas and she be the most important things on his mind?

Reed hung up the phone and looked across the table at Collin. “Can you head for the penthouse and pick up those documents?”

Collin immediately rose. “You bet.”

Reed cursed the fact that he couldn’t leave right now. Elizabeth had too much on her plate. She was working round the clock to care for Lucas, while struggling to get over her brother’s death.

Collin left the boardroom as Gage Lattimer walked in.

“What’s up?” Gage took the chair across from Reed.

“This,” said Reed, sliding his latest problem across the table. It was another letter from the blackmailer.

“Don’t touch it,” he warned Gage. If he hadn’t obliterated them by opening it, the police might be able to raise fingerprints.

Gage read the short letter.

Hammond and Pysanski are the beginning. I’m the only one who can stop this now. Pay up!

When Gage looked up, his eyes were thunderous. “Who is this guy?”

Reed shook his head. “Trent stopped the Hammond and Pysanski connection from being reported in the media.”

“Is it somebody close to you? Or somebody connected with the police?”

Reed had no idea. But this was a very disturbing turn of events. “If he’s either of those things, you have to wonder how deep the frame-up goes.”

“You think he could actually nail you?” Gage paused. “Or me? Why isn’t he shaking me down?”

“Whoever did this has been thinking about it for a long time. Maybe he’s planted evidence against me but not against you.”

“I’m merely collateral damage?”

Reed coughed out a laugh. “Maybe. Or maybe he thinks I’m worth more money.”

“You are.”

“There you go.”

“Ten million,” mused Gage. “How long would it take you to raise that kind of cash?”

“Five minutes,” said Reed honestly.

Gage nodded as Selina breezed into the room.

She reached into her briefcase, pulled out a plastic bag, and tweezered the letter safely inside. Then she sealed it, sat down and turned it so that she could read.

“I’ll take this to a private lab. I doubt we’ll get fingerprints. The operation has been too sophisticated so far to make a mistake like that.”

“What about the police?” Reed asked her.

“I’m not putting this into the bowels of their backed-up crime lab. I’ll get to them later.”

“Any more clues? Anything else at all to go on?”

“I’m still following up on Hammond and Pysanski. In my opinion, we have a better chance of clearing up the SEC thing than finding the blackmailer. It we cut the SEC investigation off at the knees …” She snapped her fingers in the air. “Poof, the blackmail problem is gone.”

“For me, anyway,” said Reed. The blackmailer undoubtedly had other victims in mind.

“And, since you’re the one paying my salary, you’re the one I care most about.”

“And me?” Gage put in, in a voice tinged with mock offense.

“You’ll be a collateral victory,” said Selina.

“You heard me say that?” asked Gage.

“I hear everything.” She gave her attention back to Reed. “Something triggered this second letter. We’re going to have to go over the details of your past few days.”

Reed nodded in resignation, desperately worried about Elizabeth, and hoping Collin was taking good care of the will issue. Lately, it seemed as if Reed were being dragged simultaneously in a dozen different, yet crucial directions.

Elizabeth sat in the wingback chair opposite Collin.

“On my preliminary read,” he was saying, the legal documents in his hands, “I’m feeling very optimistic. But I have a friend who’s a member of the bar in California. I can get him to fly out tomorrow so that we can start on a proper plan of defense.”

Elizabeth nodded, grateful to Collin. He was cool and controlled, and his expertise shone through at every turn in the conversation. But she couldn’t help thinking that Reed should be here instead. It should be her husband who was offering comfort and advice, not his lawyer.

Then she berated herself for that train of thought. Hanna was right. Elizabeth needed to stand on her own two feet.

“I’d like to meet with your friend,” she told Collin, squaring her shoulders. “I’m available anytime.”

“I’ll set it up.”

The penthouse door opened, and they both turned to see Reed stride in. “What did I miss?” he asked.

Elizabeth glanced at her watch. It was nearly nine.

“I read the package,” said Collin, coming to his feet. “I’m going to ask Ned Landers to fly in tomorrow.”

Elizabeth stood to face Reed. “It’s all under control. You don’t need to worry.”

Reed drew back sharply. “That’s—”

“I know you’re busy,” she put in. Then she turned and reached out to shake Collin’s hand. “Thank you very much for your advice, Collin. I appreciate your taking the time.”

“Not a problem,” he answered. “I’m always available for you, Elizabeth.”

At the other side of the room, Reed stayed silent.

“Good night,” Collin said to them both.

As soon as the door shut behind Collin, Reed turned on Elizabeth. “What the hell was that all about?”

She blinked at him in surprise. “What?”

“‘I don’t need your help, Reed,’“ he simpered. “‘It’s all under control.’”

“It is all under control. Collin says we’re in a very strong position. He says the Vances would essentially have to prove we’re unfit parents to win in court.”

“It’s nice to know what Collin had to say, but what about what I have to say?”

“You weren’t here.”

“I had a meeting.”

“You always have a meeting.” She cringed at the sarcasm in her voice.

Reed’s tone grew stronger. “I would have been here if I could.”

“Keep your voice down.”

He drew an exasperated breath. “I want the details.”

She pointed to the papers on the round table. “Help yourself.”

“I also want to know exactly what Collin said,” he warned, scooping up the paperwork.

“I’ll tell you everything I remember.”

His eyes narrowed, and he peered at her.

“What on earth is the matter?” she demanded.

He was acting as though he were jealous of Collin.

Reed was stonily silent for a long beat. “I don’t like being replaced by my lawyer. This is our problem, not your problem alone.”

“I can take care of it, Reed. I’ll have professional help.”

His complexion turned ruddy. “So, you don’t need me? Is that what you’re saying?”

“Isn’t that exactly what you said to me?” Even as she lobbed the volley, Elizabeth silently acknowledged that she didn’t want to have this fight. Lucas was what mattered. All of her energy and emotional resources needed to be directed at him for the time being.

Reed turned sharply, and marched down the hall into his office.

Now she’d done it. The closeness they’d shared in France was officially a distant memory, and the cool formality from before their trip had turned to hurt and anger. And it was her fault. Fawning over Collin’s presence had been a passive-aggressive slam at Reed’s absence.

She screwed up her courage and followed him down the hall, carefully sliding open the door.

“Reed?” she ventured.

Without looking up, he grunted an acknowledgment.

“I’m sorry.”

That got his attention.

“We should work on this together,” she said calmly. “And I do appreciate your perspective.”

“He’s my son, too, you know.”

Her eyes clouded, and she blinked rapidly. “Of course. I thought you were too busy. I was trying …”

Reed let the sheaf of papers flatten on the desk. “I’m sorry I was late.” His jaw tightened. “Things are complicated … at the office right now.”

She nodded, even though she didn’t understand what he meant. But then she never had been privy to the intricacies and machinations of Wellington International. “Lucas is what matters.”

“Yes, he is. We’re his parents now, Elizabeth, and we need to ensure his well-being. On all fronts.”

A tear slipped down her cheek. “Why are they doing this?”

Reed shook his head. “Grief over Heather? Maybe a desire to cling to a little piece of her?”

“But Brandon and Heather chose us.” Elizabeth didn’t know the Vances. They could be selfish or mean-spirited, they might even be fanatical about something. There was a reason her brother and sister-in-law had entrusted Lucas to her care, and she wasn’t going to let them down.

“And the court will see it that way,” said Reed. “We’ll talk to Ned Landers together.”

“Together,” Elizabeth agreed. But a little part of her couldn’t help wondering if Reed would make the meeting.

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