“You are not above using that child to get to me,” she said, dark lashes narrowed.
“Yep. Absolutely. You are an intelligent, quick witted woman and I’ll use whatever I have to just to keep my head above water,” Lucas admitted without remorse. She was silent. Watching him as he finished eating.
“You do not believe this…us…has moved too quickly?”
Lucas crossed to the sofa, carefully lifting her foot and sitting down.
“I believe we’re smart. I’m not going to say there won’t be…disagreements…and misunderstandings…I think life is too short to pretend we don’t feel something for each other, Mia. I know I have a learning curve not only where Scarlet is concerned,” he lifted her palm off her thigh. “But also where having a strong professional woman with a passion for her job that equals my own.”
“We both have the best interests of Scarlet in our hearts,” Mia said softly, seeing the clouds of her doubt slowly fading. “And we will both have days where we want to throw things.”
“We can agree that shielding Scarlet from that part of us…”
“Is very important. She must not see or hear anger. I will not allow her to believe she is a problem,” Mia said firmly. “And children are very perceptive.”
“Talking is good,” Lucas said with a smile, his palm gliding over the silky sleep pants.
“Hmm…I have a feeling we are no longer discussing…”
“I’ve always been a guy of action,” Lucas declared, standing up and lifting her from the sofa. “No protests. I think you should spend the rest of the night off your feet.”
Mia laughed and wrapped her arms around his neck, laying her head against his.
****
Mia used the golf cart to deliver food to the cantina with a price list. Scarlet sat perfectly still, her hands on the sides as she took in this new mode of transport. She pulled out her book and sat reading while Mia walked to Cassidy’s desk, noticing Mac and his laptop on the desk nearby.
“If you have a minute…can we talk?”
“Of course…what’s up? You’re walking better,” Cassidy mentioned with a smile.
“It is almost normal,” she waved negligently, dismissing the ankle. “The…the devices…we found at the house. Where could I get one?”
Cassidy sat back in her chair, aware that Mac heard her and closed his laptop to roll his chair closer.
“Why do you want one, Mia?” Mac asked, ignoring the scowl from Cassidy.
“There is a piece…a puzzle piece, if you will,” Mia tried explaining, watching Scarlet root in her pack and play peacefully in the cart. “And I believe her grandmother is the key. I want to go speak with her…but I want it recorded. I want to see the little room that she made Scarlet sit in…I want it recorded.”
“You do know…information gathered that way is not…you can’t use it in court, Mia,” Cassidy said carefully, her voice low.
“This is not for court. It is for answers,” Mia said firmly.
“You won’t listen if I tell you this is a bad idea,” Mac said flatly.
“I could go with you,” Cassidy stood up and paced the canopy thoughtfully.
“Now I’m sure it’s a really bad idea,” Mac declared with a scowl.
“Mac…it’s not like we’re busting into a drug cartel’s hideout,” Cassidy returned.
Mac dropped his head, sighing thickly and pulling his phone out. “Okay…I’ll give you that…in which case…let’s get good help,” he said simply.
“If we can have a picture…and Scarlet is watching, she could lead me to the room. I must speak with her grandmother. I think I know what she is trying to hide,” Mia said softly.
Mac groaned, the chipper voice coming through the phone. “Good afternoon, oh great and powerful sister of mine.”
“Have you been drinking?” Chloe asked suspiciously.
“You know me better than that…I have someone who needs some help…and I think you and Phoebe are the answers,” Mac said carefully.
“Hmm…how about you buy lunch tomorrow and we can talk,” Chloe said simply. “You know I’m a sucker for a good adventure.”
“I know you’re a sucker for unfinished puzzles,” Mac said, looking up to see Mia nod. “Tomorrow…we’ll be there about eleven. Thanks, Chloe.”
Chloe sat waiting at one of the outdoor tables, enjoying the sunshine and smiling broadly when she saw Mac approaching. Cassidy was at his side, a tall dark haired woman and little girl close by. But it was the woman that held her stunned attention. She pulled out her phone and snapped a couple shots, tucking the phone away and waving at them.
“Chloe Oliver…this is Mia Santori and Scarlet Tanner,” Mac waited while they shook hands and pulled chairs closer. He brought over a highchair and wrestled Scarlet into it with lots of giggling. He slid a couple sheets of pictures and crayons onto the top.
“Are you enjoying your move to the US?” Chloe asked casually, looking from one to the other.
“I am…except for this one little problem…a puzzle…with missing pieces,” Mia ordered food and set the menu aside, watching Scarlet tenderly. “I need help. I want to speak with her Grand’Mere…there is a reason why she has worked so very hard to make trouble for Lucas. Her mother left a note with her before she disappeared from the hospital. It said…Lucas, I know you’ll make sure she isn’t damaged, like her mother.”
“Hmmm…that is a telling statement,” Chloe agreed, taking a long drink of iced tea.
“Her attempts to take Scarlet…and then how she treats her,” Mia shook her head.
“You hope to change her mind?”
“I just know talking to her will help. I know it sounds,” her head shook. “I know it sounds stupid…”
“It sounds like you have instincts,” Chloe said simply. “I don’t know if it’ll help or not…but what do you lose by trying?”
Mia breathed a long sigh. “Thank you…”
“You know,” Mac began thoughtfully, crunching on the fish doused in lemons. “If Cassidy wore the video…and stayed behind Mia…”
They spent the next hour talking and planning, Chloe studying Mia as she spoke. It was uncanny. Too much of a coincidence, sliding easily into personal questions at the end of the hour.
“Tuscany? That’s where your father was from?” Chloe asked casually.
“Yes…he met my mother when she was on some art retreat,” Mia said with a shrug. “I did not know either of them. I know they never married. My Grand’Mere was very vocal about that, but no matter.”
“I have a friend I’d like you to meet,” Chloe walked with them toward the parking lot, laughing at Scarlet riding high on Mac’s shoulders.
“Alright…may I ask why?”
“I’m not sure I can explain it without it sounding crazy,” Chloe gestured to the shop. “Come in and we’ll get the things you need for Friday. Mac can bring Scarlet here and we’ll watch you on video.”
“I’m confused, Chloe. What will sound crazy?” Mia entered the computer store and immediately looked up at the pounding footsteps on the stairs.
A woman with dark, feathered hair, black tank top, black jeans and boots was running down. Her focus at first on the man who had come in behind them. Then she abruptly froze on the stairs. Dark eyes went wide, going from Damian to Mia.
Damian stepped around the group, his gaze following Jane’s with a shake of his head. His hand rose automatically toward Jane. His fingers closed around the smaller palm and tugging her down the last few steps.
“Guys…what is going on?” Damian asked quietly. Jane was breathing too quickly, her head slightly tilted and shaking slowly.
Mia took a step forward, her palm out slowly toward Jane.
“Mia Santori.”
“Jane Foster,” she whispered. “French?”
“I was raised in the South of France by my Grand’Mere,” Mia answered without thinking. “My father is Italian…from…”
“Tuscany,” Jane supplied with a swallow. “How o
ld…”
“Thirty four and two months…you?”
“Thirty three and three months,” Jane said, finally blinking in amazement.
“I’m going up to talk to Phoebe,” Chloe said quietly. “Come on up, guys.”
Damian took a step back and just stared. “It’s amazing. You could be twins.”
“Father must have had very strong genetics,” Mia said with a push of breath between her lips.
Scarlet had been watching, tapping on Mac’s shoulder and getting set on the floor. “Hi, I’m Scarlet,” she stepped forward as she had seen the others do and offered her little palm.
“Hi, I’m Jane,” she dropped to her heels and accepted the little hand. “Nice to meet you.”
“You got games here for kids?”
“I do…wanna see some?” Jane took her hand and they walked off to the demo room, chattering happily.
“I’ll be with them,” Damian said easily. “Oh…Damian Brandt…” He put his hand out to Mac. The introductions going around before he headed to the back, Mac traveling with him, quietly explaining what was going on.
Mia drove slowly back to the resort, so much swirling around inside her mind. Her grandmother never had a very high opinion of her father. Now she got a glimpse as to why.
She had bundled up her clothes and carried some to the wagon when Lucas entered the kitchen. Scarlet saw him enter and raced around the counters to fly into his arms.
“We met Mia’s sister today at the computer store.”
“Oh? Sister?” Lucas looked at a very quiet Mia, her arms full as she continued out to the wagon. “Ready to go home?”
“Yes…” Mia followed him out and let him take the things and put them in the back of the SUV. She returned to the kitchen and lifted the case with their dinner, carrying it to the car and climbing into her seat. A little frown that had her looking back down before pulling the door closed. “That is new?”
“Hmm…I had it put on this morning,” Lucas told her, buckling Scarlet in and sliding behind the wheel. “Are you okay?”
“I don’t know…honestly, I don’t know,” Mia answered, laying her head back and closing her eyes.
“I gotta picture,” Scarlet announced with the rustle of her backpack. “Wanna see? Aunt Jane looks just like Mia!”
“Picture?”
“Hmm…” Mia looked over at him. “Aunt Jane gave her a little camera and Scarlet learns very, very quickly.”
“She showed me how to put it on my iPad,” Scarlet said easily.
“iPad?” Lucas was starting to feel like a parrot.
“It’s so I can put my pictures on it,” Scarlet said in a matter of fact voice.
“But we have discussed the rules,” Mia said, almost laughing at the expression on Lucas’ face. “Only one hour a night, after dinner and your room is cleaned. Jane put some really smart games on there for her to teach reading and math.”
“You didn’t know anything about Jane?” Lucas guessed as he pulled the car into the driveway.
“No…evidently the things Grand’Mere said about my father were accurate. He was incapable of…shall we say…keeping it in his pants,” Mia said softly. “Jane is…she’s beautiful…and brilliant. She is a security expert for the computer company.”
“See, daddy?” Scarlet held up the little digital camera when Lucas opened her buckles.
“Mia…okay, she’s identical,” Lucas took the camera and peered at the image on the screen. “Different haircuts, but…wow.”
“We are about a year apart in age,” Mia said with a sigh, sliding to the ground and lifting the pack from the floor.
Mia laid out dinner around the table, seating Scarlet in her chair and serving. The table was set by the time Lucas came back from his shower, striding into the kitchen to help carry things out.
“You’re quiet tonight,” Lucas remarked half way through the dinner, watching Scarlet maneuver the spaghetti onto her fork.
“I think the last three weeks has all caught up with me at once,” Mia answered honestly. “Grand’Mere used to tell me that complications to your life rarely wait in line.”
“I can understand that,” Lucas said, rising and slowly cleaning the table, loading the dishwasher. “I appreciate the food…in case I forget to mention it.”
“A cook likes to be appreciated,” Mia went for a cloth, carefully cleaning the toddler face and setting her free to run to her bedroom.
“Maybe it’s time to change the word, Mia,” Lucas led her to the sofa and onto his lap. “Perhaps to opportunity. To learn and to grow…maybe change…three weeks ago, it was just me and Scarlet. Now…she’s got relatives and friends…I honestly wasn’t sure how to handle it at first. Maybe some dad thing about wanting to keep your baby all to yourself. But I know that’s not best for her…”
“She is so very eager to learn new things, Lucas,” Mia laid her head on his shoulder, cuddling down against him with a long sigh. “To be honest, she is handling the new opportunities much better than I think we are…”
Chapter Thirty-Nine
Cassidy and Mia stood at the double doors to the large, old home. Mia was sure her stomach had stopped talking to her. While her brain thought this was a good idea, other parts of her were not in agreement. They had worked out their plan, with Cassidy following to capture everything on video.
“Creepy looking house,” Chloe mentioned in Cassidy’s ear, very aware of the little girl clinging to Mac at her side, watching everything unfold.
“Mia Santori and Cassidy Parker to speak with Miranda Felstone,” Mia declared when the wide door was swung open. The woman stepped to the side, gesturing them into the dim foyer.
“Wait here, please.”
Cassidy pulled a small powerful light from her pocket, aiming it around the area.
“There! See!” Scarlet pointed, her voice low and shaking.
“Scarlet says it’s there,” Chloe relayed, squinting and trying to see where. “Aww...you gotta be kidding me…Cass…check under the stairs…”
“Scarlet…I need air…” Mac gurgled when the little arms tightened considerably.
“Come on, kid…let’s go play games,” Jane took her and disappeared down the stairs at a careful trot.
“Okay…Jane took Scarlet out of the room,” Chloe told them.
“Got it…” Cassidy dropped to her heels, the large keyhole visible.
“Can you open it?” Chloe asked.
“Please…who you talking to here?” Small tools appeared in her fingers, working the lock carefully.
“Great…my girl’s a B&E specialist,” Mac groaned to Chloe’s chuckle.
“Small, dark…no light,” Mia shook her head. “Musty smelling…one tiny chair…”
“To keep her prisoner?” Cassidy stood up slowly, shining the light.
“I don’t believe so,” Mia said softly. “I believe to protect her.”
“Protect her?” Cassidy repeated, stepping back and closing the door quietly.
“Who are you? What do you think you’re doing in my house?” Miranda Felstone appeared on the other side, drawn up stiffly and glaring at the younger women. “Get out…get out of here immediately.”
“I want to speak with you,” Mia said as if she hadn’t spoken. “Can we go someplace private, please?” She glanced pointedly at the housekeeper.
“I have nothing to say to you!”
“I think we should talk, Miranda. About Jessica…and your husband,” Mia spoke quietly, her fingers crossed that she had interpreted the clue correctly.
Cassidy stood quiet, watching the instant and myriad collection of expressions cross the older woman’s face. If possible, she drew herself a little stiffer, her eyes filled with anger.
“This way,” Miranda led them toward a set of double doors, walking stiffly into the large room and sitting behind the Victorian desk. Her hands were clenched tightly on the surface. “Are you after money?”
“No,” Mia didn’t wait to be asked, sitt
ing on the sofa and watching her carefully. “I want the truth. I want peace. I want to know why you continue to cause trouble for Lucas. You don’t want Scarlet here,” she smiled sadly. “Which is a shame. She is a truly delightful child to be with, Miranda. Does she look like Jessica?”
“She is identical to her mother,” Miranda answered after a very long silence, her head shaking. “So perfect…”
“You frighten her,” Mia told her softly.
“I am protecting her,” she declared, the softness in her memory fading, changing back to the bitterness that wouldn’t leave her alone. “You’re young. You don’t realize…”
“Lucas is not your husband, Miranda,” Mia kept her voice low, firm. “How old was Jessica when he forced himself upon her?”
“How dare you!” She stormed to her feet, hands flat on the desk top. “How…get out! Get out of here!”
“That is what happened, isn’t it, Miranda? Your husband…Jessica’s father…sexually assaulted her,” Mia felt her stomach turn, forcing her shoulders stiff and refusing to back down. “You believe you are saving Scarlet by taking her from Lucas.”
“How old was Jessica, Mrs. Felstone?” Cassidy asked quietly.
Miranda looked from one woman to the other, her head shaking numbly. Her hand shook when she lifted it from the desk to touch her lips. It had been so long ago. There had been no one to tell. No one to talk to.
Cassidy and Mia watched as she seemed to deflate before their eyes. Cassidy scanned the room quickly and went to the door, opening it and calling out.
“Bring some ice water to the library with glasses, please,” she knew the woman would be listening and left the door slightly open. They could wait. The anger in the woman’s eyes had faded, replaced with a pain that would never leave her in peace.
She asked no questions, merely brought a tray with a large pitcher and three glasses. Cassidy closed the door and poured the water, handing it to Miranda who took it without really seeing anything.
“Where is your husband, Miranda?”
WindSwept Narrows: #2 Cassidy, Abby & Mia Page 29
