Ashes

by Aleatha Romig

  He extended his hand, bringing the ring closer to me. “Try it on, little lady.”

  “Marion, I can’t and won’t.”

  “You already have.”

  Patrick

  The room around us stilled, settling in prevailing silence. Mason and I stared between Sparrow and Reid as Reid’s findings echoed in our heads: “No,” Reid had said to Sparrow. “You’re not Ruby’s father. Dr. Dixon and I consulted Laurel; we are all in agreement that while you’re not Ruby’s father, genetically you’re related—statistically, closely related.”

  Sparrow was still standing, his hand going to his hair as his bicep bulged beneath the sleeve of his white pressed shirt. His leather loafers began to move as the buttons on his shirt beneath his tie fought against his deep breaths. “This…this doesn’t make sense,” he said, sounding less sure than a moment before.

  I replayed Reid’s announcement in my head and asked, “Can you be more specific on closely related?”

  Reid took a deep breath and reaching for one of the chairs, spun it around, and lowered himself to straddle the back. “We could learn more if we had Madeline’s DNA. Here’s the thing. Even though, Sparrow, you have similar markers to Ruby, you don’t have any statistically significant markers in common with Patrick.”

  The two of us looked at one another.

  “You’re saying Sparrow and I aren’t related,” I said.

  “That’s what I’m saying,” Reid confirmed. “That means for Ruby to be related to Sparrow, the missing piece to this equation is Madeline.”

  I shook my head. “I agree with Sparrow…this is ridiculous. I met Madeline, shit, nearly twenty years ago. We were both fifteen years old.”

  “When you were living on the street,” Mason interjected.

  “Did you know?” I asked Mason. “Did Laurel give you a heads up?”

  Mason set his coffee mug on the floor near his chair. “No, man, I came here because of Reid’s text. Laurel didn’t say a word.”

  Reid sheepishly grinned. “Don’t blame her. It was my idea. I thought it was better if everyone learned together. This way we’re avoiding assumptions.”

  “So how old is she?” Sparrow asked.

  I leaned back. “She? Ruby? Sixteen.”

  “No,” Sparrow said, “Madeline. How old is she? You said you were both fifteen, and I know how old you are.”

  We were all relatively the same age, all entering the military at eighteen.

  “Her birthday was this month.” I thought about the date. “She’s the same age as I am—same as you.”

  Sparrow’s head was shaking. “Fuck.” He continued pacing. “Closely related…my parents are both only children. I’m an only child. How does that account for closely related?” He looked to me. “What do you know about Madeline’s parents?”

  “Not much. They died in a car accident when Madeline was twelve. We talked about it but not in detail. There was no one to care for her after they were gone. No family. No anyone. She was too young to understand why everything they owned was taken away.”

  “Debt,” Mason said, “would be my guess.”

  “Hell,” I went on, “I don’t know if they had a house or an apartment. They lived in the suburbs. Madeline made it to the part of town where we met by taking a bus away from the last foster home. When her parents died, she was abandoned. She went into the foster-care system and hated it. She didn’t last long in any one house, either her doing or theirs. She was fourteen when she walked out of the last one. I remember a story about babies and a foster mom who drank too much.”

  “Her parents’ names?” Reid asked, as he turned toward the computer.

  “Tate.” I thought back. “Her father’s name was William, I think. I know her mother’s, for sure. It’s a unique name, Alycia.”

  “I’ll see what I can find,” Reid said.

  It was Mason’s turn to talk. “What if Ivanov knew?”

  “Knew what?” Sparrow snapped.

  Taking a deep breath, Mason stood. “Hear me out. What if Ivanov knew that Madeline was closely related to the ruler of Chicago? What if he sent her here, not as a distraction for Patrick, but for you? What if his plan was for you to meet her and then to drop the bombshell?”

  “What fucking bombshell?” Sparrow asked. “There’s something wrong with these damn tests. Do them again.”

  “Three times,” Reid said. “Dr. Dixon ran it three times. The results didn’t change.”

  “So,” Sparrow turned to Mason, “if that was Ivanov’s big secret, did he think I’d welcome this long-lost relative with open arms and present her with half the Sparrow dynasty?”

  Again the room settled in silence with only the sound of computer keys tapping as Reid continued his search. The revelation hit me—hit me as it simultaneously made itself known around the room.

  “Maybe it wasn’t Madeline who Ivanov was keeping a secret,” I said.

  Sparrow’s dark eyes met mine. “Ruby?”

  Closing his eyes, he lowered himself to one of the chairs. “Is she supposed to be a threat?” He looked around. “Ivanov thinks he can use a sixteen-year-old girl as a threat to my kingdom and my power?”

  “If that was his plan, he no longer has control over her,” Reid said.

  Mason stood. “Why would Hillman try to kidnap Madeline’s daughter?” When we didn’t answer, he continued, “No offense, Patrick. It could have been because of your connection, but damn, if he knew that she is part Sparrow…?”

  “How the fuck would he know?” Sparrow asked. “Nothing is confirmed.”

  “It makes sense,” I said, standing. “That’s the answer to my why question: why didn’t Ivanov try to marry Madeline? Why has he taken care of and responsibility for Ruby?” I looked at my friends. “Listen, I know there are good men and women in this world who willingly take on other people’s children. I’m grateful that Ruby is safe and alive, no matter who afforded her that protection. But what little I know about Ivanov, he’s not a good man with a kind heart. Fuck no, he has no bounds for what he will do to perpetuate his power.”

  “The goddamned answer,” Sparrow said through a clenched jaw, “is fucking obvious. Sixteen years ago, I wasn’t in charge. I don’t know why or how anyone knew, but there’s only one possibility. Madeline is roughly months younger than me. That rules out my mother having a secret love child. That leaves one man.”

  “Allister,” we all muttered under our breath.

  There were no bounds to Sparrow’s hatred of his father. If what he said was true, this revelation would not endear Madeline and Ruby to Sparrow.

  Sparrow stilled his pacing. “How did Ivanov know? Assuming he did, how?”

  “That’s what we need to find out,” Mason said.

  Sparrow looked at me. “Forget what I said before. Go get Madeline. I want answers. I’m not offering her the keys to my kingdom; I don’t give a shit how closely we’re related. I earned this damn kingdom by enduring my father for as long as I did.”

  My gaze met his as the muscles in my neck tightened. “I know how much you despised that man. I get it. I also hate to be the one to point out that you grew up with a fucking silver spoon in your mouth.”

  Sparrow’s dark gaze narrowed. “Watch it.”

  “I’m saying, don’t start a conversation with my wife about how much you endured unless you’re willing to go toe-to-toe with someone who grew up on the streets. We all have our ghosts.”

  His neck straightened as his shoulders came back. “I earned this.”

  “You did—with us by your side. Let’s get answers before we start comparing miserable childhoods.”

  Mason and Reid remained silent, yet it was known that the two of them could easily join this conversation. We were an odd gathering of damaged souls. We’d all endured, and together, we’d emerged.

  Sparrow nodded. “I want to know what we’re up against, what Ivanov knows, and how the fuck this happened.”

  “And bring her here?” I asked for con
firmation, recalling Sparrow’s multiple admonitions to the contrary.

  “Yes,” he confirmed. “Bring her here.”

  Patrick

  With the new revelations swirling around, all four of us exited two. As the steel door shut, closing off our command center, and we waited for the elevator, individually our minds were lost in our own thoughts. I couldn’t imagine what Sparrow was thinking, and at the moment, it wasn’t my concern. Mine was the young lady up in the penthouse and getting her mother, ensuring her safety. My mind told me that there was more to it, this Madeline and Sparrow connection, yet I didn’t care. I hadn’t cared when we became friends, when she was a homeless girl with nothing to her name. I hadn’t cared when we became lovers that she was a petty thief and a damn good pickpocket. I sure as hell didn’t consider her family connections when we signed the license on a cold winter day and became husband and wife. Madeline’s claim to Sparrow’s fortune wasn’t my concern then and it wasn’t now.

  As it had been since the day I pulled Maddie through the wall to my humble home, my concern was her—every damn thing about her: her safety, comfort, happiness, and well-being.

  The elevator door opened to the penthouse and Sparrow reached out, stopping our exit. “Not a word to the women about this possible connection,” he said.

  “Possible?” Reid questioned.

  My gaze quickly went to Reid. “You said Laurel knows.”

  He nodded. “She does, but while Laurel isn’t a medical doctor, with her research she understands patient privilege. I believe she’ll wait to say anything.”

  We looked to Mason.

  His head shook. “I don’t know. The three ladies have gotten close. If she hasn’t said anything, I’ll ask her to wait.”

  “And while we’re at it, I’d rather that Ruby learn about me from Madeline or at least with Madeline present.” I looked at the three sets of eyes as they all nodded.

  Collectively, we took a breath as we headed toward the kitchen.

  The scents and sounds associated with our communal breakfast greeted us as we all turned the corner near the stairs. I stilled as my gaze found Ruby. Wearing a pair of soft pants, warm socks, and an oversized top that I guessed belonged to Araneae, and with her hair piled messily upon her head, she was sitting at the long granite table. With a plate of food before her, she stared down onto an iPad.

  I didn’t have to ask to know that the iPad Ruby had been given allowed her to access the world but only from a voyeuristic point of view. She could see but not respond. She could even search but wouldn’t be seen. It was the world we all lived in, staying invisible with very little electronic footprint.

  The other women’s chatter ceased as they all turned at the sound of our entrance. Sparrow and I were dressed in suits while Reid and Mason were more casual. Their gazes came our way.

  While Laurel knew more, it was obvious that Araneae and Lorna were curious about the paternity test. There was no reason for them to know about Ruby’s connection to Sparrow. Their concern was her connection to me.

  I’d wanted to keep it quiet, yet I couldn’t hide my joy. My cheeks rose as I almost imperceptibly nodded my head yes.

  Araneae’s shriek filled the air, garnering everyone’s attention as she came my way with her arms raised. Within seconds, she was flush against me, wrapping me in a hug.

  “I’m waiting to tell her,” I whispered.

  Araneae took a step back, her light brown eyes staring up and assessing me. “Don’t wait too long.”

  “Just waiting for her mother,” I replied softly.

  Ruby looked up from the screen and pulled ear buds from her ears. “Hi,” she said softly. “Is there something happening? Are you getting my mom today?”

  The people within the room parted as I walked to Ruby and took a seat at the table beside her. “Getting your mom today is the plan.”

  Ruby’s head tilted to the side. “Is she with Andros?”

  “No, she’s in Texas. I’m sure she can tell you more once she’s here.”

  “Does she have a tournament?”

  “Not exactly.”

  Ruby nodded as she gazed around the room. “Why?”

  “Why, what?” I asked as Lorna sat a mug of coffee down before me.

  “Why are you helping my mom, and why did you help me? I keep thinking about Mr. Hillman.”

  “I’m sorry you had to see that. I told you the reason; I’m a friend of your mother’s. I’ve known her—”

  “Since before I was born,” Ruby interrupted. “How well?”

  My lips came together as I reached for my coffee mug. “Ruby, I think we should wait for your mother. Madeline should be here to help everything make sense.”

  Ruby pushed her mostly uneaten plate of food away and looked at me, really looked at me, her eyes searching mine. With each passing second, I longed to tell her the truth, to reach out and wrap my arms around her, to apologize for the years I’d missed while promising to not miss more.

  “That cheek thing the doctor did yesterday. I’m not stupid. Are you my father?”

  As soon as the question left her lips, the room around us grew deadly silent.

  I wasn’t a fearful man. I faced death without batting an eye. I’d willingly walked into dangerous situations. Never in my recent life had I recalled being as petrified as I was staring into my daughter’s eyes.

  “Ruby?” Araneae said as she settled across the table. “Why don’t we wait until your mom arrives?”

  Ruby looked from Araneae to me. “I’ve been thinking about it all night. That test is not a secret. The doctor said it was to check for illness, but I watch TV. You knew Mom. You have eyes the color of mine. You show up like some shining knight on a white horse—or a fancy car. I don’t care if you are or not. It really doesn’t matter. But I’d like to know.”

  I nodded.

  “Fine,” she said definitively. “By your not answering, I have the answer I need. Where have you been?”

  Araneae reached across the table. “You know, Ruby, sometimes there aren’t simple answers. Sometimes what one person knows, the other doesn’t. This is a lot to think about. Patrick’s going to get your mom and then the three of you can talk.”

  Ruby stood, pushing the chair where she’d been sitting back. “I hope when Mom gets here, we can go home.” She looked to Araneae. “No offense. Your place is nice and all. I just miss the way it’s supposed to be.”

  Taking a deep breath, I stood. “We’ll talk again once Maddie is here.”

  Ruby’s blue gaze narrowed as she turned back to me. “What did you call her?”

  “Maddie, short for Madeline.”

  “She doesn’t go by that name.”

  “Not anymore,” I replied. “At one time she did.”

  “How did you lose touch?” When I didn’t respond, Ruby continued. “Yesterday you said you and Mom lost touch. Did you leave her? Did you find out she was pregnant and take the next bus out of town?”

  My head shook as her natural assumptions tore away pieces of my heart. “No.”

  The room filled with awkward silence as Ruby scanned from person to person.

  It was finally Sparrow who spoke. “She left him.”

  Ruby turned toward his deep voice.

  “Your mother left Patrick,” Sparrow repeated.

  “For Andros?”

  Sparrow shrugged. “We don’t know, Ruby. Give Patrick a break and wait for your mom. He’s dealing with a lot right now.”

  “He is?” she asked. “Yeah, it must be a real bummer to learn you have a daughter.”

  I did what I’d wanted to do since I first laid eyes on Ruby: I reached out and seized her hands. Peering down at our union, I was struck by how similar her hands were to her mother’s. They were petite with slender fingers, yet the hands in mine were not those of a child.

  As Ruby stood stoically, not backing away, and her hands began to tremble, the rest of the room, my friends and chosen family, disappeared.

  It wa
s only Ruby and I.

  “It is the greatest honor of my life to learn I have a daughter,” I said, still holding her now-shaking hands. “An honor to see you, to touch you, to know you’re real. I don’t know what happened before you were born other than that I didn’t leave Maddie. As far as what did happen, I don’t care. None of it matters now. Yes, you were right. The cheek swab was a paternity test, and this morning we learned the truth. I’m your father. I didn’t need the damn test. Once Maddie told me you existed, I believed. And then when I saw you yesterday, I knew without a doubt in my heart that you were part of me. The test wasn’t for me to believe. I’m sorry for the years I’ve missed—we’ve missed. But I refuse to concentrate on that. Finding you gives me—gives all of us—a future I never dreamt was possible.

  “I’m thrilled to finally learn about you and have you in my life. I don’t blame you for being leery.” I looked around the room. “We’re a strange bunch of misfits. We’re also loyal to a fault. I pledged my love to your mom long before we married, but on that day, we made it official. After all this time, I still love her. I also love you with an overpowering feeling I can’t describe. I hope one day you can see to, at the very least, accept me.” I let go of her hands. “I would never force you.”

  She took a deep breath. “You and Mom were married?”

  “Technically, we still are.”

  “This doesn’t make sense.”

  “No, it doesn’t,” I agreed. “I wanted to wait until Maddie arrived, but…” A smile came to my lips. “…I should have known better. She told me that you’re smart and inquisitive.”

  “What else did she tell you?”

  The room around us came back as people began moving about.

  “How about the two of us go in the living room and talk a little?” I asked.