Now he was gone and she didn’t know what was going to happen next. Except maybe it was time for her to take charge of her own life. To do what was right for herself and her daughter and not let every man around her tell her what to do.
CHAPTER FOURTEEN
SKYE WOKE to the sound of her cell phone. As she grabbed it, she looked at the clock. It wasn’t even five yet. No good calls came at this time.
“Hello?”
“It’s Dana. Sorry to wake you, but I wanted to give you a heads-up. They’re coming to arrest Jed. You’ve got less than an hour. And no, he shouldn’t run for it. He should call one of his five-hundred-dollar-an-hour attorneys. I wanted you to know because there will be press. Keep Erin away from them.”
Skye sat up. She couldn’t understand what her friend was saying. “Who’s arresting Jed?”
“The Feds. They’ll have local police assisting. It’s for the smuggling. Shipping military weapons overseas isn’t something that makes the government happy. They’ve pulled together some preliminary charges until they can make the big ones stick.”
“This is all Garth,” Skye breathed. “He made this happen. He did it all.”
“I agree, but until we can prove that, Daddy’s going to jail. You can’t tell anyone I called you.”
“I know. I don’t want you getting in trouble. Thanks, Dana.”
“You’re welcome.”
Skye scrambled out of bed. She grabbed a robe, then went down the hall and into Jed’s room.
Her father was already up, showered and dressed. He sat at a desk in the corner, working on his laptop.
“Daddy, the police are coming.”
He didn’t bother looking at her. “I know.”
How could he know and why wasn’t he more upset? “They’re going to arrest you.”
“I’ll be out of jail before noon. My attorneys are already working on it.” He glanced at her. “Don’t worry, Skye. I know what I’m doing.”
She hoped that was true. “This won’t help stock prices.”
“Garth is playing hardball.”
“You know it’s him behind all this?”
“Of course.”
“Then do something. Stop him.”
Jed turned off his laptop and stood. “This is business. You wouldn’t understand.”
“I understand that he’s doing his best to ruin us all.”
“You’ll be fine.”
“Don’t patronize me.”
He shrugged into a suit jacket. “I’m about to be arrested for an assortment of crimes, including treason, Skye. Do you think you could save your female tantrum for later?”
She left his room without saying anything and walked down the hall to Izzy’s bedroom.
“You have to get up,” she said as she walked in and turned on the light. “The police are coming and Jed’s going to be arrested.”
She and Izzy hadn’t spoken since the afternoon Izzy had told her about sleeping with T.J. Skye hadn’t yet shared how she’d walked out on him and had Lexi help her start rumors so that he would find it very difficult to ever get a date in Dallas again. But now was not the time.
Izzy sat up and blinked. “What? Arrested?”
“The smuggled arms. And who knows what else.”
“Is he going to be charged with treason?”
“I hope not.”
“They could execute him.”
Skye walked into the large closet and pulled out a pair of black slacks along with the most conservative sweater she could find. In Izzy’s collection there weren’t a lot of choices that didn’t scream hot and sexy.
“Why are you picking out my clothes?”
“Because the press will be here and if they get pictures of us, I want us to look respectable.”
“Do you really think what we’re wearing matters? Jed is going to jail.”
“Appearance can make or break a situation,” Skye snapped. “We’re Titans, Izzy. We have family pride and there is no way we are going to look anything but dignified.”
“It’s five-thirty in the morning. What has your panties in a bunch?”
“Just get dressed.”
Skye hurried down the hall. She had to pull herself together quickly, as well.
She skipped a shower. After dressing, she brushed her hair back and secured it in a French twist. Minimal makeup took care of the circles under her eyes. She wore her mother’s pearl earrings and low pumps. She was about to leave her room when Erin entered.
“Mommy? What’s wrong?”
“Oh, baby.” Skye hugged her. “Did all the noise wake you?”
“I don’t know.” Erin snuggled close. “I just woke up. Something’s wrong, isn’t it?”
Skye sat on the bed and set her daughter next to her. “Yes, it is, but we’re okay. There’s a bad man saying bad things about the family. We have to fix that and we will, but right now, it’s complicated.”
“Did you talk to the police? They’ll help you.”
“The police are…confused. They’re going to take your grandpa away and ask him some questions. He’ll be fine. But there are probably going to be some press people here, too. They’ll be loud and rude.”
“They shouldn’t be rude.”
If only thinking that would keep it from happening, Skye thought. “I know. I’m not leaving this house,” she said. “But the police will be here soon. Can you wait in your room until they’re all gone?”
Erin bit her lower lip. “I think I’m scared, Mommy.”
“I’ll wait with her.”
Skye looked up and saw Izzy standing in the doorway. “You don’t want to be downstairs?”
“No, thanks. You represent the family. I’ll keep Erin company. We can play a game. When this is over, I’ll take her out to breakfast.” She turned to Erin. “Calico Café for French toast?”
Erin managed a slight smile. “Okay.”
Skye hugged her. “I love you, Bunny Face. We’re fine. You know that, right?”
Erin nodded. “Tell Grandpa I love him.”
“I will.”
Izzy led Erin away. Skye went downstairs. There were already a half-dozen cars and vans parked in the driveway. News crews gathered. Jed Titan getting arrested was a big story.
Skye waited until several police cars and unmarked sedans pulled up to call for her father. Jed walked down the stairs looking as well dressed and calm as if he were going to a cotillion.
Federal agents climbed the stairs and knocked.
“Let ’em in,” Jed said.
Skye went to the door.
The second she opened it, lights flashed from everywhere. Reporters crowded behind the officers, yelling and taking dozens of pictures.
“We’re here for Jed Titan,” the man in front said as he flashed a badge.
“I’m right here.”
Jed had put on his jacket and stood ready. Skye opened the door wider. The man entered, read him his rights, then walked him out to the waiting cars.
The reporters crowded around, taking pictures and calling out questions. Jed ignored them. He walked with his head high, not trying to hide his face. Skye couldn’t decide if it was pride or arrogance.
She went out onto the big porch to watch her father being driven away, which turned out to be a mistake.
When the police cars were gone, she found herself surrounded by reporters and several feet from the front door.
“Did you know your father was a criminal?”
“What else has Jed sold to our enemies?”
“Do you think your father is a traitor?”
“How much money have you stolen from your foundation?”
“Were you laundering money for him or for the mob?”
The questions flew all around her. She felt trapped and vulnerable and knew there would be pictures of her looking like a frightened deer.
“This is private property,” she yelled. “You need to leave.”
A couple of the reporters laughed. “Are you going t
o make me?”
A single shot cut through the early-morning air. Everyone turned and saw Mitch climbing out of his truck. He pushed back his cowboy hat and held his rifle loosely in his hand.
“You heard the lady. This is private property.”
This was still Texas, where the tradition of using deadly force to protect property lived on. The reporters ran for their vehicles.
Mitch waited until the last one had left. He looked at Skye. “Dana warned me what was going on. She thought you might need some help.”
She felt herself starting to shake. “It was a mob.”
“Once Jed was taken away, there wasn’t much of a show. They were looking to start a new one.”
“Thank you.”
“You’re welcome.” He hesitated. “Skye, about before.”
She held up a hand. “I can’t do this right now.”
“I don’t want to fight with you anymore. That’s what I’m trying to say. The past is gone. I’m sorry for what I did, what I said. I was mad as hell. Seeing you again pushed all my buttons. I’m done trying to punish you.”
Did he think that made it okay? “Who gives you the right to say it’s over or not? Who gives you the right to punish me? Why do you decide?”
He walked to the bottom of the stairs and offered the rifle. “Want to shoot me?”
“This isn’t funny. I can’t do this anymore, Mitch. I’m exhausted and confused and close to my breaking point. You have to pick. Either be a bastard or be a nice guy. Just decide and then stick with it.”
“I’m not going to be a bastard. I swear.”
“Why should I believe you?”
She turned and walked into the house.
Izzy stood at the foot of the stairs. “Erin fell back asleep.”
“Good,” Skye murmured, wishing she had that ability. It would be nice to sleep until this was over.
“I heard a little of what Mitch said.”
“I don’t want to talk about it.”
“You should give him a chance.”
Skye put her hands on her hips. “Who says I haven’t? Who says he hasn’t been a complete bully since he got home? You don’t know what he’s said to me. You do know that he was working for Garth. Doesn’t that mean anything to you?”
“Did he pass on anything to Garth? He was pissed, Skye. He reacted. Not everyone gets to think things through. He’s having a tough time now. You should give him a break.”
“If you’re so interested in Mitch, why don’t you go after him. Oh, wait. Maybe you have already. You know, for my own good.”
Izzy stared at her for a long time. “I’m leaving for the rig in about an hour. I’ll be gone two months.”
“Good.”
MITCH LOOKED up from his computer and saw Erin standing in his office. He hadn’t heard her come in and he didn’t know how long she’d been there.
He turned in his chair and looked at her. “Did you want to talk to me?”
Her eyes were big and sad. Her mouth pulled down.
“They took my grandpa away.”
“I know, but he’ll be back.”
“Izzy’s gone, too. To the rig. She and Mommy are fighting and maybe they don’t love each other anymore.”
“They’re sisters. Sisters fight. But they love each other. I promise.” As he said the words, he wondered if his promises meant anything to her. Or had she still not forgiven him for making her mother cry.
He wanted to plead his case, to convince her, but that wasn’t his call.
She sniffed, then launched herself at him. He caught her and pulled her close. She hugged him as if she would never let go.
“I’m sorry,” he whispered. “I’m sorry I let you down and I’m sorry I made your mom cry. I won’t make excuses. Just know that I won’t do it again.”
“Okay,” she whispered, her voice muffled against his shoulder. “My tummy hurts and I want it to be better.”
“I know.” He rubbed her back, then smoothed her hair. “How can I help?”
“Will you go riding with me?”
“Sure.” He would have walked on water for her, if she’d asked.
“Can we go fast?”
“As fast as you want.”
What he didn’t tell her was that no matter how fast or far they went, they couldn’t make it better. Not by running away. He’d learned that lesson the hard way.
IT TOOK JED a little longer than he’d planned to get out of jail, but by three that afternoon, he’d had a hearing and been released. The bail had been set at fifty million dollars and he’d had to surrender his passport, but he was a free man. At least until the trial.
Skye waited with Lexi while Jed was processed for release. Once again the press gathered. She did her best to ignore them.
“This is a total nightmare,” Lexi murmured, staying close. “How did we end up in this mess?”
“One guess,” Skye muttered.
“Right. I swear, we’re going to get him.”
Skye wanted to agree, but so far they didn’t even know what “get him” meant. Get him back? Get him to stop? How could they stop Garth when they weren’t sure of his goal. Annihilation of the Titan family was fairly general.
“Izzy’s missing all the fun,” Lexi said.
“She’s heading back to the rig.”
“At least she’ll be safe from Garth.”
Skye nodded. She wanted to be safe, too. She wanted all this to stop.
Jed appeared, flanked by two attorneys. Several reporters gathered around him.
“What happened, Mr. Titan? Were you charged?”
He held up his hands and smiled for the cameras. Despite what he’d been through, he looked good. Well dressed, at ease, confident.
“I know these charges are serious and I respect our judicial system. Because of it, I’ll get the chance to clear my name. Because this is Texas, where a man’s name and his word mean something, I give you my word that I’ll be cleared of these charges. There are those who want to tear down what I’ve built.” He looked directly into a television camera. “That isn’t going to happen.”
Skye listened to him talk and wondered how many favors he’d had to call in to be released.
She and Lexi waited until Jed was done to follow him to the waiting limo. They had to squeeze through the press to get into the car.
Jed had already poured himself a drink. “Vultures,” he said between gulps. “Damn vultures. I’ll show them.”
Lexi fastened her seat belt. “Dad, we need to talk about this. Garth is coming at us from every side. We need a plan to stop him.”
“I have a plan.”
Skye and her sister looked at each other.
“Care to share it?” Lexi asked.
“No. Stop worrying. This doesn’t concern you. I’m handling Garth.”
Not very well, Skye thought, confused by her father’s unwillingness to work with them. Did he honestly think they were incompetent or was it something more? Something he didn’t want them to know?
MITCH WENT to see Garth that afternoon. He was tired of sitting on the sidelines and watching crap happen to Skye and her family. He was going to have it out with Garth. Besides, Jed’s son had it coming. He’d played them all and that had to stop.
He found Garth’s office easily. He’d timed his visit for lunch when most of the staff was gone and managed to slip onto the executive floor unnoticed. As he walked down the hall, he grabbed a file from a cubical desk and pretended to read the contents when he passed a couple of guys. They nodded at him and kept on walking.
The desk in front of Garth’s office was empty and the door was partially open. He could hear bits of conversation.
Everything about his upbringing knew that it was wrong to listen in. Everything from his SEAL training pointed out that learning about the enemy was the first step in a victory. He saw another, less ornate door next to Garth’s. He opened it and stepped into an adjoining conference room. There was a door that attached to Garth’s
office. Mitch cracked it a couple of inches and prepared to learn what he could.
“This sucks,” some guy was saying.
“Sounds like it.” Garth’s voice was more amused than sympathetic.
“Oh, sure. Easy for you to say. You’re not the one everyone is talking about. The rumors are everywhere. I’m either impotent, broke or I have a rash. According to word on the street I’m also gay, I beat my last girlfriend or I stole her dog. They’re killing me.”
“You have to admire their inventiveness.”
“No, I don’t,” the other man complained. “They’ve ruined me.”
“You pitted one sister against the other,” Garth said. “You couldn’t expect them to be happy about it.”
“You told me to make trouble. I was following orders.”
“You got caught. That’s not my problem.”
“You’re a real bastard,” the other man said.
“I know, but that’s also not the point. You’ve been paid, and paid well. You came up with a plan, which I appreciate, but it backfired and that’s not my responsibility.”
“What? You’re dismissing me?”
Mitch eased open the door a little more so he could see into Garth’s office. The space was large, with an impressive view. Garth was visible, but not the other man. Mitch was determined to figure out who he was. The voice was familiar but he couldn’t place it.
“You’re done with me then?” the man asked. “Just like that?”
“You’ve finished the job. What else is there?”
“My reputation.”
“I’m sure everyone will forget. Rumors come and go.”
“Like hell. I want this fixed.”
“I didn’t break anything.”
“But I can’t live like this. Women are laughing at me everywhere I go.”
The man speaking moved into view. Mitch stared into the familiar face of T. J. Boone. He didn’t know if he should laugh or go punch the guy. Then he realized what T.J.’s presence in Garth’s office meant and the humor faded.
His confrontation with Garth could wait. He had other business to take care of first.
He drove to Skye’s foundation and parked. This time he didn’t sneak. Instead he announced himself, hoping she would see him. He was shown right into her office.
Lip Service Page 18
