30
One week later…
Nightshade settled in the leather loveseat in her father’s study, her fingers twined with Merc’s. They’d spent the last week getting to know Merc’s brother, Reaper and learning about his old team. Mankel and Rainier had worked together the whole time, setting up Midnight. They’d recruited Reaper’s team into the program under the guise of helping enhance their skills for their country. Reaper had been paired a few times in simulated training with Nightshade’s team, and from what he could tell, the women weren’t happy to be there.
They’d started digging into Midnight, but had to stop for her father’s funeral yesterday. And now, today, Mr. Holt, her father’s attorney had called this emergency meeting.
He perched on a chair across from Nightshade and Merc, a small round man with an equally round bald head. He opened his briefcase, pulled out a large envelope and pushed his glasses up his nose. “Miss Cotter, first let me say that I'm truly sorry for your loss. I've known your father for a very, very long time. He was a good man who truly cared about all the people around him.”
Harriet stood to the left, sniffling and blowing her nose gently. Francis placed an arm around her, the two women held onto each other.
“Sorry I’m doing this at such a delicate time in your lives, I realize you buried your father only yesterday, but he gave direct instructions that should anything happen to him I would meet with you immediately.”
Nightshade offered him a watery smile, “I think you mean you're supposed to meet with my sister, Caroline.” Who was still missing. They’d started searching for her in the short time they had before the funeral, though that had to be put on pause for their father's burial.
Mr. Holt’s glasses slipped down his nose and peered at her over the rim before shoving them back in place. “No my dear, I mean you: Marissa Sarah Cotter.”
“Me? My father couldn't talk to you about me he didn't know about me until -” Her throat closed off. She couldn't say the words. Merc squeezed her hand and pulled her into his side.
“The day your father died, he called me that morning and had me add you to his estate. Miss Cotter, you are a very wealthy woman. Your father left explicit orders you are to receive half of everything he owns which includes multiple properties, stocks, bonds, cash and this house.”
Nightshade’s mouth dropped, at a complete loss for words. How could he have found out, and seen that it was taken care of in a short space of time?
Merc leaned down and whispered in her ear, “When we finally figured out who you were, your father acted immediately. He didn't care if you’d been sent here to kill him or not.”
The pain was still so sharp and fresh, so much so she still couldn't speak about it so she squeezed Merc's hand in answer.
Mr. Holt turned to Harriet and Francis. “Mrs. Harriet Stonebridge, Mr. Cotter left you a lump sum inheritance of one million dollars.”
Harriet slapped a hand over her mouth, her entire body trembling.
Mr. Holt rushed on, probably sensing the woman's impending break down. “Mrs. Francis O'Keefe, he also left you one million dollars.”
Francis stared mouth open, eyes wide with shock.
Mr. Holt wisely snapped shut his briefcase and stood. “Miss Cotter, I'll have all the proper paperwork over to you by the end of the week. Here's my card. If you have any questions, or if I can be of any assistance any time night or day, please call me.”
Nightshade took the card and rose to her feet on shaking legs. “Thank you, Mr. Holt.”
He dipped his head and quietly left the room.
“Good Lord Almighty, I never thought, never imagined, Francis I don't know what to do with that kind of money. What if I lose it?”
Francis rose to her full bony height. “Harriet, you can't lose that kind of money. It's put up in banks and taken care of.”
Nightshade went to the women who had stayed by her side daily, constantly there for her and offering their unconditional love and support. “I know you don't have to stay here anymore, and I don't expect you to stay and work, but if it's all right with you, do you think - do you think you could live here, with me?”
Tears fell freely down Harriet's ruddy cheeks once more. “This is our home too. We're not going to abandon you girl.”
“That's right, and we’re not going to sit around and do nothing either.” Francis chimed in, “Come on Harriet, this girl needs some time and I need a cup of your special tea.”
Harriet threaded her arm with Francis’s and they walked from the room. “I'm going to make it extra strong today.”
Nightshade turned and Merc enfolded her in his strong embrace. She pressed her cheek to his chest, inhaling her scent, completely surrounded in the safety of his arms.
“Do you have any idea how much I love you?” He dropped his chin to the top of her head.
Nightshade savored the way his chest rumbled against her cheek. “Not as much as I love you.”
