Page 26 of The Devil Goes to Washington

“I suppose that’s why this information wasn’t in her background check either. Where are they now?”Michael stared at the ceiling, not sure how to feel. Evelyn had hidden so much from him and he was sure there was more to uncover.

“Still at the hospital. Room 5B.” Tilly shared.

“Michael, we should hire extra security for them. The hospital doesn’t have the personnel to be stationed at their door in case the media tries to sneak in again.” Sabrina focused on the action items.

“Can you take care of that?” Michael was thankful his team could step in at a time when he wasn’t sure where to turn.

“Certainly. We should also have someone with you when you go to visit,” Ethan added.

“I’ll get back to you on that.” He would just add to the commotion and she wouldn’t want him there, he rationalized.

“Michael?” Blake questioned Michael’s noncommittal answer, but he had a few things to take care of before he could talk to Evelyn.

“Thank you, everyone.” He disconnected the call. Meghan and his household staff rose to leave. “Banner, do you have a moment?”

“Of course.” Banner assumed a military-like stance after nodding to the others.

“Walk with me. How will she get back tomorrow?”

Banner fell into step, following Michael out of his office.

“I believe she’ll drive since she has her car with her.”

“Will you send Stevenson to pick them up? We’ll get her car another time.” It didn’t matter how he felt about Evelyn and her secrets. She had to be exhausted, and she didn’t need to deal with the media on her own.

“Sounds like an admirable idea, sir.” They ascended the stairs to the East wing.

“Banner, I’m not sure who I can trust at the moment. But I’ve known you my whole life, so I’m hoping you can help me with something. ”

“I will endeavor to assist in any way I can.”

“I need you to show me to their rooms. I know it seems strange that I haven’t been to them in the months Evelyn and Micah have lived here. I was trying to keep my distance after what happened with Evelyn last time. Now, I need some answers.”

“I understand. Which room would you like to visit first?”

“Let’s start with Micah’s.”

“This way, sir, “ Banner stated, opening a door at the end of the long hallway.

“Where are his toys, clothes, books, anything?” Michael gestured with the small toy car he found on the nightstand. He had treasured one very similar to it when he was a child. Opening the drawers and closet, he found a few articles of clothing in the bottom of the chest. There weren’t even dust bunnies under the bed.

“This is it. I believe Mrs. Harding took his bear and his book with them.”

“One book? How can a five-year-old only have one book.” How could a mother deny her child everything he needed for a full and balanced life?

“I think you will find he is closer to eight. We even tried to give her some items for Micah which we said were found in the basement. She refused them because they were part of the Harding legacy.” Did she do that because she didn’t want a handout? That seemed odd, based on the marriage agreement.

“Where is the nanny’s room?” He hoped at least one adult was taking an interest in the child’s upbringing.

“There is no nanny,” Banner answered simply.

“Who takes care of the child?”

“Mrs. Harding seems quite content to spend all of her time with him.” That seemed hard to believe with the meagerness of Micah’s possessions.

“What about the nights she’s had commitments with me?”

“She makes sure he is fed, bathed, and put to bed beforehand. I confess, I placed a nanny cam in his bear for the nights when Mrs. Harding goes out. That’s how we knew he was sick.“