Rival Sisters

by Louise Guy

  ‘No, I made that mistake twelve years ago when I decided to keep the truth from my husband. He now knows everything, so you have nothing to hold over me.’

  Surprise registered on Zane’s face. ‘You told him?’

  Hannah nodded. ‘Yes. And as far as extorting money from Janine, I wouldn’t waste your time. Damien contacted the adoption agency and told them exactly what was going on. They’ve probably already been in touch with Janine to ensure she’s warned that paying you money is unnecessary.’

  Zane stared at her, his eyes flashing with anger.

  Hannah pointed at the door. ‘You need to leave. You should also be aware that I’ll be asking the police for a restraining order when I report your illegal conduct.’

  ‘Report me?’

  Hannah nodded. ‘You shouldn’t be allowed to keep your investigator’s licence. Although that will be up to the police.’

  Zane slammed his fists down on the table. ‘You’d better be joking. I’ll come after you if you speak to anyone.’

  Hannah swallowed, doing her best not to flinch at his threat. ‘Do I need to get security, or will you leave of your own accord?’

  Zane pushed the chair back with enough force to knock it over and stormed out of the room. Hannah righted the chair and sank on to the one next to it. Her heart was racing. She reached for the phone. It was not an empty threat that she was going to report Zane. She couldn’t have him blackmailing others on her conscience. But first, she needed to speak to Damien. She’d lied about him contacting the adoption agency and definitely couldn’t risk Zane approaching Janine and finding this out. That would be her first call. The police her second.

  Damien’s phone went straight to voicemail when Hannah rang. Knowing Damien, it could be as simple as his phone not being charged, rather than him refusing her calls. She liked to think he would answer her regardless of the situation as it could be something to do with Amy. He wasn’t on the roster until tomorrow, so he was most likely at his parents. She dialled their number.

  ‘Hello, Han,’ Trish said as soon as she heard Hannah’s voice. ‘How are you? I was going to ring you this afternoon and ask if you felt like a coffee. Thought it might be a good idea to chat about Damien.’

  ‘I’d love that, Trish. Is he there by any chance? There’s something quite urgent I need to speak to him about.’

  ‘No, sorry. He went to the gym about half an hour ago. I also think he was going to drop by your house and collect his uniform and some other belongings. He’s asked if he can stay another night or two. I said yes but did feel bad saying that. He should be back with you and Amy, trying to work this out.’

  Hannah sighed. ‘No, he needs some time and space. That’s fine. Now, shall I come to you this afternoon or did you want to meet somewhere?’

  ‘Why don’t we meet, in case Damien comes home. How about Fredrico’s by the park? I’m fine for any time, so whatever suits your schedule.’

  ‘I’ll take a very late lunch break. How about three o’clock?’

  They agreed on the time and Hannah ended the call. She immediately opened her contacts list and scrolled through until she found the adoption agency. They needed to warn Damien’s mother immediately. She just hoped they would believe her and pass the information on to Janine.

  Hannah’s morning had been taken up with phone calls to the adoption agency and the police. She hoped this would mean the end of Zane Fox’s presence in her life forever. Now she sat across from Trish in the warmth of Fredrico’s, feeling incredibly thankful for her mother-in-law’s support.

  ‘Both Edward and I feel that Damien owes you an apology,’ she said. ‘I’m sure he will too when he realises why you did what you did. I’m so grateful to you and I told Damien that. What I was going through at that time was horrendous. Adding in Damien trying to come to terms with his parents’ situation would have done me in. You bought me another twelve years of mothering bliss, and for that I’ll never be able to repay you.’

  Tears sprang to Hannah’s eyes. Yes, it had made sense to keep this from Trish while she was ill, but two years later she was in remission and five years after that declared cancer-free. Either of those milestones would have been an opportunity to tell Damien without Trish’s health declining.

  Trish met her eye. ‘And we owe you an apology too. Damien told me that you’d noticed the money missing from the investment account. I’m very sorry we asked him to lie for us.’ She looked away. ‘Both Edward and I are very proud people and we hate having to ask anyone for help, especially financial help.’

  Hannah took her mother-in-law’s hand. ‘I understand, but just know that we are always here if you do need help. I know you’d say the same to us.’

  She nodded. ‘You’re a good person, Hannah. Damien’s very lucky.’

  ‘How’s he coping, Trish?’

  Tears filled Trish’s eyes this time. ‘Not very well. Edward suggested he book in with that psychologist he’s been seeing, and he has an appointment scheduled for four o’clock this afternoon. Hopefully that will help put his thoughts in order. To be honest, the whole thing of you keeping it from him is secondary to what he really has to cope with – that he was the product of a violent act that traumatised his mother. Whether she’s ever recovered I guess we might never know.’

  ‘We will if he chooses to meet her.’

  Trish nodded. ‘I know. I need to get my head around that too. He’s forty, for goodness’ sake. I shouldn’t be worried, should I?’

  Hannah shook her head. ‘Of course not. You’re his mother. Janine might have given birth to him, but you and Edward are his parents. He knows that and loves you both unconditionally. I’m sure he’ll be curious to meet Janine and find out more about her and any other relatives he might have, but nothing is going to change his feelings towards you.’

  Trish sighed. ‘I know you’re right, it’s just something I hoped we’d never face. I was so relieved when the adoption agency confirmed that it was a closed adoption and the biological parents were surrendering all rights to being contacted. The fact he went searching for them twelve years ago tells me that he has questions he needs answered.’

  Hannah nodded. ‘Unfortunately, one of the main ones about his father has been answered in a way he never imagined.’

  Trish squeezed Hannah’s hand. ‘We both need to be strong and support what he wants. Edward and I will of course encourage him to come back to you as soon as possible. I don’t imagine you want to be explaining anything to Amy about his whereabouts.’

  ‘I can only say he’s at work for a few days. She’ll get suspicious after that.’

  ‘Don’t worry, love, I’ll make sure he puts in an appearance over the next couple of days. Give him time to talk to the psychologist and let whatever she has to say sink in. Hopefully she’ll be able to convince him that the actions of our parents can’t be inherited, that we make our own choices and what his father did is no reflection on Damien. I think that’s part of it; he’s taken on a level of guilt that shouldn’t be his. He was the outcome of the rape, not the reason for it.’

  The two women finished their coffee deep in their own thoughts about the man they both loved. Hannah sympathised with Trish’s position, but she also knew Damien well enough to know he’d do his very best not to hurt Trish. She just hoped he could forgive her and move forward without doing anything to hurt their small family.

  Chapter Twenty-Four

  Nat hurried down the stairs to the living room and powered up her computer. She could hear Phyllie bustling about in the kitchen and the kettle boiling. Good, she needed coffee. She’d hardly slept. There’d been no update in the investment account the previous night, and she was concerned that she was going to log in to find the five thousand dollars lost. Her body tightened in anticipation as the website opened. She almost didn’t want to look. She so wanted this to have paid off for her dad. Even if it had only doubled, that would be a fantastic result.

  The screen opened, and her balance immediately
jumped out at her. Forty-two thousand dollars! She swallowed, hardly believing what she was seeing. She quickly opened another window and logged in to the chat room.

  PinkFish88

  Eliza, are you there?

  LizaE

  Sure am. Doug and I have just cracked open a bottle of champagne! I know it isn’t even seven yet, but we can’t help ourselves. We are not only out of debt, but we’re ahead. We’re in better shape than we were before he started gambling. I’ve just rung Jacob saying I need to plant a HUGE sloppy kiss on his cheek. I can’t believe it! I assume your account is looking healthier too?

  PinkFish88

  Sure is, wish I’d reinvested the whole lot now! I’m about to ring my dad to give him the good news. He’s made a fifteen-thousand-dollar profit!

  LizaE

  Why don’t you come over and celebrate with us? I’d love you to meet Doug, and there’s plenty of champagne!

  PinkFish88

  Would love to but have to go to work.

  LizaE

  I think if we keep getting results like this, it won’t just be your dad retiring.

  Nat stared at the screen. That comment suggested Eliza and Doug were going to reinvest. She just hoped they weren’t silly enough to risk losing everything.

  PinkFish88

  You are saving some just in case it’s the end of the run, aren’t you?

  LizaE

  We are, although Jacob assures me we are okay for at least another ten days. Doug and I think we’ll invest a few more times then stop. We don’t want to risk losing anything. If you’re worried, withdraw what you’ve made so far. It gets you out of debt and back on track. No point getting greedy (like us!) and potentially losing it all. Gotta run, champagne’s flowing here! We must get together this weekend with Jacob too and celebrate. Are you keen?

  PinkFish88

  Definitely!

  Nat closed the chat room window as Phyllie walked into the living room, coffee cup in hand.

  ‘Oh, hello dear, I didn’t realise you were up already.’ Her gaze moved past Nat to the computer. ‘You’re not playing the tables, are you?’

  Nat laughed. ‘Of course not. I was checking the investment, and you won’t believe this, it’s increased again overnight. Dad’s five thousand increased by fifteen thousand.’

  ‘That’s wonderful. He should be very pleased. That might go towards him taking Sue somewhere nice when he retires.’

  ‘He doesn’t know yet. I might pop upstairs and ring him.’

  ‘Give him my love and tell him I’m delighted, won’t you.’

  Nat grinned and took the stairs two at a time. This investment lark beat online poker, that was for sure. She’d have to play and win for weeks on end to make a return like this. Her father picked up on the first ring.

  ‘Nat, any news?’

  ‘Yes, it’s multiplied.’

  His sigh of relief was audible. ‘Thank God for that. I was worried after not hearing last night that we might have lost that money.’

  ‘Nope, it made a fifteen-thousand-dollar profit.’

  ‘Really? In such a short space of time?’

  ‘Yes, it’s incredible, isn’t it? I checked the account this morning, and the balance is now forty-two thousand. I paused the activity once again to ensure we don’t lose any of it. I wanted to check whether you were happy for me to withdraw it or whether you wanted to risk another round?’

  ‘What are you thinking?’

  ‘I’m not sure. Eliza told me that Jacob is confident they’ll get another ten days’ trading. She and her husband are going to risk another few investments between now and then. I think they’re only using a percentage of what they’ve earned to minimise the damage if they were to lose it all.’

  ‘Very sensible. I want to think about reinvesting. Can I call you at work a little later this morning and let you know how much I’d like to invest?’

  ‘Do you mean you want to add some money to the fifteen thousand you already have?’

  ‘I think it might be worth it. Just put in one lump sum and make one investment. Withdraw it as soon as we see the return. If Jacob says their safety net is ten days and we’re only planning to invest over the next two to three then it’s a low risk.’

  ‘Kind of. Although both Jacob and Eliza have constantly reminded me what a high risk it could be, they’ve never suggested I invest anything beyond the money that’s in the account.’

  ‘But we could if we wanted to. That text he sent you on Sunday specifically said family or friends could invest.’

  It had said that. Nat’s gut was telling her something else though. ‘I’m beginning to think we might have had our run of luck. I don’t think I’ll risk any of the money myself. I can invest some for you, if you like?’

  ‘Actually, why don’t you put me in touch with Jacob directly. I’d feel more confident speaking to him and having my own account. I’m a good judge of character, so it will help me decide whether he’s a person to trust. He appears to be from what we know so far, but I should do my research.’ A deep throaty chuckle came down the line. ‘Imagine what Hannah would say if I didn’t.’

  ‘I’ll forward you the information I have. Just don’t do anything crazy. You can’t afford to lose anything, by the sounds of it.’

  Her father laughed. ‘Usually, I’m the most conservative and least crazy person you’ll meet when it comes to investment and risk. The superannuation situation was definitely outside my comfort zone. Don’t you worry yourself about it. I’ll speak to Sue and if she agrees we’ll work out a small amount that it wouldn’t be the end of the world if we did lose and see if we can invest it. But I’ll wait to hear from your friend first, make sure he’s okay with me getting involved. It sounds like he’s gone above and beyond for you when he hardly knows you, so if he says no, then that’s perfectly fine too.’

  They ended the conversation and Nat went back downstairs to the computer and forwarded her father the information Jacob had sent her. She smiled to herself. Imagine if it was through her help that her father’s retirement fund was topped up to where he’d expected it to be. It would be so nice to be the one helping for a change rather than the one asking for money.

  As much as she tried to focus on work, it was a stressful morning for Nat knowing her father was considering investing some of his savings. As thrilled as she was at the prospect of helping him fix his financial difficulties, it concerned her, even though the past results suggested she need not worry. She surprised herself when, during her lunch break, she picked up her phone and dialled the last person she would dream of speaking to about this.

  ‘Hannah Anderson.’

  ‘Han, it’s Nat.’

  ‘Oh, hello!’

  Nat held the phone away from her and stared at it. Hannah’s tone was a mixture of surprise and delight. Maybe she had a friend called Nat and had mistaken her.

  ‘Your sister, Nat,’ she clarified.

  Hannah laughed. ‘How many Nats am I supposed to know? What’s up?’

  Nat took a deep breath. ‘It’s about the investments. I wanted your advice actually.’

  ‘Really?’

  ‘Don’t sound so shocked.’ Although she knew Hannah would be. ‘It’s just that Dad invested five thousand dollars, and it made some money.’

  ‘That’s fantastic.’

  ‘Yes, it is, but now he’s talking about making another investment with some of his savings. I’m a little concerned. Even though we’ve been lucky so far, it’s a risk – one that Jacob’s been very upfront about. He is predicting another ten days of trading before the salmon run dries up, but I’d hate Dad to find out the hard way that it’s not the case.’

  ‘I’d hate that too. What can I do to help?’

  ‘Talk to him. He listens to you. I’m not against him investing, but I want to make sure he’s being sensible and only puts in what he can afford to lose. He did say that’s all he’d do, and he and Sue will work out what they can risk but I don’t think they can a
fford to lose anything.’

  ‘Fifteen thousand is all they can afford to lose,’ Hannah said. ‘That’s the profit he’s made. Perhaps we can convince him to only reinvest that.’

  ‘Would you give him a call? Just to make sure that’s all he does invest?’

  ‘Of course. And what about you, are you reinvesting?’

  ‘I’m not sure. I’ve paused my activity for the moment, so I do still have the option, but twenty-seven thousand is a lot of money. I’d like to keep it. My friend Eliza and her husband are continuing to invest, but I think there’s a point where you can become greedy.’

  ‘You sound like you’ve got it all under control.’

  ‘Thanks. What about you? Dad said he forwarded you the information. Are you going to invest?’

  ‘He did, and I’m not sure yet. Just weighing up a few things.’

  Nat could hear the smile in her voice.

  ‘You know me, pros and cons, risk versus reward and all that. By the time I’ve finished my process, the salmon run will probably be six months gone.’

  Nat laughed at Hannah poking fun at herself. Whatever had happened with her and Damien she’d certainly mellowed. ‘Okay, well, let me know if you do invest and also what happens with Dad.’

  ‘Will do.’

  Nat stared at her phone after she hung up. Something Hannah had said was bugging her. It was about the fifteen thousand dollars her dad had made. She was sure she hadn’t mentioned an amount. She thought back over their conversation. She’d said something along the lines of Dad invested five thousand dollars in it and it made some money. Did she confirm the amount it had made? She didn’t think so, but then again, she’d been so thrown by Hannah’s enthusiastic response to her calling that anything was possible.

  Chapter Twenty-Five

  Hannah hung up after Nat’s call, closed her office door and immediately rang Julian Baker. She left a message on his voicemail and crossed her fingers that he would get back to her quickly. The next call she made was to her father. He sounded less than pleased with what he termed her ‘interference’.

  ‘I’m not interfering. I’m just asking you to hold off investing any money for a few hours. I’ve got someone doing some investigations for me to check that this Jacob guy is legit. It all sounds a bit too easy. I’m hoping it is, but the fact that Nat never actually invested any money of her own and the amount she’s supposedly made is only a line item on a website account concerns me. If she’d withdrawn some of the money, then we’d know it existed.’