Hope steps up, a smile on her face that says she’s about to seal the deal. “We will be happy to work with your media department and release a statement. We just want to be able to control it. Tabloid speculation isn't going to benefit anyone at this stage, and Jaxon and Jacinta certainly need to be consulted about the release of any public information since it is their legacy. Once the body identification has occurred, we will know which direction we want to go in.”
Jason frowns, but he takes the pile of papers. “It’s certainly not normal procedure, but I think we can accommodate you.”
“Like hell we will,” Wayne rumbles as he returns.
Forrest’s gaze becomes frosty, the man straightening his spine as he gains a determined set to his stance that makes me suddenly understand why he’s responsible for protecting the Summers and their insane wealth. “Well then, I would suggest you leave and come back with a warrant. We played nice, and we’ve done the right thing, but we could make this difficult for you. Especially considering there’s nothing yet to suggest that there would be any materials relevant to the DEA within the home itself. All we’re asking is for this to be kept out of the media. We don’t want to suppress anything in court or in your reports or anything like that.”
Jason holds up his hands, the papers rustling in his grip. “No, it’s fine. We will cooperate. Stop being an asshole, Wayne.”
A satisfied smile softens Forrest’s face. “Good, I suggest we wait down by the gate. Once they’ve signed, we’ll let them through. Declan will stay with the house to make sure your officers don’t get nosy and wander somewhere they shouldn't, and Thomas will do the same on the way to the tunnel. Please tell your officers that the place has been abandoned for twenty years; we do not know how stable or reliable the zoo buildings are. Wandering could be dangerous.”
“Oh, and there’s a herd of deer in there somewhere too. So, watch out for those,” I offer up, and the agent’s eyes widen.
“Just be glad there are no alligators or hippopotami left in the moat,” Oliver mutters.
“That we know of,” Kai follows up, playing along. Both agents stare at the moat suspiciously even though there’s no water in it.
Forrest waves goodbye and heads to his car accompanied by Wayne. We leave Jason with Declan and Thomas, and the rest of us squeeze into one of the SUVs, leaving the other for Thomas and Declan to use when they finish. Jaxon’s former bike is a twisted bit of miserable metal as we drive past, and I feel another pang of guilt. Yeah, I know he can afford to buy himself a new one, but we had such fun on it this morning. It’s another memory the stalker has ruined for me.
“God, I’m so done with today,” Jacinta groans as Kai starts the car, and we bump down the driveway. “I’m actually looking forward to going into the office tomorrow.”
“I thought you were done with the office?” Holden asks her.
“I am mostly, but I still need to hire someone for the day-to-day running so that means interviews, and until that happens, I don’t trust Lindy or Rowena at all. Nana’s going to be the head honcho, but I need to go in and explain to everyone what’s going on.”
“I’ll draft up a job advertisement unless there’s someone you’d like to woo away from another company.” Hope leans forward in her seat to better hear Jacinta’s answer.
“No, I like the idea of bringing in a newbie, maybe someone who’s just graduated from college with a master of business. Give someone the chance to learn at the feet of one of the great business directors, Grace Summers. Someone with no preconceived ideas about this business, someone willing to try new things.” Jacinta waxes lyrical about her ideal candidate for another few beats until the boys begin to chuckle. Can’t say I blame them. The woman goes on about fashion the way I do about animals, and I know I can totally be a bit much once I get rolling.
“It’s actually a pretty solid idea. You create loyalty by giving someone a chance like that,” Jaxon points out, the others murmuring their agreement.
“Instead of advertising in any of the industry publications, why don’t you advertise at some LA colleges? It wouldn't hurt to advertise within the company either. There might be someone who has the right skills but has never had a chance to use them,” Kai suggests as we pull out of the big gates, waving at Forrest when we pass him by.
Jacinta groans. “But then Lindy and Rowena might apply.”
“So? It’s not like you have to hire them. Lindy doesn't even have any business education. You hired her because you felt sorry for her. She gave you a sob story about supporting an ill mother and younger siblings,” Holden reminds her. Something in me twinges at that, a stirring of resignation. I knew I didn’t get a good vibe from her, and hearing that she likely took advantage of Jacinta by playing on what she holds most dear—family—makes me irritated on my new sister’s behalf.
“Yeah, and did you know she never talks about them? Even when I ask, she brushes it off. I think I got played,” she says wryly.
“And Rowena definitely doesn't have any business management skills in her resume. I’ve seen it, remember,” I remind her.
She nibbles on her lower lip for a minute, still looking thoughtful though decidedly more settled with our reassurance. “Okay, let’s do that.”
“We also need to draft a statement regarding all of this. Well, not exactly about this, but about new inheritance and all that entails.” Hope gestures toward the house fading behind us. “Let’s not let a loose-lipped police officer do it for us. When we get home, I’d like to sit down with the two of you and come up with something.”
“Yes, okay. Let’s do that,” Jaxon agrees, and although Jacinta makes another face, I can tell she’ll drag her head out of the sand and face the truth.
Kai stops, leaving the SUV on the turning circle, and we all climb out. “I’m going to update Dad, then I’m going to grab a shower.” He walks backward, pointing at me. “I’ll meetyouin the hot tub in about an hour. Does that sound good?”
I groan before I can stop it, and my enthusiastic nod might possibly put a bobblehead to shame. “God yes.”
“I hope Nana has been cooking because I’m starving,” Oliver grumbles like a cranky toddler. I think we’re all a little worse for wear today. “Can Mrs. Heyton come home now? I miss her.”
“If she hasn’t, we’ll just order something, but you’ll have to talk to Dad and Thomas about the latter,” Holden says, wrapping his arm around our boyfriend and giving him a kiss. “Come on, you’re all dusty too. I’ll help you scrub clean if you want.” That’s not all they’re getting up to if Holden’s cheesy eyebrow wiggle has anything to say about it.
Instantly, Oliver perks up, and I giggle as he drags Holden to me. They both give me kisses on the cheek before they’re up the stairs and through the front door.
“Not joining them?” Jaxon asks from behind me.
