Iwant to be very clear: you will stay away from Cheyenne and my children. I am their father. As the doctors at the clinic will confirm, my children were conceived using a sample from donor 645798. I spilled your specimen into the sewer you crawled out from.
To ensure Cheyenne and my children’s safety, I mailed a package to Chase Group detailing your evil. I suggest you contact an attorney.
G
Christian inhaled deeply. “He died never knowing Whitman wasn’t his father. The third letter is addressed to you, Ian. Do you want me to leave?”
“Stay. Both of you.”
Dear Mr. Chase,
If you are reading this, you know I am dead. I have no right to ask anything from you, but please could you make sure Cheyenne gets to Texas with my girls and her parents? She is due in three weeks. She is innocent.
Ineed to apologize. You are the honorable and loving man I never could be. Cassie was fortunate to know you. I was a fool and a coward. I never protected her.
Ineed you to know how this started for me. My high school graduation was celebrated by going to the Caribbean with the Bynum and Marshall families. On our third night, Robby and I headed to the bars. On our way back to our villa, we saw our fathers laughing and carrying on. A second glance and we realized they were carrying an unconscious girl.
They brought her into an empty cabana. Through the windows, we watched them do horrible things to her. When they were finished, our moms and Claudia showed up. Instead of being shocked, they were angry because they left a mess that needed to be cleaned up. They wrapped the girl in a sheet and left her on the beach. I never knew if she was alive or dead. I was sick, and Robby was turned on. Our friendship ended there. I was a coward then too. I could have called the authorities, but I did nothing.
Under separate cover, the Chase Group will receive a large envelope addressed to you containing notes and evidence substantiating the financial crimes my parents committed. Also, inside is an album I found in my father’s home office. It’s a book about Cassie’s baby. I also included a copy of all my financial records to help Cheyenne. Not one dollar was earned doing anything illegal. Also included is a cashier’s check to cover any expenses Chase Security incurs to ensure Cheyenne’s safety. Please know I never wanted anything bad to happen to Cassie. In my own pathetic way, I loved her.
Garett Whitman
Ian sat on his hands. “Where are they? She’s heading to them.”
The surveillance teams radioed their targets were in transit to the Army Navy Club.
“Start to roll. We need to get there. I hope we can detain them there before Cassie gets to them. What do you want to do about Cheyenne?” Kieran asked.
“I believe Garett that she’s innocent. Send Kip and Wes to the house and get eyes on her. Call Olivetti—and let him run with it.”
Chapter Fifty-One
Cassie limped into the department store. With each step, she grew more lightheaded and out of breath, her heart beating out of her chest. The smell of perfumes and colognes made her seek out the nearest restroom. Her reflection in the mirror frightened her. Before leaving in search of an outfit, she cupped her hand under the faucet to gather a sip of water, but it never made it past her lips. The Unisom was no longer working. Cassie let the last quarter prescription pill dissolve under her tongue.
Returning to the store, she grabbed a simple green linen sheath dress, low-heeled pumps, a purse, and a makeup sampler. Fifteen minutes later, she headed to the Army Navy Club.
The regal social club stood on Farragut Square. Cassie held tight to the gold banister as she walked up the four granite steps and through the white double doors, smiling at the two doormen. Inside, she walked the gold-bordered runner and up a few more steps into the large lobby. Steadying herself, she approached the young man at the registration desk.
“May I help you?”
“I am meeting a group today for lunch. Senator Bynum’s party?”
“Yes, ma’am. The Senator has reserved part of the ballroom on the second floor. The senator and his wife have not arrived yet. As a guest, I can’t let you go up alone.”
“My fiancé is a member.” With shaking hands, Cassie pulled out the card she found in Ian’s wallet.
“It will be just a moment, ma’am. My computer is down. I need to use the one in the office.”
* * *
“Mr. Ian Chase?”
“Yes, who’s calling?”
“Mr. Chase, this is Ted from the Army Navy Club. I am sorry to bother you. Sir, there is a young woman here with your ID card, claiming to be your fiancée. I just want to make sure it is all right, sir. It seems odd. You always call ahead and give your guest a pass.”
“Describe her.”
