After speaking to Steel, Willow headed for Jackson’s study, thinking about her conversation with Hope. While her friend had made remarkable progress, there was still more to go and she wanted to talk to Jackson about that, too. Finding the door open, she gave several sharp raps, smiling when Jackson swiveled his chair around, grinning when he saw who it was. “Hi, can we talk or should I come back later.”
“Come in. I’m waiting for a call, but otherwise I’m free. What’s up?”
Slipping into the chair in front of Jackson’s desk, Willow said, “I spoke to Hope this morning about me filing a statement with the High Council about what I witnessed. I wanted to make sure she agreed with me about doing it.”
“My mother was in favor of it, of course,” Jackson said.
“Yes, she was…how did you know?”
“Because she’s my mother. All my life, no matter what the risk would be to her, she always put us first. My brothers and I owe her a lot. If she wants this, you have my blessings, too. My only concern is that it might put her in danger.”
“I would never put Hope at risk,” Willow said emphatically. “I’m doing this so she can finally find some happiness…which will never happen as long as she fears Josiah will keep coming after you and your brothers.”
Studying Willow, Jackson paused before deciding to confide in her. “I agree with that, but my concern is what Josiah will do once he finds out my mother is alive.”
Perplexed, Willow asked, “Why? You think he’ll try to kill her?”
“No, I think he’ll try to kidnap her.”
“Kidnap? Whatever for?”
Jackson remained silent. He was hoping Willow would put the pieces together.
Willow stared at Jackson, trying to decipher his cryptic comment.Why on earth would Josiah want to kidnap my friend instead of me? I’m the one who’ll destroy him.Suddenly she understood. Shaking her head, she said, “Does Hope know?”
“I don’t think so…at least Mom never gave any indication of it. But now you see why I’m worried.”
“Did your father tell you?”
Snorting, Jackson said, “No, I’m sure he had no idea or he would have forbidden Josiah from ever coming over again.”
“If I may ask…how did you find out?”
“Josiah’s son, Kahn, told me. He heard his mother and Josiah fighting one night and she threatened to leave him because she didn’t want to live with someone who loved someone else.”
“But how do you know they were referring to your mother?”
“Because his mother mentioned mom’s name…several times…that night.”
“If Josiah loved Hope, why try to kill her?”
“The best answer I can come up with is he was rebuffed by my mother when he tried to tell her.”
“He is one sick bastard.”
“Yeah.”
“Hmmm,” Willow murmured. “What if I leave your mother out of my statement?”
“How would you explain your presence in the woods that night?” asked Jackson.
Pausing for a moment, Willow considered her options. She wanted to be truthful but absolutely would not put her friend in any more danger than she already was in. “What if I simply say I was going there to visit…which is true…and just leave out what we did before.”
“Hmm…that might work. After all, it really doesn’t matter that you and Mom spent the evening together.”
“No, it doesn’t. Whatisimportant is what I saw Josiah and his enforcers do that night.”
“Okay…I’ll talk to Penn, our lawyer, and make arrangements for him to come here to take your statement.”
