Wednesday night
Autumn knew things were bad for Tash’s father. She’d eavesdropped and overheard her dad tell her mom Rebel Navarro called to tell him two FBI agents from Philadelphia had come to his house and grilled him, and one of the agents had treated him like a criminal. She crept back to her room and got into bed and called Tash on his iPhone. He told her about the two agents who believed his uncle Rebel was guilty. “I’m scared, Autumn.”
She knew exactly what to do. She calmed Tash down, said there was absolutely no evidence and not to worry. Then she focused on the soft night mountain air in the breeze coming through her bedroom window to clear her mind, and pictured Dillon Savich’s face. He’d make things right, he always did.
And there he was with her, smiling at her.
You’re worried about something, Autumn.Is this about Archer Navarro?He waited.
Tash can’t reach his dad, and everyone thinks Archer Navarro stole millions of dollars from his own company and he’s hiding in Europe or in one of those countries that don’t send criminals back to us. If he did steal the money, maybe he’ll never come back, never see Tash again.
Does Tash know?
He told me about the two FBI agents who drove from Philadelphia to see Rebel tonight. He didn’t stay in bed, he snuck back downstairs and listened. He told me the man agent was mean and accused Rebel of plotting with Tash’s dad, accused him of knowing where his dad was hiding. I told him you’d take care of things. Can you, Dillon?
Savich was surprised two agents would drive over three hours to Titusville from Philadelphia to conduct a simple interview. It indeed sounded like an interrogation.
Autumn, here’s what I know. I spoke to the FBI forensic accountants in the Philadelphia field office who are investigating what happened at the Navarro Investment Fund. They say Archer Navarro’s fingerprints are on everything they’ve uncovered so far, and only Archer’s.
Autumn: Mr. Navarro texted it wasn’t, and he believed it could be his COO, Carla Cartwright. Tash is really scared, Dillon. So are Mom and Dad even though they don’t say it aloud.
I understand. Now listen, Autumn. You keep Tash as far away from this as you can. And try not to worry, leave that to me. I’ll speak to the Philadelphia SAC, ask her about those agents coming tonight to speak to Rebel. I’ll make sure to take a close look at everyone, particularly this Carla Cartwright.
Thank you, Dillon. Oh, yes, I wanted to tell you too Rebel visited with my mom today, not about Mr. Navarro but about Tash and me. She had to tell him all about the Backmans, and about everything. She said he didn’t want to accept it, but he knows all of us do. Mom thinks it’ll take him a while to realize how special Tash is, and accept it so there’ll be no more secrets.
Autumn sat back, leaned against her pillows. Savich smiled at her.I like your jammies. I think they’ll look cute on our little girl in about ten years.
That’s funny, Dillon. If Sherlock has a little girl. What will you name her?
I’m thinking of another season. Since you’re Autumn, how about Summer?
She laughed, though it was hard.Summer Savich?Dillon, can you imagine how kids at school would torture her? What do you think of Felicity? Felicity Savich.
He looked thoughtful, decided Felicity was a beautiful name.Sherlock’s convinced she’s going to have another boy, so Felicity will be a big surprise. Hang in there, sweetheart. But you know, I have this feeling there’ll be a boy in the future. What do you think of Beauregard?
You’re laughing. But you know, Dillon, Beau is really cool.
Indeed it is. Go to sleep now.Good night and thank you for Felicity.
Savich felt Sherlock’s curly hair tickle his nose, smoothed it away.
“How’s Autumn?”
She always knew, she’d told him, because he got very still, and she could almost see his brain working. “She’s really worried, mainly for Tash. It’s not looking good. Two FBI agents visited Rebel Navarro tonight. Autumn said the male agent treated Rebel like a criminal. I’m thinking they had a reason, Sherlock, but I have no clue what it could be since I don’t believe Rebel Navarro is involved with his brother. I’ll check with Claire Gregson, the SAC at the Philadelphia field office, see what’s going on. How do you feel?”
“Grand. Maybe Beau will go to sleep real soon and stop practicing his field goal kicks.”
Had she really said that name? But how was that possible? Savich said carefully, “Beau? When did you think of that name?”
“It just came to me. Not Beauregard, that’s too old-fashioned, but Beau. Beau Savich. I really like it. What do you think?”
“It’s a fine name for a boy, but how about a girl?”
Sherlock didn’t answer. She was asleep.
Savich felt a feather kick against his side.So you’re still awake, are you? Do you like the name Felicity?
He felt another kick.I’ll take that as a yes. He kissed Sherlock’s ear through her curls, felt her cheek against his shoulder, and slept.
