I turned off my monitor and spun around in my chair. “Would it matter if I said no?”
“Not at all.” She smiled at me as if knowing some huge secret. “So, you asked Hannah to move in, huh?” Mia strutted into my office, her brows raised.
“She told you.” I pressed my lips together.
“That she did. I have to tell you, she’s pretty freaked out.”
My heart hammered frantically. What had I done? Did I scare her off? Was it too soon? Not soon enough?
“Oh, no…”
“No. Freaked out in a good way.”
“Really? She didn’t actually answer me one way or another.” My body began to relax slightly.
Mia slid into the chair across from my desk. “Well, don’t take my word for it then. Maybe she needs time to think about it, but I thought it was a yes. Never mind. Forget I said anything.”
I shrugged my shoulders. “Right. That’ll work.”
“So any new developments?” she asked.
“Just what I told you on the phone.”
She flashed me a lopsided grin. “I decided I couldn’t let you have all the fun.”
“What are you talking about, Mia?” I didn’t like where this was headed.
“Well, while you were talking to our uncle, I was speaking with our aunt.”
I shot up from my chair. “Are you serious? How did you even get there?”
“I had Josh drive me.”
I bit my lip in an attempt not to come unglued. What business did Josh have driving my sister directly into the lions’ den. That was it. Between flirting with an officer and this, he was through at my company.
“I see that look in your eyes. I promised him, you’d be fine with it.”
“That I’d be fine with it? He’s done as far as I’m concerned.”
“You don’t mean that.”
“Yeah. I do.”
Mia motioned for me to sit back down, but I stayed standing, unsure of any other surprises she was going to toss my way.
“Well, anyway. She basically implied the same thing about mom and dad.”
“What are you talking about?”
“You know, about not everything appearing as it seems.”
I shook my head. “They’re just trying to make themselves seem less—”
“Less what, Luke? They already admitted they committed the crimes. They already didn’t help the authorities. It’s not like they told us who was truly behind anything, but maybe they think they’re helping us somehow.”
“Helping us like they helped mom and dad?” I couldn’t believe my own sister was even considering what these two people implied about our parents. “My guess is our parents stumbled upon something that was bigger than they realized, not just the heist, and the bureau didn’t protect them.”
“Maybe the bureau didn’t know,” Mia offered.
I shook my head. “Doubtful. Agents are required to check in every step of the way. There are fail-safes for a reason. If an agent goes down, the case still needs to be pursued.”
As I spoke the words, it was as if more questions clicked into place. I sat down and stared straight in front of me. If my parents were that far into the case, why didn’t anyone else move forward on it? Why did the investigation stop when they died?
I put the phone on speaker and dialed Sam’s number. It took a few rings, but he finally picked up with his usual greeting.
“What haven’t you told me about my parents, Sam?”
“You know as much as I do, Luke. You had access to the same files as I did.”
I shook my head and glanced at Mia.
“Screw the files, Sam. What was it about my parents’ investigation that made it come to a screeching halt once they died?”
Sam was silent for several seconds, and he let out a deep breath that crackled through the speakerphone.
“I’m in the neighborhood. I’ll see you in a few.”
Sam hung up, and Mia stood up and began pacing.
“I don’t understand what’s going on. Why couldn’t he just talk to you over the phone?”
“You can’t trust that what you say isn’t being monitored by the bureau.”
She groaned and ran her fingers through her hair in frustration. “Then how do we know he didn’t already say too much for their liking?”
That was the least of my worries. What I was more concerned with was getting the information out of Sam. Why hadn’t he told me whatever it was he was coming here to reveal. Why did he wait until I asked the perfect question? I’d obviously misjudged our friendship. Truthfully, it had always been based more on helping one another in a professional realm, but I assumed it also extended personally. I assumed wrong.
I spun my chair around and turned on my monitor. I maximized a screen and brought up some of the pictures I’d located from the Flagstaff address. Seth had also sent over all the public records and any other information he thought might be of interest.
The address turned up a home. The place looked to be vacant for years, but it was still being taken care of, and Seth was researching who might be paying for the upkeep. The home sat on about five acres and was across town from my parents’ cabin.
None of the names associated with the address were familiar, but I had Seth running background checks on everyone, including the gardener.
I heard the chime and glanced over at Mia who’d nervously sat back down in the chair. Sam had arrived in the driveway and would be ringing the doorbell within minutes. I wanted to comfort her and tell her everything was going to be okay, but I wasn’t sure it would be. I’d spent so many years polishing up my parents’ images that I wasn’t sure I’d be ready for anything to crack the façades.
The doorbell rang and I glanced at my security camera, ensuring it was Sam. It was. I turned from my monitor and let out a big sigh.
“I’m not sure what Sam’s going to tell us, but I think it’s about damn time that we start to get the whole story,” I told Mia, as she stood up from the chair and adjusted her shirt.
“I agree.”
We walked to the foyer and I opened the door. Sam took a step in and was about to say something, but I stopped him. I didn’t want to hear an apology. I just wanted answers. Answers I’d spent years trying to obtain.
“We’ll go into my office,” I replied, motioning for Sam to move forward. I closed the door behind him and watched Mia escort him down the hall. My mind flashed to Hannah and I wondered what she was doing today. I got a twinge of regret for letting her leave. I wished she was here by my side to hear whatever it was that Sam was about to tell us. But it wasn’t her battle. She had enough demons to deal with thanks to me. She didn’t need to borrow any of mine.
Sam took a seat and Mia sat next to him. I closed the doors and walked over to my desk, taking a seat.
“Why didn’t it go any further after their deaths?” I kept my tone even, hiding all the anger and frustration that raced through me.
Sam’s shoulders sank, and I saw the distress in his eyes. “I didn’t learn about it until recently, Luke. You have to believe me. I wouldn’t—”
“I don’t have to believe shit. I only want answers. I want to stop wasting my life chasing after something that the bureau didn’t even find important enough to pursue.”
“That’s not what happened, Luke. That’s not what happened at all.”
“Then enlighten me after all these years.”
Hannah
“Do you think there’s any such thing as normal?” I asked Mitch.
We were sitting on the deck overlooking the beach. I liked Mitch. He was no-nonsense, but every so often I caught a little bit of empathy from him, which made his presence more tolerable since he always seemed to be about an arm’s length away.
“In what context?” he asked.
“Hm. Good question. I guess I mean when it comes to relationships.”
Mitch laughed and shook his head. “That’s an area I’ll be staying far away from. After two nasty
divorces, I know even less than I did before.”
“Doubtful.”
A few moments of silence went by as I stared at the beach below.
“I can tell you that Mr. Fletcher has fallen completely in love with you. He talks about you when you’re not around, and I can guarantee he never spoke to me about anyone before you came along. But if you ever repeat that, I’ll deny I ever said it.” He flashed a lopsided grin and I liked him even more.
I thought more about Luke’s proposal about moving in. The idea both scared and intrigued me. On one hand, I didn’t want to disappoint him or shatter any illusions he had about me because I still wasn’t certain why he was so drawn to me in the first place. On the other hand, I couldn’t imagine spending another night away from him. I’d love to wake up in his arms every morning and go to bed next to him without worrying about what time to get back to my house to get to school on time.
School.
That was another concern. It was a little further away from Luke’s house, but I shouldn’t let distance scare me off. So what if I had to drive fifteen more minutes? I could literally feel myself getting giddy at the notion of moving in with Luke. I had my answer.
“Is Luke at home this morning? Do you know?” I asked Mitch.
He nodded. “He’s scheduled to work from his home office all day.”
“Awesome. I hate to ask, but since he won’t let me out of your sight, would you mind driving me back to his house? I think I kind of left him hanging, and I don’t want him to take back a very important offer.”
“I doubt he’d ever do that.” Mitch gave me a wink and stood up. “Let’s get going.”
“He thinks I’m gonna be getting my books for classes today so don’t tell him I’m coming over. I want to surprise him.”
“Whatever you say.” Mitch followed me off the deck and closed the doors. “I’ll meet you downstairs when you’re ready.”
“Okay. I’ll only be a few minutes.”
I went to my room and pulled a brush through my hair and put my hair in a bun. I had a therapy session later today, but maybe I would cancel it. I really didn’t feel much like going. I slipped the cuff from Luke onto my wrist and grabbed my purse and phone. I hoped Luke would be okay with me popping in on him. I was sure he would be.
I turned off the lights and met Mitch downstairs.
“Okay, let’s hit it.” I smiled and turned on the alarm.
“You’re so much better at that than Mia,” Mitch volunteered as he opened the door.
“I take direction well. When you grow up in a cult, it just happens that way.”
Mitch chuckled.
The warm sea air kissed my skin, and I closed the door behind me, excited about the prospect of moving in with Luke. I could really settle into the idea. Maybe I’d move in before classes started. I didn’t have that much to move, but it all depended on his work schedule.
I climbed into the car and buckled in as Mitch started the engine.
“I hope he’s into surprises.”
“Not usually, but I’m sure for you he’ll make an exception.” Mitch turned onto the main road, and my mind kept itself busy imagining what it would be like to live with Luke. Would he hate how I brushed my teeth or how I did laundry? Would he expect me to cook?
As my mind went through a million make-believe scenarios, we completed the drive along the Pacific Coast Highway and took the road up to Luke’s house. My nerves began twisting in knots at the thought of bringing it up. Maybe he would.
Mitch stopped at the gate and entered the code. I sat nervously watching the gate open and we drove through. I spotted Mia’s car and someone else’s I didn’t recognize. I glanced at Mitch for a reaction and he gave none.
“Was Luke expecting someone?” I asked.
“Not that I was aware of, but things often change. It looks like Sam’s car.”
I glanced at Mitch as he put the car in park. “Maybe we should head out. I don’t want to interrupt anything.”
“Too late for that. Mr. Fletcher’s at the door.”
I brought my gaze forward and quickly unbuckled my seatbelt and scrambled out of the car. I could tell by Luke’s expression something was wrong. He walked down the steps and met me with an embrace.
“Oh, baby. It’s so good to see you,” he murmured. “I wanted you here. It’s like you knew I needed you.” His fingers cupped the back of my head, and I felt his breathing shift slightly as I rested my arms around his waist.
Needed me?
“I had hoped you wouldn’t mind me just popping in.”
Luke took a step back, his hand grabbing mine. “I wish you’d do it more. Come inside. Sam was about to relay some information about my parents.”
“Are you sure? I don’t want to interrupt.”
“I’d really like you there, Hannah.” Luke’s gaze locked on mine, and a pang of sadness shot through me. My mind went back to Dr. Doro’s assessment of our relationship and how it manifested itself within tragedy, but I shoved the thoughts away as quickly as they came.
I nodded and walked with Luke into his home. The office doors were open, and I heard Mia and Sam’s voices inside. Mitch was behind us, but he didn’t follow us into the office. Instead, he continued down the hall.
“Hannah, it’s so nice to see you. You’re looking really well,” Sam said, glancing at Luke.
Judging by both Mia and Luke’s expressions, I wasn’t sure I was supposed to be as friendly as I normally would be to Sam so I gave him a quick thanks and sat on an empty chair placed in the corner behind Luke’s desk.
“You’re having her stay for this?” Sam questioned. “Are you sure that’s a good idea?”
My blood turned hot at Sam’s question, but I glanced at Luke to make sure I hadn’t misunderstood his intentions.
“Anything you have to say to Mia and me, you can say in front of her. It affects her too.”
I had absolutely no idea what was going on, but judging by the look on Mia’s face it wasn’t good. Had they found out who was behind everything? Had someone else been hurt? How could so much have changed since I’d left Luke’s house earlier this morning?
“So where were we?” Mia asked, turning her attention to Sam.
Luke shut the doors and walked over to his desk but didn’t take a seat. He rested his hip on the desk and crossed his arms in front of him. It almost looked as if he was ready to pounce on Sam.
Sam shifted in his seat, and I watched a distinct change settle over these three. The tension was thick in the air, and I couldn’t understand what had changed so quickly. I kept moving my gaze between them all when Sam finally spoke.
“Your parents were identified as double agents.”
Luke flew off the desk and had Sam’s shirt collar twisted between his fingers within seconds. My heart was racing as I watched Luke lift Sam right out of his chair and swing him over to the desk. Papers flew into the air as he shoved him along the top.
“That’s a lie,” Luke shouted, hovering over Sam’s body.
I had no idea what was going on, but I knew Luke needed rescuing from himself.
“Complete bullshit. I’m not going to waste my time…”
I got to Luke’s side and grabbed his fist that was poised to attack Sam’s face.
“It’s not worth it, baby,” I whispered, unsure of what I was even saying or if it would be enough. Maybe it was worth it. I had no idea. Mia was on the other side of Luke, but I wasn’t sure if she was there to help or hurt Sam.
“Come on, let him go. It’s not worth it,” I repeated, glancing at Sam. His eyes were darting between Luke and me.
I was certain he hadn’t expected quite that reaction from Luke.
“I have nothing to gain by telling you this,” Sam stated calmly.
A knock sounded at the door. It was Mitch checking to see if everything was okay. Luke was too angry to speak so I assured Mitch we were fine while trying to get Luke’s attention and calm him down. I felt Luke’s muscles begin
to relax the more I rubbed his arm.
He took a step back and shook his head. Mia’s gaze caught mine and she bit her lip. None of us knew where to go from here.
Sam sat up on the desk and adjusted his shirt, watching Luke carefully.
Luke walked to the other side of the office and let out a groan. It was like I was watching him break right in front of me. He slammed his fist into a row of books and not one budged. I couldn’t imagine the pain that would cause, but I suspected it was nothing compared to what he felt inside.
“Why don’t you try a less dramatic approach, Sam? Tell us what you know from the beginning,” Mia suggested.
Sam nodded and adjusted his cuffs. He let out a sigh and stood up from the desk and a few more papers scattered to the floor. Luke turned around and leaned against the wall, facing us as he crossed his arms in front of his chest. I wanted to comfort him, but I knew now wasn’t the time or place.
“It’s complicated, Luke. Your parents were being investigated at the same time as they were working on the heist. Someone had tipped off the bureau that your parents might have been involved with the robbery somehow.”
Luke sprang forward from the wall, but this time I got to him and he settled down immediately.
“I will leave, Luke. And I will never come back through that door,” Sam stated, his eyes fixed on Luke.
“Let him finish,” Mia said quietly.
Those three words broke Luke completely. His shoulders slouched, and he slid against the wall and sat with his knees propped up. I sat next to him on the floor and held his hand, waiting for Sam to continue.
“What I’m about to tell you isn’t easy for me either, Luke. I didn’t want to believe it. I didn’t believe it at first until the evidence was too overwhelming to ignore.”
Luke didn’t look at Sam as he spoke. His gaze remained locked on the floor in front of us.
“Your parents were spies for the Russian Federation. It was only a matter of time before the government charged them with espionage. They had been working with the GRU. Providing data on various politicians and community leaders.”
“What’s the GRU?” Mia asked.
“It’s the Russian military’s intelligence agency.”
Buried Sins Page 11
