To Catch a Thief

by Nan Dixon

  “Castillo?” Abby’s mother stepped away from Carolina, her hand dropping to her side.

  “Yes.” Carolina’s voice was barely a whisper.

  Something was wrong. Sage stepped next to Carolina, wrapping a hand around her waist.

  “Who is your mother?” Mamie’s voice drilled through the noise like the squeal of a freshly branded steer.

  “Rosa.” Carolina’s face turned red. “Rosa Castillo.”

  “Did your mother enjoy dinner and your music?” Abby asked, her gaze bouncing between her mother and Carolina.

  “She loved it.” Carolina swallowed. “Thank you for...for treating her so well.”

  “Your mother was here?” Mamie’s voice grew loud. “At Fitzgerald House?”

  “Mamma?” Abby frowned.

  “Your conniving whore of mother was here. How dare she!” Mamie pointed a finger at Carolina. “How dare you! You shouldn’t be here.”

  “Mamma!” Abby slapped a hand over her mouth.

  “What’s wrong?” Bess hurried to her mother. Dolley was right behind her.

  Sage tightened his arm around Carolina’s waist, needing to protect her.

  “Get out!” Mamie shrieked. “Get out!”

  Carolina moaned and curled into his chest.

  Ella stepped next to Carolina.

  What the hell is going on?

  “She can’t work here. She shouldn’t be here.” Abby’s mother shook her head, her hair flying. “Make her leave.”

  Dolley stared at Carolina, her eyes wide. “Mamma?”

  “I’ll go,” Carolina cried. “I’ll go.”

  She sagged against his arm, and he helped her back away.

  “Carolina, stop.” Abby turned to her mother. “What’s going on?”

  Mamie sank into the chair, her face in her hands. “I... I didn’t know.”

  “You didn’t know what?” Dolley demanded.

  “About her mother and your father.”

  “What?” All three sisters stared at Carolina.

  She shook. Like she was freezing. “We’re—related.”

  “Related?” Dolley asked. “Like cousins?”

  “No.” Carolina stared at Mamie.

  “Half sisters. Or so her mother claimed.” Mamie’s voice shook as she waved a hand between Carolina and her daughters. “Your father...”

  “Mamma,” Abby whispered.

  Sage froze. Half sisters?

  Carolina was... Her father had been...

  And she was working for her half sister? Without telling her?

  Who did something like that?

  CHAPTER ELEVEN

  CAROLINA STARED AT the Fitzgeralds. Abby covered her mouth, gaping at Carolina like she was a monster. Bess’s mouth hung open and Dolley scowled. There were no defenders here. They hated her.

  She stumbled out of Sage’s arms and, like a coward, ran.

  Sage ran to her side and kept her from tripping down the stairs. With Ella’s help, they half carried her out of the restaurant and up to the apartment.

  She shouldn’t be here. From the sofa, Carolina stared around the room. Nothing looked familiar. “I can’t stay. I... I’ll go back to my mother’s house.”

  “Don’t think about that right now.” Sage headed to the kitchen, bringing her back a glass of water and setting it on the coffee table. But he backed away from her and leaned against the wall.

  Her chest ached.

  Tonight had been perfect. Mamá had been happy and more alive than she’d been since Carolina had first arrived. Mamá and Sage had been able to hear her sing. Abby had been thrilled with the result. Life had been good.

  “You’re related to the Fitzgeralds?” Ella asked, her eyes big and round.

  Carolina nodded. Her secret was out.

  “You have the same father, but they never knew?” Sage crossed his arms.

  “Yes.” She wiped at the tears streaming down her face.

  “I wish you’d told me.” Ella paced between the hallway and the kitchen. “Why would you work for them?”

  “It was the best job I could find and—” she sniffed back tears “—Mamá has bills she can’t pay.”

  Ella shook her head. “But you’re working for sisters who didn’t know you existed.”

  Sage raised his eyebrows.

  “I didn’t know what else to do.” Carolina couldn’t tell them about her mother wanting things from Fitzgerald House. “Sometimes I forget we’re related.”

  “But you knew?” Sage asked. “Knew you were related to the Fitzgeralds?”

  She cringed at the accusation lacing his voice. “All my life.”

  “Why didn’t you tell them?” Questions formed in his green eyes.

  “I... I needed the job. I needed the money.” She was a dirty secret. “Mamá made me promise to never tell anyone.”

  “The Fitzgeralds took you into their family.” Sage finally sat next to her and pulled her close. “They invited you to their celebration.”

  She’d belonged for a few shining minutes. “If their witch of mother hadn’t arrived, we’d still be celebrating our opening night.”

  “Carolina.” Sympathy filled Sage’s voice. “What do you think it would be like to meet your husband’s...” His voice trailed off.

  “Bastard?” She jerked away from him. “Is that the word you’re looking for?”

  Ella gasped.

  “No!” Sage said.

  Carolina curled into a ball, her arms clutching her knees.

  “I can’t wrap my head around this,” Ella mumbled. “They’ve been so nice.”

  “Beau made promises to my mother. Promises he never kept.” She shook her head. “Then he died. And never mentioned us. Never provided for us.”

  “I wondered why you never talked about your father.” Ella exhaled, not looking at her. “Let me grab some aspirin and make you that sleepy-time tea you like.”

  Ella didn’t look at her. Sage sat on the edge of the sofa like he wanted to run. Was he taking the Fitzgeralds’ side?

  Her mother had been right. The truth hurt—everyone. Especially her. Everything was ruined.

  Sage shifted and knelt on the floor in front of her. “Do you want me to go?”

  “No.” She wanted him to turn back time. “I wanted to celebrate. To spend the night with you.”

  He smiled, but it barely raised the corners of his mouth. “Whatever you want. Whatever you need.”

  “I need you,” she whispered. She didn’t want to be alone. “Please stay.”

  * * *

  SAGE STARED AT Carolina’s bedroom ceiling as she slept curled into his shoulder. He wanted to comfort her. Wanted to hold her until the pain disappeared.

  But she hadn’t been honest with him, or with the Fitzgeralds, or her best friend. How could she work side by side with her half sisters and not say something? How could she hide something this big?

  If she’d loved him, why would she keep this secret? She’d promised to tell him the truth. So why hadn’t she?

  She whimpered.

  Brushing back her hair, he stroked her arm. Carolina’s stiff muscles melted under his fingers. At least he could give her this. Give her some comfort.

  She’d become important to him so fast. Maybe too fast.

  His stomach churned. Learning about her father like this was a...a betrayal of his values. Did her ability to keep secrets change the way he felt about her? Should it?

  He stared and stared at the ceiling, but there weren’t any answers. Finally he closed his eyes. He needed sleep. Tomorrow they’d deal with Carolina’s drama.

  * * *

  CAROLINA SLEPT IN. At least she tried. Her eyes were crusty. Her body ached like she’d done fifteen rounds in a boxing ring.

  And Sage wasn’
t lying beside her.

  He opened the bedroom door. “I thought you might like some coffee.”

  “Thanks.” She pushed the pillows behind her and sat, then took the cup and inhaled. “When did you get up?”

  “A while ago.” Sage tapped his fingers on his jeans.

  “Do you need to go?”

  “I wanted to get a workout in this morning before my doctor’s appointment.”

  “On Saturday?” she asked.

  “They have morning hours today.”

  He wasn’t looking her in the eye.

  She set down the mug and caught his hand. “Are we okay?”

  He sighed. And locked his gaze with hers. “I love you, Carolina.”

  She let out a shuddering breath. “But...?”

  “I don’t understand you not telling anyone.” He sat on the bed. “At least me. You said you loved me.”

  “I do love you.” Her voice shook. “Can’t you understand how deeply embedded this secret is in my...soul?”

  He shook his head.

  “My father was married when I was born. You were right. I’m a bastard.”

  “I didn’t call you that.” He cupped her cheek. “It’s really on your mother, right?”

  “I did what my mother asked. I never told anyone who my father was, just that he died.” She leaned into the comfort of his hand. “Wouldn’t you have done the same for your family?”

  “My family wouldn’t ask that of me.” Sage’s green eyes were solemn and cool.

  “Mamá asked it of me,” she choked out.

  He pulled her into his chest, smoothing his hand up and down her back. “What are you going to do?”

  “I... I don’t know. Abby and I signed a one-month contract.” Her breath shook as she exhaled. “I need to talk to her. I need this job. I love this job. Or I did.”

  Her phone buzzed. It was a text message from Abby. Sage handed the phone to her.

  Carolina’s hand shook as she opened the message. “She wants to meet at the restaurant. In an hour.”

  “Do you want me to stay?” he asked.

  Yes. But he had things to do. “I’m good.”

  “Let me know what happens.” He brushed a kiss on her forehead. Not on her lips. And pushed up from the bed. “Call me.”

  She nodded. Because if she talked, she would break.

  She got ready to meet with her half sister, maybe for the last time. In deference to the gray nasty weather, she chose a dress and sweater.

  In the kitchen, Ella asked, “Do you want me to come with you? Abby’s intimidating.”

  “No.” She caught Ella’s hand. “I’m sorry if I ruined this job for you.”

  “Don’t say that.” Ella frowned. “This isn’t your fault. You didn’t choose your parents.”

  “But I chose to keep my mother’s secret.” And hadn’t that blown up in her face.

  “I don’t blame you.” Ella pushed over a plate of muffins. “Eat something so you don’t fall over.”

  Carolina checked the time. She had fifteen minutes before she had to face Abby. Enough time to put carbs in her roiling stomach.

  She took a bite and chewed. She couldn’t even taste what looked like a blueberry muffin. And it was warm. “Did you bake?”

  “They’re from a box. I couldn’t sleep.”

  “Thank you. I don’t think anyone slept.” She washed down another bite with a swallow of coffee and pushed everything away. “I can’t eat any more.”

  Ella raised her eyebrows. “When I’m stressed, I eat everything in sight. I’ve already had three muffins. Why do you have to be so...so opposite? I should hate instead of love you.”

  Carolina gave a small laugh. Her first since last night’s disaster. “I guess I’m the yin to your yang.”

  They laughed. Maybe she hadn’t lost Ella.

  Sage was still on the fence.

  “I’d better go see Abby.” She stood and straightened her dress. “How do I look?”

  “Gorgeous as always. With a little wounded heroine thrown in.”

  “I’ll come back afterward.” And probably have to pack.

  Maybe Mamá would be released from the hospital, so living out of Tybee wouldn’t be a problem.

  Carolina used her card to enter the locked restaurant. There were lights and noises in the kitchen. She pulled the door closed and moved toward them.

  “I’ll be right there,” Abby called.

  Okay. Fine.

  Should she stand or sit?

  Her stomach hadn’t stop tossing since last night, so she pulled chairs off a table and sat. Then she waited. Took deep breaths. Rolled her shoulders. Crossed and recrossed her ankles.

  Abby came out of the kitchen, wiping her hands on a towel. “Thanks for coming.”

  Carolina nodded.

  Abby sat across from her and stared. “Dolley says she can tell from photos, but I can’t see it.”

  Carolina swallowed.

  “My mother wants me to fire you.” Abby’s green eyes were cold.

  Carolina’s breath shook as she exhaled. “My mother wanted me to keep this a secret.”

  “The restaurant had the best night ever last night. Because of you.” Abby tapped her finger on the table. “And we have a contract.”

  Carolina swallowed. “Whatever you do about me, I hope your agreement with Ella won’t change. She can...play when I would have been singing.”

  Abby’s eyes were wide. “Do you want to quit?”

  Did she? “I need the money. My mother went on spending sprees after she was diagnosed. I’ve paid down some of my mother’s bills, but now there are the hospital bills. I know they’ll be hefty.”

  Abby closed her eyes. “That’s awful.”

  “I need this job.” She hated to beg.

  Then she waited. She’d been doing so much waiting since she’d returned home, what was a few more minutes in the scheme of things?

  “I wish you had told me,” Abby finally said.

  “Would it have made a difference?”

  “I don’t know. But now I don’t have that luxury.” Abby pushed away from the table. “It’s... I feel betrayed.”

  “I’m sorry,” Carolina whispered.

  Abby’s gaze drilled into her. “I’m not going to break the contract. I keep my word.”

  “Thank you,” Carolina choked out as she stood.

  Abby wasn’t going to break the contract, but she probably wouldn’t extend it, either. What would she do then?

  Abby nodded. She didn’t smile. She always smiled.

  “Do you want me to move out of the apartment?” Carolina had to know what she was facing.

  “I haven’t thought that far. I don’t want my mother seeing you here.” Abby rubbed her forehead. “Stay until your mother is released from the hospital.”

  “Thank you.” Carolina made it to the door before the first tear fell. She didn’t know if it was relief because she still had a job, or sorrow because the relationship she’d had with Abby was gone.

  In the courtyard, her tears flooded out. She’d lost a friend.

  * * *

  SAGE TEXTED CAROLINA from his doctor’s waiting room.

  Glad you’ll still be singing and working for Abby

  But was he? Not telling people who her father was—that was monumental. He wanted to be supportive. Be sympathetic. But he couldn’t see any honor in the way she’d handled this clusterfuck. And what was worse, she’d promised to tell him the truth. That stung.

  What would his father have done if he’d been in Carolina’s situation? Or his mother. Or his brothers. Would he have kept a secret his mother had asked him to keep?

  No matter how he turned this puzzle, he couldn’t put himself in Carolina’s place. Couldn’t understand her justifications.


  “Mr. Cornell,” the nurse called from the doorway.

  Sage followed her back to where she drew a small vial of blood.

  “What do you do with all the blood you vampires take?” he asked.

  She wiggled her eyebrows as she wrapped the cuff around his arm. “You don’t want to know.”

  He stayed silent as she took his blood pressure. “It’s up a bit from your last visit.”

  “Is that bad?”

  “You’re usually on the low side of normal.” She made notes on the chart and entered them into the computer.

  Was this because he was worried about Carolina? He took a deep breath. He loved her. But could her actions measure up to the Cornell code of honor? Hell, could he? Living a life of honor was ingrained in his family; they would never be in Carolina’s situation. He gnawed on this thought like a rawhide bone.

  “Dr. Shaw is running early, so let’s get you back to an exam room.”

  He took off his shirt as instructed but refused to sit on the exam table, dangling his legs. He waited in the guest chair.

  Dr. Shaw came in, flipping through his chart. You’d think showing up every two weeks, the doc would have his file memorized. “How are the headaches?”

  Sage paused, assessed. “Better. Sometimes they come on from bright lights, but less frequently than before.”

  Even last night with the spotlight flashing off Carolina’s sparkling dress, he hadn’t needed to take anything.

  “Let’s check your balance.”

  The doc ran him through a gamut of tests. Then checked reflexes. “Improvement.”

  “Finally.”

  The doc ran the eye test. For once the letters didn’t swim and merge. Had to be a good sign, because he hadn’t slept last night. Then he read a magazine to the doc. Lord. Cosmo? Only tiny shards of pain stabbed into his head as he concentrated on the words.

  Shaw entered the info into the computer, not saying a word.

  Sage couldn’t stop his fingers from drumming on his thigh. This had to be the day. He was antsier than his first day at Quantico.

  “I’m going to clear you for driving.”

  “Thank you.” Sage’s exhale pushed his hair off his forehead. “What about work?”

  The doc patted his knee. “Reading still bothers you. Come back in two weeks.”