“Can we definitely rule out Cabretti?” Zane asked.
“Yes.” Tabitha explained the timing of the tracker imbedded under Craig’s skin as well as the anonymous phone call to the editor of ESN. “Craig has been in the States for twenty years. That’s plenty of time to piss someone off, giving whoever it is the opportunity to watch him. Learn his schedule. Pay people to do things like install a tracker and follow him.”
“But why now?” Tessa asked. “If what you’re thinking is correct, and it is someone from his past, why wait until now?”
Gregor pulled something delicious-smelling out of the oven, so Tabitha began gathering plates and silverware. They had never been ones to transfer food from the cooking pans to bowls for the table unless it was a family gathering. The vegetables were warming on the stove, and he placed his savory sheet pan glazed meatloaf on the counter beside them before removing some baked macaroni and cheese from the top oven. Tessa found serving utensils, and they all filled their plates, taking them to the larger table where they wouldn’t be crowded. Tabitha’s stomach rumbled at all the yummy goodness waiting for it. She had sorely missed her dad’s cooking.
Neither Kilbrook brother joined them, so Tabitha fixed two plates and covered them with plastic wrap, leaving them on the counter. She had reached out toeavesdrop earlier since they weren’t yelling at one another. She took it as a good sign until she heard one of them sobbing. She assumed it was Daniel considering he was the one who’d lost his little family.
Zane brought in his go bag from his vehicle while Tabitha and her own family discussed what they were going to do to pass the time. When Zane entered the house, his phone was at his ear, and his face was serious. “I’ll call you later.” He shoved the device in his back pocket as he walked into the room.
“Everything okay?” Major asked.
“Yeah, just my sister being a brat.” Zane continued through the house and returned a few minutes later. They invited him to play a few rounds of poker, and Zane grabbed everyone a fresh beer before sitting. They had been at it a couple of hours when Craig emerged from the library. He went to the kitchen and heated one of the plates. When he was finished, he went to his bedroom and closed the door. Tabitha folded her current hand and excused herself to check on Daniel.
She knocked on the partially closed library door before sticking her head in. “Hey, Daniel.” His eyes were bloodshot, but at least he’d stopped crying. “Can I get you anything?”
“Do you have a time machine?”
Tabitha entered the room and took the seat next to his. “Unfortunately, no. I’m really sorry for your loss.”
“Me too. I thought after all this time I would finally get my happiness. I should have known better. Donnel Crowley doesn’t get to do happy. Someone always takes it away from me. I have a son who doesn’t know I exist. Well, he does, but he thinks I’m one of his brothers. I have no idea what happened to Zola, his mother. Shewas my first love. I never thought I’d find that again. What’s the saying? Lightning never strikes the same place twice? But it did strike again with Carmen. She helped me get off drugs. And before you remind me I was smoking weed, it’s not illegal. She got me off the hard stuff. Haven’t touched it in almost a year. I did it for her and the baby, but I mostly did it for me. I wanted to be there for both of them. I wanted to be a husband and a dad.” Daniel choked back a sob and blew out a harsh breath.
Tabitha felt Major’s presence just outside the door, but he didn’t interrupt. “Daniel, does the name Corvus mean anything to you?”
“Yes, that was our family’s surname several generations ago. Where did you hear it?”
“When we were at the rental in Stone Mountain, a package of cocaine was delivered to the dock. It was addressed to Don Corvus.”
“What? I didn’t order any drugs, I swear it. I promised Carmen I would stay clean, and I meant it. Even if she’s no longer here, I wouldn’t disrespect her honor by going back on my word.”
“I believe you, but I have to ask. Did you ever share with Carmen your true identity?”
“Absolutely not. As far as I’m concerned, Donnel Crowley died the day my father shipped me off. Craig might still be his lapdog, but I want nothing to do with Buchard or Ilga or anyone in that family.”
“Not even your son?”
Daniel shook his head. “I wouldn’t do that to him. I wouldn’t tell him his whole life has been a lie. He’s twenty-one now. A young man. I just pray they were better to him than they were to Craig and me.”
Tabitha didn’t tell him what she’d overheard, that his son was causing trouble for the elder Crowleys. “What’s his name? Your son?”
“I have no idea. I’m sure it’s something as equally ridiculous as Kreegon or Donnel. My father insisted we have unique names. If Craig knows it, he’s never told me. I didn’t want to know.” Daniel stood and stretched. “Is the offer for food still available?”
“It is. There’s a plate on the kitchen counter, and there are plenty of drink options in the fridge. Help yourself.”
“Thank you, Tabitha. I have no doubt you think I’m as messed up as Craig does, but I was on the path to getting myself together.”
“And now?”
“I have enough money saved that I don’t need Craig to keep holding my hand. Once we are no longer in danger, I’m going to do a bit of traveling. Maybe take up photography. I do know I will no longer be Craig’s agent.”
“Did you tell him that?”
“I did. He said he understood, but whether he really does or not?” Daniel gestured toward the door, and Tabitha stood, leading the way down the hall. Major turned the corner heading toward the den, so she followed him instead of accompanying Daniel to the kitchen.
Tabitha retook her seat at the poker table, tossing in a chip to ante in. Tessa dealt the hand, and they resumed their trash talking and bluffing. Daniel finished his supper and joined them. Since they weren’t playing for real money, the stakes continued getting higher until Tessa had wiped them all out.
“Damn, you’re fierce,” Daniel told her.
