“That’s what the Rural Trust is for.”
“Uh,” Mace said, holding out his phone. “This just in from Josie. Apparently a lot of the donors are now badmouthing the Rural Trust due to the kidnapping.”
“Alleged kidnapping,” Hunter interjected.
“Whatever it is, there’s no more goodwill.”
“They were all at the café when Dad showed up,” Archer said, nodding. “Figures they’d make our lives hell.”
“Also,” Mace said, “it’s unclear if we’re going to be allowed to build ThinkX offices in the former shirtwaist factory. Due to the protests, we may have to look for another spot, because the city won’t approve it.”
“Thanks a lot, Parker,” Blade spat. “You really are as bad as Hunter.”
Even Remy looked disappointed.
“As long as he doesn’t end up in jail,” Mace said. “Then it really will look bad.”
“He’ll be fine as long as he does what I say. Remember,” Hunter warned me. “Don’t speak unless one of us says you can answer the question.”
* * *
Kaitlyn was standingin the foyer of the police station when Garrett, Hunter, Greg, and I arrived. I stopped in front of her. “You should start looking for a job somewhere else,” I told her flatly.
“You’re firing me?” she said indignantly.
“Not if you resign first. You tried to ruin my family and Sadie,” I said in a clipped tone.
“It’s your own fault!” she shrieked. “We had a good thing going!”
“We went on half a date,” I said, trying to keep control of my temper.
“And Sadie ruined it and stole you from me!” she said, latching onto me.
“Parker,” Hunter barked.
Officer Susie and the detective were standing in the doorway, looking back and forth between us. I clamped my mouth shut and peered into the station. My father was in a jail cell, sitting there like he didn’t have a care in the world. I hated him.
“Do you want to begin the questioning?” Hunter said. “I warn you, I’m going to instruct my client not to answer the majority of your questions.”
Susie sighed.
“Can I just explain?” I started. Hunter glared at me.
“We really don’t need an explanation,” Susie said. “I just heard Kaitlyn admit to having a motive to make these claims based on revenge. Sadie’s father has also just confessed that he was the one who stole the money by scamming seniors out of their Social Security payments. It looks like you’re in the clear, Parker. There’s no evidence that you tried to sell Sadie to a cult. We just called you all down here to pick up your father and stepmother. They’re free to go.”
Leif smiled and blew Moonbeam a kiss.
“I had no idea Sadie’s father was stealing all that money,” he said as Detective Brown unlocked the jail sell. “Terrible business.”
“He’s lying,” I shouted. “Garrett, tell her he’s lying!”
Garrett just glared coldly at our father.
“It was good to see you boys,” my father said, a smirk playing on his face.
Hunter jerked me back before I could punch him. Leif laughed.
“Better luck next time, eh, Garrett?”
