Beneath The Lies

by Riann C. Miller

  My eyes narrow at his comment, causing Gavin to laugh again. “I planned to pay her off—for Callie—but it didn’t work out. I’ve paid her a little more than a hundred grand in the last four years. I thought if I came up with half a million dollars in one lump sum, there’d be no way she could walk away from that.”

  “Oh,” I whisper.

  “Yeah, oh. I told you, I make good money. I can afford to pay for your school and take care of you, but unfortunately I don’t have the kind of money I’ll need to pay Carly off for good, which is what I want.” That also explains his foul mood around the time he received his rejection letter. I nod my head, agreeing with him.

  “Thank God I didn’t sell my stock.” Once Gavin processes what I just said, I can see his jaw clench.

  “You were going to sell your stock after we talked about why that’s a horrible idea?”

  His voice has once again taken on a harsh tone, one that I know means he’s serious. “Yes?”

  “Damn it, Kate. I told you I’d take care of it!”

  Gavin’s irritation takes over, causing him to hop up and off the bed. “Why is it wrong that I didn’t talk to you about this but it’s okay that you didn’t think to mention what you had planned to do with Carly?” I scream back at him, causing him to wince.

  “Babe, I know if the day ever comes that I get full custody of Callie that you’ll be on board with it. When it comes to Carly...shit, I’ve been dealing with her for too long. Long enough that I hate that she can bleed over onto us. I didn’t want to give you hope that I had found a way to finally get her out of my life then not have it happen. Which, by the way, is exactly what did happen.”

  I walk straight up to him and wrap my arms around him. “I’m sorry. I was worried that you’d get upset that I mistakenly read your email. I should have told you. But...I hate the idea that I could be a burden on you.”

  “Never. Kate, you’ll never be a burden to me. You...” Gavin trails off then looks down at me, “do you ever wonder why two people meet?

  “The two of us...without some crazy luck we never would have met, but we did. And that night at The Hill, it wasn’t the first time I saw you.”

  My mind starts racing, trying to remember when I met Gavin before that first fight I went to, but I come up empty.

  Gavin brushes his thumbs over my cheeks with a soft smile on his face. “You were only four. Your parents came out here for some award my dad had earned. I remember the babysitter didn’t show up and your mother stayed home and watched us.

  “That night was the worst and the best night of my life up to that point. In only a few hours your mother showed me what love felt like. She gave me a view of what a normal life could be, something I wasn’t sure existed. I also met you, the green-eyed little girl that grabbed ahold of my hand and sang to me. You were only four but already you were trusting and easy with your love.

  “I envied the life you had with Mandy and I started to believe a happy future for my brother and I might happen, but that was the night my dad was killed.

  “Your parents ended up going back to Colorado and Tanner and I never saw them again. As the years went by, I started to believe I dreamed you and Mandy up, that you weren’t real. Until that night I saw you at The Hill. I knew—I just knew—after one look, that you were her...Kate. My Kate.”

  My chest flutters as I realize how long Gavin was waiting for me, and if it wasn’t for the death of my father—something at the time I thought ruined my life—I wouldn’t be with him now.

  “I don’t think I really knew how right you were. That we’ve somehow always been on a path to each other. Hell, if my birth father had his wish I would’ve grown up somewhere in Mexico, and I never would’ve met you.”

  Gavin brings his thumb up and glides it across my lower lip. “I don’t know why but I know we belong to each other. You’re my always and forever.”

  I lean up and kiss him lightly on his lips, repeating his own word back to him. “Forever.”

  The next week passes without any more drama, until the envelope from my dad arrives. In the beginning I didn’t give it much thought, but now after learning about the past, I’m nervous to open it.

  I pull out a few sheets of notebook paper that are covered in handwriting, clearly my father’s. The date on the top is marked around four years ago, shortly after my mother died.

  Dearest Kate,

  If this letter has made its way to you, then my time here on earth has ended, but I can’t let that happen without telling you a few things.

  First and most importantly, I want to thank you for being my daughter. When I met your mother, I thought my life was complete, but it wasn’t. Not until God gave me the most beautiful young lady I’ve ever met and allowed me to call her mine.

  Thank you for not only being an amazing daughter, but for being the person I knew you could be. Every day you’ve walked this earth, I’ve been proud of you.

  The other thing you may or may not know is that after your mother and I adopted you, I gave you ten percent of SGS. My company has always been on a path to your hands, but unfortunately, along the way, I made decisions that have affected that journey.

  When James Loman left SGS, he kept twenty-five percent of the company in his name. After his death, his portion of the company went to his wife. Years later, when I decided to take SGS public, James’s widow bought up twenty-four percent of the company. Ultimately, without the ten percent I gave you, this gave her controlling interest of SGS.

  James’s wife, Leeta Loman, is not a nice woman. I could have fought back and did at one point, but Leeta found information that she knew would hurt me, leaving me with little to no options.

  I’m writing you because I want you to know the type of person this woman really is. Your mother and I sheltered you from the kinds of evil that really exist, but whatever you do, don’t become a casualty of Leeta’s ways. And whatever stories she tells, always remember that your mother and I loved you.

  If given the chance, there are a lot of things in my life I would do differently, but finding you and your mom isn’t one of them.

  Live life to its fullest, love your hardest and your dreams will come true.

  With all my heart, Dad

  I’m crying—no, scratch that—I’m sobbing. I love my parents and I’ve never doubted their love for me. But I miss them like crazy. This letter is a beautiful reminder of the life I was lucky enough to live.

  “Babe? What’s wrong?” I look up to see Gavin rushing over toward me.

  “Nothing,” I reply as I hand him the letter. As Gavin starts reading it, his face goes from easy to harsh. He knows his mother is evil but I’m sure reading this letter is hard on him.

  “This explains a lot,” he says as I wipe away the last of my tears.

  “Why?”

  “Because your father’s stock became yours after he died. You have to wait until you graduate or turn twenty-five to cash in the financial rewards of owning them, but it doesn’t change the fact that they are yours. Which means Leeta lost controlling interest when your dad died.”

  Geez, I read the same letter that Gavin did and that part never crossed my mind, I’m still processing the fact that James still owned stock in the company. The only story I was ever told was my dad bought him out. “Shit, this really explains a lot. She was hoping you two would be best buddies when you moved out here. Maybe even make it sound like she was doing you a favor by buying some of your stock to help you out financially. When that didn’t happen, she planted the seed that your parents stole you, hoping you’d end up hating them enough that you’d want to sell your stock in spite of what they did.” Gavin drags his hands through his hair.

  “Fuck. I wonder what happens to your stock if something happens to you. That definitely puts a new light on your accident not being an accident.”

  Gavin pauses and starts pacing back and forth like a caged animal. “Should we confront her?”

  “We shouldn’t do anything where Leeta
is concerned. I have the unfortunate task of being her child. I’ll deal with her.”

  “What?” I blurt as I jump to my feet. “Leeta is just as much my problem as yours. You didn’t choose her for your mother and my dad didn’t invite her into his company. This is what it is. Now we’ll deal with it together.”

  Gavin takes a deep breath and appears to come to terms with my commitment to the situation. “Okay, but you do not go anywhere near that woman by yourself. I have years on you when it comes to knowing what Leeta is capable of.”

  “Okay. I promise.” Gavin exhales loudly and takes a seat next to me.

  “Let’s think about this. Leeta was controlling your dad’s company until he unexpectedly died. My guess is your dad must have someone at SGS that votes for you on his board until you’ve met your requirements. Probably your dad’s VP, which means Leeta more than likely lost control. Why wouldn’t your dad take back your ten percent to ensure he had control while he was alive?” I can tell Gavin’s mind is racing with ideas but this one seems fairly easy to me.

  “Because Leeta thinks I’m Hayden. She somehow found out I’m connected to that kidnapping and used it against my dad. I bet she told him she’d go to the press and tell everyone that the owner and CEO of a major company paid to have a child kidnapped so his poor little wife that couldn’t have children could be a mother.”

  Gavin is nodding his head in agreement. “And your father didn’t want to risk that Damian would see it and figure out that you’re his real daughter.”

  Gavin runs his hands over his face in frustration. “God, I hate that woman. All she’s ever done is ruin peoples’ lives.”

  “Hey, look at me.” He slowly turns his face toward mine. “She’s not winning anymore.” My words did very little to relax Gavin, and I hope and pray what I said is true.

  ****

  A few days later, one of Gavin’s worst fears comes to life when I spot Leeta standing on the sidewalk outside of our apartment. My stomach starts turning from just the sight of her and the smirk she’s wearing on her face.

  “Kate, darling. I still can’t believe you’re shacking up with my son. I’m sure your sweet daddy is rolling over in his grave at the idea of his baby girl living with a grown boy that always has and always will be nothing more than a screw up.”

  My nose scrunches up while listening to her. “You’re talking about your own child. What kind of woman are you?” Instead of insulting her, she laughs off my comment.

  “I’m a smart woman. I make my own way through this world—at any cost. If you had even an ounce of smarts in the pretty little head of yours you’d be taking note and not looking down your nose at me.” Whatever fakeness she once displayed is long gone.

  “I’ll never be like you, so money hungry that you’ll run over your own children if it means getting what you want. I’m not sure how you’re even capable of looking in the mirror every day.”

  Leeta tosses her head back, laughing at my comment. “You’re just like your mother. Always judging other people. Oh, wait...she’s not really your mother now is she?” Leeta’s eyes narrow as she takes a step closer to me. “No, your sweet little mother that could do no wrong is actually the worst kind of evil you’ll ever meet. She acted all high and mighty, but the fact is she paid to have you stolen. Now tell me, how was Mandy able to look at herself in the mirror everyday knowing what she did?”

  My hands are shaking as well as my voice when I finally speak up. “You don’t know what you’re talking about.” Leeta steps closer and wraps her hand around my arm.

  “Oh, yes I do, sweetheart. Now this is what’s going to happen. You’re going to sell me your ten percent stock in SGS, and I’ll even be nice enough to give you the same offer I made months ago. Then and only then will I keep my mouth shut about what your father did.” I try to take a step back but she digs her nails into my skin. “My dad is dead. No one will care what he did.”

  “Oh, darling, that’s where you’re wrong. Your father founded that company and if he was willing to steal a baby for his poor pathetic wife then God only knows what else he’s done over the years. Investors will start yanking their money out of the company faster than you’ll be able to snap your pretty little fingers.” I don’t doubt this news could hurt the company but it’s not true...however, I can’t tell her or anyone else the real story.

  “I’ve paid off a lot of people over the years to always be my eyes and ears at SGS. I didn’t want your miserable excuse of a father to die because it messed with my plans. SGS is about to roll out a new project, one that has The Jentar Group’s stamp of approval. But the feeble man who’s voting in your place has rejected it.”

  Leeta lets go of my hand and starts pacing in front of me. “Everything was perfect.” She stops and stares at me. “Have you wondered why the money you need for school is suddenly gone?” she questions with a glare. “Again it pays to have people in my pocket. I offered you more than a fair price but you decided to be a little bitch. You either sell me that stock immediately or you get the board to vote my way. If you don’t then your father’s secret is coming out. And believe me, before I do that I’ll sell everything I own in SGS before the rest of the world knows what kind of man Marcus Reynolds really was.”

  My eyes narrow. “My father was a great man. You only think you know all of the facts but you don’t and if you go the press with this you’re going to look like a fool and it will be me who tells everyone what you did. First you kill your own husband, then you abuse and neglect your children for years then you blackmail your way into a company. If people want to start selling their SGS stock, it’s going to be because you have your hand in the company and not because of my father.” Leeta steps back and studies my face.

  She can tell I’m not lying, and it kills her that I might know something she doesn’t. “You have more of a backbone in you than I gave you credit for, kid. But I’m not sure I believe you. Your father never denied what he did, unless...” She trails off as she gives me a malicious smile. “I under estimated you, Kate, but my advice to you is not to do the same with me. I always get what I want. Don’t forget that,” she adds as she steps away and walks toward her fancy car.

  Shit, shit, shit. I hope I didn’t tip our hand to the last person I want knowing the truth.

  ****

  When I tell Gavin about Leeta’s visit—how she confronted me once again, this time while I was alone—his anger went the roof.

  Thankfully Callie wasn’t here to witness his grown up version of a tantrum, but once he calmed down he called Kiran. Not long after Kiran stopped by, Gavin left with him and didn’t come back for several hours. By the time Gavin returned home he was back to his normal calm and collected self, but I never asked where he went or what he did.

  Another week passes and other than a few rude remarks from Carly when Gavin was dropping off and picking Callie up, life has been quiet. Alex called the other day to check in with me and seemed interested to know how my visit with my birth mother went. I think it’s possible that Alex is just as eager for family, and I’m not about to shut the door on the possibility of making him apart of my life.

  Life seems quiet and almost normal, at least by my standards, so I suggested we try our best to merge our group of friends, which really shouldn’t be hard.

  Noah and Kyler are best friends, and with Kyler being Kiran’s younger brother, the group was already connected in a way. Everyone agreed to meet at Gavin’s favorite restaurant, the same place he first brought me to. Gavin, Kiran, and Noah are drinking a beer and talking about a fight that happened the week before at Phil’s while Gabby and I are chatting about our classes when Alyssa and Kyler show up.

  I was about to give her a hard time about showing up with Kyler but the strange look she has on her face stops me. “Hey, what’s up?”

  Alyssa looks like she’s seen a ghost. Her face is pale and for the first time since I’ve met her, she appears to be at a loss for words. “Have you been online lately?” she
finally asks.

  Her question strikes me as odd, seeing as she’s never asked me that before. More than anything, it’s her soft worried tone that has really has me bothered. “No?”

  Kyler is standing directly behind her watching Gavin instead of me. “What’s going on? Gavin asks.

  “I saw a report that claims you’re the daughter of a well-known drug cartel boss in Mexico.”

  “You what?” Gavin shouts back, causing my heart to sink even further.

  “Look for yourself. It’s all over the internet.” I grab out my phone and put my own name in the search engine and sure enough, Alyssa is correct.

  “The owner and CEO of Simple Global Solutions purchases drug cartel’s baby.”

  “Was Marcus Reynolds using drug money to fund his company?”

  “Drug cartel steals wrong baby.”

  I can’t look at any more, I’ve seen enough. I look over at Gavin who reaches out for my hand. “Let’s get out of here.”

  The two of us stand up to leave, but everyone else gets up and follows us out the door, after what feels like a blink of my eyes, where all back at Gavin’s.

  “Leeta did this. Fuck, I know she did,” he growls out as he balls his hands into fist ready to punch something.

  “How did she find out? I know I hinted around that she was wrong about my dad stealing me but I didn’t tell her anything else, I swear.”

  Gavin’s face goes dark as he replies, “Who the fuck knows how she found out, but she’s hoping something will happen to you. Hell, knowing that crazy bitch she did this just to pay you back for not bending to her wishes. Either way, she’s hoping this will make you pay. I fucking warned her...”

  Until now I didn’t really think about what will happen when Damian Paasch reads the same articles we just read. Without saying a word to anyone, Gavin walks back to his office and slams the door shut.

  “We better go, don’t you think, Noah?”