MemoriesErasedTreachery

by Charlie Richards

  "Tell me about it." Ewyn turned to Devin. "What do you know about the Corbetts?"

  "Nothing about the family, and only minimum about Christopher," Devin said. "He's the standard most Ops want to achieve, and there's a younger brother with the company. Why?"

  "According to Kris, her family has been through hell." Ewyn went on to repeat what he had learned about the Corbett family. "Can you believe people hold grudges for so long?"

  "Oh, yeah. Ask Mick and Tag. The FBI deals with that type of crime more than we do. We're the solution. Once it's brought to our attention, the cause is irrelevant, the issue no longer problematic," Devin stated. He grabbed Ewyn's hand, fingers linked. "If you had been involved in your family's business, you would be very familiar with the art of vendetta."

  "Yeah, I guess. But Greg didn't use the old school mode of operation from Dad's generation. I didn't think it still happened."

  "Sure it does. A lot more than people imagine, and it's not mob specific."

  "I assumed our family drama was unique." Ewyn snorted. "Kris challenged my assumptions."

  "So, you're referring to her as Kris."

  "You know me, Dev." Ewyn squeezed Devin's fingers. "Once I calmed down, I realized I shouldn't have taken offense. I would have been as defensive if a stranger had accused you or Greg of something."

  "I hear you, and speaking of defensive, Christopher wants in on the investigation, because he doesn't believe it's a coincidence--the girls being identical. He's convinced the odds they're not related are astronomical."

  "Yeah. Seeing the girls together, and Kris having a twin brother, it's a given Kieki is part of their family, which complicates the investigation. It takes Kieki's father off the suspect list, huh."

  "Right." Devin gave Ewyn an edited version of his conversation with Christopher. "I've invited them to the party at the estate."

  "Good. The sooner we remove the paternity issue from the table, we can move to other possibilities. We'll have more resources to operate with, and definitely more protection for baby-girl." Ewyn remained quiet a moment. "So he's suspicious of CeCe's death, too."

  "Not so much suspicion as conjecture." Devin pulled up in front of Black Angus and parked. He unfastened his seatbelt and turned to Ewyn. "Once we've verified paternity, it may be hard on Kieki, not knowing who to call daddy."

  "I considered that, and where she'll live full time." Brow furrowed, Ewyn nibbled his bottom lip. "Suppose her father wants her to live with him."

  Devin cupped the stubborn chin in his palm. "Listen. This I promise you. Nothing changes until Gregorio returns. It will be his decision, and I hope they won't fight it."

  "I don't know, Dev. Except for Kris' dad, they're all attorneys. They can make trouble."

  "And alienate Kieki?" He leaned over and kissed the soft lips. "I don't think so. She only knows our family. They'll have to slowly integrate themselves into her sphere…her comfort zone."

  "Oh, yeah. Didn't think about that."

  Devin watched Ewyn's smile light up the green-eyed gaze. Ewyn gave him a quick kiss, released his seatbelt, and stepped out of the vehicle. He opened the rear door, reached inside and unfastened Kiera's safety harness, then gently shook her awake. As if spring-loaded, the thick-lashed eyelids popped open and vivid grey eyes peered around in wonder.

  "I'm hungry, Ew."

  "So let's go have lunch, then dessert--cake and ice cream."

  "Yaay!" she squealed as she wiggled out of her car seat and threw herself into his arms.

  Devin came up beside them just as Ewyn put Kiera down. Holding hands, with Kiera skipping along between him and Ewyn, they entered the restaurant.

  With Kiera asleep in his arms, Devin followed Ewyn out of the elevator. Eyes fixed on the wiggle of Ewyn's tight little ass, he watched baby-boy juggle doggie bags and gifts while trying to retrieve the door key from his pocket. If he weren't enjoying the view so much, Devin would have handed his keys to Ewyn.

  The door to the other condo swung open and Mick emerged, dressed in jeans, a polo shirt, and armed. He hurried to assist Ewyn, taking the packages from him. "Our baby-girl must have had a rough day," Mick said.

  "Rough is an understatement." Ewyn laughed as he unlocked the door and stepped inside. "Let me put Kieki down for her nap, then Dev and I will fill you in on everything."

  "Yeah, Tim called." Mick snorted. "Gave me the relevant details. Baby-girl has a mean right hook, huh."

  Devin grinned. "More of a good body-tackle, but her opponent was no slouch." He handed Kiera to Ewyn. "The excitement of riding the amusements at Pharaoh's Theme Park for the first time, she's out for the count."

  "Good thing, since she'll be up late tonight." Ewyn headed toward the bedrooms.

  Devin joined Mick in the kitchen. While they repackaged the leftovers and put them away, Mick repeated what Timothy had learned about Christopher and his family. Some of what he said confirmed what Kristen had told Ewyn. Tasks complete, Devin grabbed a bottle of water and a beer from the refrigerator. He and Mick had just seated themselves at the table when Ewyn rejoined them.

  "She never stirred, not even while I removed her jacket and shoes. So what have I missed?"

  "Nothing. We just sat down," Mick told him. "So we have a father for Kieki and he's not Nicole's husband."

  "We're missing something." Devin recounted his conversation with Corbett. "We need to concentrate our resources on verifying Cecilia's death."

  "Oh yeah," Mick agreed. "Until we do, she'll remain a distraction. Personally, I don't think she survived, but…" He shrugged.

  "I hear you." Devin glanced at Ewyn expecting a retort from him. With his elbows on the table and his head propped up by his hands, Ewyn dozed. Devin motioned to Mick who snorted.

  "Guess Kieki wasn't the only one who wore herself out," he remarked. "I'll leave you to him. I need to scout around outside."

  "What's up?"

  "Went for my run this morning and a car parked across the way caught my attention. The occupant was sitting there reading the newspaper--on the side of the road, out here, uh-uh." Mick stood and downed the rest of his beer before heading for the front door. "I couldn't get a good look, couldn't tell if it was a man or a woman, but I made note of it and went for my run. Car was still there when I returned, trotted over to check it out, and it sped away."

  "Get the license?"

  "Yep. A rental. I'm waiting for Tag to get back to me with the information." Mick opened the door and stepped into the hallway. "Probably nothing, but I want to be on the safe side."

  "Let me know what you find out."

  "Will do. See you tonight."

  Devin closed the door and returned to the kitchen to find Ewyn, head resting on crisscrossed arms on the table, sound asleep. He shook Ewyn awake. Confused green eyes peered up at him. "Hey, sleepyhead."

  Ewyn jumped up and looked around. "Where's Mick?" He grimaced. "Is it bedtime?"

  "No, it's late afternoon." Devin steered him toward the bedroom.

  "Oh." Ewyn climbed on the bed.

  Devin closed the door connecting to Kiera's room, strode over to the bed, and shucked out of his clothes. He sat next to Ewyn, who yawned and slumped against his side.

  "Maybe I need a nap, too, huh."

  "No doubt." Devin eased him back on the pillows. "After," he mumbled against the soft lips and slowly stripped Ewyn of his clothes. Mouths merged. He rolled onto Ewyn, nudged his legs apart, and settled between the firm thighs. With reluctance, he withdrew from the kiss and came up on his knees. Fingertips trailing down along the supple form, he soft-stroked the sensitive grooves between groin and thighs, watching Ewyn wiggle and his cock pulse.

  Hands coming to rest on the round curves of Ewyn's ass, he lifted the writhing butt off the bed and settled it on his thighs. Devin didn't think he would ever tire of seeing Ewyn this way, and his dick reacted to the sight, throbbing, leaking precum.

  "Dev…"

  Leaning forward, he reached for the lube, and whispered, "I want
to spend more time with you."

  "Uh-uh. Hard and fast, Dev." A slow smile altered the corners of his mouth. "Parenting clause--we're on the clock."

  Devin grinned, lubed his cock and the tiny hole flexing beneath his touch. He grabbed Ewyn's legs and placed them on his shoulders, then spread the smooth ass cheeks and made the breach.

  "Shh-yit, Dev!" Ewyn pulled his knees back toward his chest.

  "Oh yeah," he groaned. "Hard and fast works, baby. Give me what you've got." He reached over and folded his fingers around the head of Ewyn's cock, slick with precum, and worked his hand down over the shaft. Ewyn's hand clutched his, as he gently twisted and kneaded the silky smooth hardness, hand moving in rhythmic tandem with his thrusts.

  His orgasm building, Devin watched myriad emotions flickering in the jungle green eyes. He gritted his teeth to harness the growl wanting out as he shot his load, filling the snug receptacle with sperm. Ewyn's cum spurted, bathing his fingers in warmth.

  Ewyn strolled into the room and flopped down across the bottom of the bed. "You were right."

  "Always," Devin pronounced then ducked and caught the pillow hurtling toward him. He tossed it back on the bed and sat down.

  "Funny." Ewyn rolled his eyes. "I'm referring to Kieki."

  Before he could say another word, Kiera skipped into the room dressed in the very outfit she and Ewyn had fought over earlier. Complementing the color of her eyes, she wore a dove grey knit smock with a square neckline, empire waist, pleated bodice, and long sleeves with white cuffs. With her legs encased in white lace leotards, she had black patent Mary Jane shoes on her little feet, and two white ribbon bows held her hair in place.

  "Whoa, baby-girl. Don't you look pretty…what's up?"

  "Dev, my party." She rolled her eyes, looking just like Ewyn, and hopped on the bed next to Devin. "Ew say that little girl Niqui's comin'. She has Momma's name, huh."

  Eyebrow arched, Devin looked at Ewyn.

  "Kristen's daughter. Spelled N-i-q-u-i, not like Nicole's nickname."

  "Oh." Devin chuckled. "So Kieki has competition." He leaned over and tickled her.

  "Stop…Daddy!" she squealed and giggled, then jumped off the bed. "Messin' my dress." She smoothed her hands over her outfit, patted her hair, and flounced toward the bedroom door. "Time to go, Ew. Gonna get Mick."

  "Well, excuse me," Devin called after her. "I guess we'd better not keep her waiting, Ew."

  Ewyn pulled his cell off his waistband. "I'll let Mick know she's on her way over." With all the security measures installed, they never locked the front doors when Kiera was in residence, still… He flipped open his phone and pressed #2.

  Mick answered on the second ring. "She's already here, demanding we hurry up."

  "Got it." Grinning, he closed his phone and repeated what Mick had said.

  Devin nodded. "She's getting used to Mick following her everywhere, huh."

  "Oh yeah. Baby-girl is very observant. She knows to look for Mick if she is separated from me or Myce when she's out," Ewyn replied. "Myce is teaching her not to talk to strangers, and to scream if someone she doesn't know approaches her. She told Myce she would kick butt if a stranger touched her." Eyebrow arched, he stared at Devin. "I wonder who taught her that."

  Devin hooted. "She'll be fitted for her GPS tracker next week. Mick is getting it set up. With her starting Pre School only weeks away, we'll always be able to locate her."

  "Yeah." Ewyn sighed. "She's been talking non-stop about her special bracelet."

  "What? You don't think we should."

  "No, we need to do whatever it takes to assure her safety. It's just…damn it, I hate doing this to her. She's a baby, Dev. Her life shouldn't be so complicated."

  "True. But consider your family background, and the added complications of her becoming a target because she's a Corbett--they do have the drama dogging their asses, too." Devin raked his fingers through his hair. "Hell. She's already accepting Mick's constant presence. She'll learn to live with the surveillance just as all Calderone children have."

  "I know you're right, still, I hate it." Ewyn hopped off the bed, leaned over and gave Devin a quick kiss then headed for the door. "Let's go party."

  * * * *

  Devin entered the estate from the back road, stopped at the gates, input the code, and drove around to the garage. As suspected, cars filled the drive, so he parked the truck in front of the garage, climbed out, and left the keys inside. He went to the passenger side to get Kiera.

  "Lookit all the cars, Dev," she whispered as he set her on the ground.

  "Yeah, baby. You must be awfully popular." He chuckled, knowing she probably didn't know what he meant.

  Kiera giggled and skipped off toward the house, yelling back over her shoulder, "Hurry up, Ew. Gonna be late."

  Devin opened the front passenger door and looked at Ewyn, who had not attempted to get out of the SUV. "Hey, what's up?"

  "I don't know." Ewyn unfastened his seatbelt and stepped down. "Suppose I don't like Kieki's father, or her Corbett grandparents." He sighed. "She's going to have real family, Dev. Maybe she'll want to live with them."

  "Hey. You are her real family…you and Gem, all of us. Don't anticipate. I told you, nothing changes until Greg returns, and who knows when that will happen. By then, Kieki could be old enough to make her own decisions. Besides, they can't separate her from us totally. Greg is her grandfather, too."

  "I worry too much, huh."

  "Yes." He kissed the smiling mouth. "Let's go inside before baby-girl comes back to get us, and we know that won't be pretty."

  Laughing, they turned toward the house and entered through the kitchen. Tantalizing smells and a scene of bustling activity greeted them. Ewyn looked around, expecting to see Kiera.

  "She demanded Myce take her to meet everyone," Rosa said with a chuckle. "She didn't even stop to look at her cake." She smacked at Ewyn's hand when he tried to swipe a taste of the icing. "I see you haven't changed." She chased him from the kitchen.

  Grinning, Ewyn dodged her swat and hurried to catch up with Devin. He reached the family room, came to a sudden stop on the threshold, eyes widening, mouth open. For an older man, he had considered Christopher extremely handsome, but seeing all the Corbett men together…daa-yam. The entire Corbett clan sat or stood around the bar, while Timothy, positioned behind it, fixed and served drinks.

  Dragging his gaze away from the esthetic representation of the male species, Ewyn glanced around, noticed Kiera and Niqui sitting beside Gemma on the sofa, and headed their way. He'd made it halfway across the floor before Devin came up behind him and whispered against his ear, "Close your mouth, you're drooling."

  Startled, Ewyn flinched. Shit! With his libido focused on the Corbett males, he hadn't noticed Devin's presence. Heat strafed his cheeks as he turned and stammered, "Dev, I…uh, you don't think…"

  "Hey, no explanations needed. Minus the wide-eyed look and the drool, my reactions were the same," he teased and put an arm across Ewyn's shoulders. "It appears you're having the same affect on the Corbetts--men and women."

  "Which one is Kieki's dad?" Ewyn slipped his arm around Devin's waist.

  "Reddish-brown, sun-streaked hair, and the white-blond haired Adonis standing next to him is his father, Kieki's grandfather."

  "You're shitting me, right. How old is he?"

  "Hmm, if I were the jealous type--ouch!" Devin glanced down, eyes narrowing. "You know that deserves payback."

  Ewyn glared. "Devin…"

  "Okay. His name is Tristan and he's the baby of their family. Christopher is the oldest, and he's the youngest, so I'd say he's about forty-eight, forty-nine. The two of you should hit it off real well, baby-boy," Devin joked. "Since you're both computer geeks."

  "Hey!"

  Devin moved away before Ewyn could poke him again. "Sorry, can't stop. Our favorite detective just arrived and he's looking lost." He winked. "I'd better go greet him."

  Kiera hopped off the sofa, yelling, "Daddy, Ew!"
She grabbed Niqui's hand, tugging her along. "C'mon, Niqui, see my daddy and my Ew." As the two girls approached, in the unmodulated voice of a child, Niqui bellowed, "How come you don't have a mommy?"

  Kiera skidded to a stop, and Ewyn tensed. The whole room went silent as if everyone held their breath, and Ewyn had the sensation of viewing the entire scene as time-lapse photography.

  Head cocked to one side and her little brow puckered, Kiera looked at Devin and Ewyn, then turned and stared across the room at Niqui's mother and father. Kristen started to move away from the bar, but one of the other women grabbed her arm. Mick and Taggart stopped mid-stride on the family room threshold. Ewyn started forward, intending to intervene, but a glance at Gemma, who shook her head and mouthed the word, don't, kept him in place. He sensed Devin moving up behind him.

  A few minutes passed before Kiera turned back to Niqui. "How come you only have one daddy?" She giggled. "I have two. C'mon. Dev, Ew…this is Niqui!" She ran up to Devin and raised her arms. A collective sigh, then an explosion of sound filled the room, everybody talking at once.

  Devin scooped up Kiera and hugged her tight. "Happy Birthday, baby," he whispered and kissed her smiling mouth.

  "Dev." She sighed, rolled her eyes, and placed both hands on his cheeks. "Big girl now, not a baby." She kissed his nose, then reached out for Ewyn and put her arm around his neck. "See, Niqui, two daddies." She giggled. "Hold Niqui, Ew," she demanded.

  Ewyn smiled down at Kiera's look-a-like, who surprised him by raising her arms. He tensed, but carefully picked up the child. She wrapped her little arms around his neck and he relaxed, then returned her hug. She kissed his cheek.

  "Hello, Ew."

  "Hello, Niqui."

  Kristen came across the room and surprised Ewyn by hugging him, too. Grinning, she took her daughter from his arms and set her down. Devin put Kiera down and the two munchkins skipped away, giggling.