She rolled her eyes and clicked on the link to her genealogy website. The first thing she noticed was the blinking icon that signaled a new message.
Hi, Natalie—
Joe Miller here again. Hope you’re well. Not to belabor a point, but I did want you to know I had another DNA test run and I’m still getting the same feedback. So unless something is really screwy somewhere, I have to believe we are definitely half siblings. I’m hoping this doesn’t upset you in any way, and I will certainly understand if you don’t care to open what could be one enormous and potentially ugly can of worms on your end, but as I mentioned in my last email, I was adopted at birth, so it’s been a long twisty road for me to find any birth relatives. I will respect whatever decision you make. But if you want to explore this further, you can reach me at this e-address or call me at the number below if you ever want to talk (I wish!), but I won’t contact you again.
If I don’t hear from you, I wish you a beautiful happy life.
Joe
Without understanding why, Natalie burst into tears. If she’d ever had a brother, Joe Miller sounded exactly like the sort of guy she’d have wanted. She still wasn’t convinced, but she knew there was a conversation she was going to have to have with her mother. If her father had had an affair, or, more likely to Natalie’s mind, a child born of a relationship before he’d married her mother, Maggie should probably know. Under other circumstances, she’d be on the phone with Grace to figure out what to do. Tell Maggie? Delete the email and pretend she’d never gotten it? How would Maggie react if she discovered her husband had had a son she hadn’t known about? In light of Grace’s current drama, there was no way Natalie could discuss Joe Miller’s messages with her sister or her mother just yet. Their family had enough to deal with right now, but it was a conversation that would have to be had when Grace’s dust settled.
She still hadn’t decided whether to respond to the email, but as she locked the front door and made her way upstairs to bed, the thought that Joe Miller sounded like someone she’d like to know followed her every step of the way.
Chapter Twelve
MAGGIE
Maggie had flown into Flynn Law like an avenging angel, walking past the receptionist and going directly to George’s door, which she entered without her customary courtesy knocking and which she slammed behind her. But once she saw George—kindly, good-natured, soft-spoken George, Art’s best friend since law school—she lost a bit of her edge.
“George, we need to talk.”
“Good morning, Maggie. Somehow I knew I’d be seeing you today.” George greeted her with a warm hug and a resigned smile.
“So you know . . .” Maggie pulled a visitor’s chair closer to his desk while he seated himself in the one next to her.
“I know what I’ve heard, and what I’ve read. Now you tell me what the truth is, and we’ll discuss what we’ll do about it,” he said gently.
Over the next twenty minutes, Maggie shared everything Grace had told her.
George leaned his elbow on the desk and covered his face with his right hand. “I had no idea . . . oh, dear God, Maggie. I didn’t know all this was going on.” His face had drained of color. “I should have known. Should have been more diligent. I promised Art I’d watch out for her, and I failed him.”
“It isn’t your . . . wait, what do you mean, you promised Art . . . ?”
“Toward the end, Art confided he’d been picking up strange vibes from Zach. He asked me if I’d noticed anything different at the office, and I told him truthfully I had not. Though, in retrospect, I probably wasn’t the one to ask. You know I’ve never been one to socialize in the office or pay attention to gossip. I’m always the last person to know what’s going on in anyone’s personal life.” He added sadly, “Obviously.”
“Still the first one in and the last one out?”
George nodded. “Pretty much. This craziness, this thing with the paralegal—I honestly didn’t know.” The poor man looked so distressed Maggie felt compelled to lean over and pat him on the arm to comfort him. “I just didn’t notice, Maggie. I am so sorry. I let you all down.”
“Don’t be silly.” She gave his arm one last pat, then stood. “It isn’t your fault. The blame belongs on Zach and Amber. There are more issues at stake right now and steps to be taken to mitigate each one. First: this whole mess with Grace being revealed as the person behind this blog. I asked Timothy if he could determine who, if anyone, accessed Grace’s computer files, and surprise, surprise, he did.”
“Please tell me Zach did not hack into her computer.”
“Amber did. She discovered Grace’s hobby as a blogger and contacted the woman who reports for Philly News and Views Online.”
“Confirmed?” If anything, George went another shade paler.
“Absolutely. Timothy found where she’d even sent some of Grace’s emails and files to her own computer.”
“Then she’s gone. Not only is that unethical, it’s a federal crime.” He got up and reached for his phone.
“I agree. But if you wouldn’t mind, I’d like to be the one to break the news.”
“And that’s your right. But I’m calling the local FBI office. I have a neighbor who works in cybercrimes. We can’t give her a pass for breaking the law.” He plopped down in the chair behind his desk, suddenly looking every one of his sixty-three years. Maggie sat by quietly while he made the call. When this latest scandal began to make the rounds, Flynn Law would take another hit. The thought was sobering.
“We can expect a visit from my neighbor soon. We’re going to let law enforcement deal with this.” He shook his head. “More bad news for the firm.”
“I was just thinking that exact thing. But it can’t be helped. And of course this news will only perpetuate the story about Grace and her blog and all the reasons why she set it up in the first place.” Maggie rubbed her forehead, where a killer headache was taking over. “But of course there’s no way in hell we’re going to let that little snit get away with what she’s done,” Maggie said with more force than she’d intended. She continued, her voice softer. “Grace’s name has already been dragged through the mud. It’s Amber’s turn. At least my daughter didn’t break any laws.”
“I’m so sorry, Maggie. How is Grace taking all this?”
“Not well. Actually, you’ll be hearing from her soon, but I might as well tell you, she’s going to be resigning. She feels her ability to practice law in Philly has been greatly compromised, and her professional reputation has been ruined.”
“This is wrong, Maggie. So wrong. Art wanted . . .”
“Art isn’t here anymore, and Grace isn’t coming back. Which means there’s no longer a Flynn at Flynn Law.” Maggie took a deep breath. “Which brings me to the second issue we need to discuss.” Deep breath number two followed. “I’m sorry, George, but I’m going to sell the firm. Not the name, but the clientele. I’m not certain how all that will work. The best thing for everyone would be if you bought the firm and simply changed the name.”
He was silent for a very long moment. “Maggie, you have to know this firm is worth a fortune. And I don’t know that Art would have wanted me to take over.”
“Art did, in fact, want you to take care of his clients. You know he—and you—have represented some VIPs. They trusted him, and they trust you. One of the last long conversations Art and I had was about going forward with the firm. He said if for any reason I wanted to dissolve the business, I was to talk to you first and give you first right of refusal.” George started to speak, but she held up a hand to stop him. “He told me to have the business appraised, then offer it to you at a discount.”
“That’s . . . very generous, Maggie. But—wow, this is the last thing I expected today. I don’t know what to say.”
“You can take some time to think it over. But I would like to resolve it. I will be calling Jacobs and Biddle to appraise the business. I’d like to hold on to the building, though.”
Georg
e nodded. “Whatever you want, Maggie.”
“I’m hoping you’ll come around to the idea. There’s no one I’d rather have take over for Art, and it was his wish.”
“I need time to think about it. But are you sure . . . ?”
Maggie could see his wheels beginning to turn. “Oh, I’m very sure. Art told me I’d know when the right time is, and if this isn’t it, I don’t know when. He trusted me to use my best judgment, and I believe I am. In the meantime, until the appraisal comes back, we’ll keep this between us, if you don’t mind.”
“Not at all. I think if word gets out the firm is for sale, it could be detrimental. If anyone thinks this thing with Grace has diminished the value . . .” He stopped in midsentence. “Oh, Maggie, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to imply . . .”
She waved a hand in his direction. “No need to apologize. I thought the same thing myself. I’d never want Grace to hear me say it, but it’s true. The damage has been done. But when it becomes apparent that life is going on here, I think things will settle down.”
“Why don’t you suggest that Grace take a leave of absence instead of resigning? It doesn’t feel right that she should be the one to leave.”
“I agree it isn’t right, but she’s adamant that her career here is over.” Maggie stood and picked up her bag from the corner of the desk.
“What will she do?”
“That remains to be seen. I have a few ideas, but I haven’t discussed them with her just yet. One thing at a time.” She walked to the door. “And right now, it’s time for me to have a little chat with Amber and with Zach. I’ll stop back to say goodbye on my way out, but don’t be surprised if they come running to you after our little talk.”
“Oh, I hope they do. I can find her for you if you give me a minute.”
“I have a pretty good idea where to look, but thanks. See you in a while.”
She walked out into the hall and took a right, which led her past the break room, where several of the younger women were busy with the doughnuts and danishes someone had brought in. Maggie thought she heard Grace’s name followed by uneasy laughter, so she stuck her head through the doorway and said, “Morning, ladies.”
“Ah, hi, Mrs. Flynn.”
“Good morning, Mrs. Flynn.”
Maggie forced a smile and continued on her way, trying to think calming thoughts and practice deep breathing. The last thing she wanted was to come off like a shrieking banshee. There were other ways to get the point across. She didn’t want to add to the office gossip.
And then Mrs. Flynn came in and she was screaming and yelling and acting like a crazy woman. It was scary.
Nope. No scary crazy woman here. Only a woman who was in complete control of herself and her anger.
At Zach’s door, she paused. Hearing voices, she knocked once quickly, then stepped inside, closing the door behind her. A giggling Amber sat on the edge of Zach’s desk, his hand up her skirt.
“Well, good morning. Glad you’re together so I can take care of all my business at one time.”
Zach went white and removed his hand so quickly Maggie was amazed it didn’t snap off at the wrist. Amber took her time turning to the voice but jumped off the desk the second she saw Maggie.
“Mrs. Flynn,” Amber stammered.
Zach looked terrified, as if he knew the boom was about to be lowered. He wasn’t wrong.
“You.” Maggie pointed a finger at Amber and spoke slowly and calmly. “You are fired. Your last paycheck will be mailed to you. And if I were you, I wouldn’t bother asking for a recommendation from anyone associated with this firm.”
“What?” Amber narrowed her eyes as if about to take Maggie on. “You can’t fire me.”
“Ahhh, Amber . . .” Zach stood but looked as if he were about to pass out.
“She can’t fire me. She doesn’t even work here,” Amber snapped.
“Maggie . . .” Zach took two steps in Maggie’s direction, and she stopped him right there with a sharp, “It’s Mrs. Flynn.”
“Mrs. Flynn.” Still the color of paste, Zach swallowed hard. “May I ask . . . ?”
Turning back to Amber, Maggie ignored him. “The FBI will be here to talk to you in . . .” Maggie glanced at her watch. “About another twenty minutes, which should give you enough time to clear out your desk and check in with HR.”
“The FBI? What are you talking about?” Amber looked at Zach as if for support. He was strangely silent, so she turned back to Maggie. “I haven’t done anything wrong. And I certainly haven’t done anything that would require the freaking FBI.”
“Au contraire.” Maggie’s smile was lethal. “You hacked into Grace’s computer and stole some files.”
“That’s ridiculous.” Amber smirked. “You have no proof.”
“Actually, we do have proof. Dates, times, and files copied and sent to your laptop.” Maggie folded her arms over her chest and tried to project a calm she did not feel. “You’re welcome to ask the HR rep about that. She’s already been given confirmation, which I’m sure she’ll be more than happy to share with you.”
“Amber . . . did you . . . ?” Zach came around the side of the desk slowly. “Tell me you didn’t . . .”
“You used the information you stole to go to Amy Spinelli,” Maggie continued, “and you ruined my daughter’s career. You can bet your ass we called the FBI.”
Amber’s mouth dropped open.
“Amber.” Zach grabbed her by the shoulders. “You’re a paralegal. You know that shit’s against the law. It’s a federal crime, for God’s sake. What the hell were you thinking?”
“I was thinking I wanted her out of our lives.” She pushed him away. “I hate her being here every day, giving me dirty looks. Watching every move I make, hoping I’ll screw up somehow.”
“Well, you did,” he said. “You screwed up big-time.”
“You did indeed.” Maggie nodded toward the door.
Amber wet her lips, apparently readying a plea. “Mrs. Flynn, if I could explain . . .”
“You may not. Out, now, or I will call building security to escort you down to HR. I would think you’d rather walk out of here and make your way to the office on your own, but it’s your choice.”
Her eyes flickered from Zach to Maggie and back to Zach. “I’ll see you at home,” she told him as she left.
“But maybe not for a while.” Maggie walked behind her to close the door.
“Mag . . . Mrs. Flynn . . . ,” Zach began.
“Please don’t. Just listen.” Maggie fought to keep her voice level, but it was a battle. “You’re going to need to look for a job. You should probably start today.”
“I can’t be fired for falling in love with someone,” he protested. “I didn’t mean for it to happen. It just . . . happened.”
“Right.” She nodded slowly. “The heart wants what the heart wants, and all that.”
He nodded, perhaps for a tiny moment thinking she understood.
“Well, Zach, I’ll tell you what my heart wants.” Maggie leaned a hip against his desk. “My heart wants my daughter to be happy. My heart wants her heart to have not been broken by you. My heart wants her life to be sane again.”
“I never meant to hurt her. And you can’t blame me for what Amber did. I swear I had nothing to do with that. I never would have let her hack into Grace’s computer.” He swallowed hard, his Adam’s apple moving nervously above the knot of his tie. “Please, believe me. I’m not responsible for what Amber did.”
“I don’t hold you directly responsible for Amber ruining Grace’s career. But I do blame you for ruining her life.” Maggie was not going to give him the satisfaction of knowing all the ways his actions had affected Grace.
“I didn’t think she’d take the divorce as hard as she did.” He slumped in his chair, looking both confused and defeated.
Maggie laughed. “Really? Tell me how you thought she might take it.” She slipped into her Mama Bear persona and pinned him to his chair with her g
aze. “Come on, Zach, we both know you never thought about how she’d feel when her husband of ten years openly cheated on her in her own home. And make no mistake, Flynn Law is her home. But wait, make that almost ten years, and keep that thought in mind because it will be relevant in a minute. You didn’t care how she felt, Zach.” God, she even hated saying his name. “Once you realized this firm had not fallen into your lap—and thank God it hadn’t—there was no longer any reason for you to pretend to be in love with her. No reason to hang around if there wasn’t going to be a big payoff.”
“I didn’t think it would hit her so hard. And I didn’t think she’d act like a lovestruck kid who couldn’t let go, whiny and pathet—” The look on Maggie’s face told him he’d gone too far.
“I’ll tell you what I think. I think you had Amber in your sights for a while before my husband died. I think you stayed with Grace because you thought once he was gone, she would inherit the firm, and by ‘she’ you thought ‘you.’ That had been Art’s plan all along, by the way, that the firm would someday be Grace’s. That someday she would be the face of Flynn Law. But toward the end of his life, some little alarm began to ring. Something told him not to trust you. You, his brilliant protégé, the young man who showed so much potential. The man who wooed and married our daughter not for love, but for his own gain. You, who betrayed not only Grace, but the man who’d believed in you, who’d loved you like a son. Who welcomed you into his family and his business.” She had to stop and cover her eyes. Zach’s betrayal of her family—not only Grace, but Art as well—had been one of the most painful truths she’d had to face.
Maggie swallowed hard before continuing.
“So at the last minute, he left the firm in my hands to do whatever I thought best. And what I think is best is for you to be gone. You could wait until George calls you in, but I think you should be a man and leave on your own before Amber’s shit hits the fan.”
He flinched. Had she ever cursed in front of him before?
“Make some calls.” She straightened up. “You should want to get out in front of this whole Amber-hacking-into-Grace’s-computer story. Some people might suspect you put her up to it. A lot of them will believe that you did.”
An Invincible Summer (Wyndham Beach) Page 18
