Kestrel (Hart Briothers #3) (18 page)

“You
really are smart, you know.”

“Thank
you.” She winks at me.

A
few minutes pass and the doorbell rings. I answer it and Kolson and Jack are on
the front porch.

“Nice
pad here, bro.”

“Totally,”
Jack says.

“Wait
till you see the rest of it.”

We
walk to the kitchen where Carter is and talk a bit. Kolson is agog over the
state-of-the-art appliances and everything else the room holds. It would be
difficult not to be.

“Nice
kitchen.”

Carter
nods. “Do you cook?” she asks.

“I
don’t, but my wife does. She’d go crazy in here.”

“You
need to bring her down. When this is Kestrel’s, someone will have to cook in
here since he doesn’t.”

We
all laugh. Then Carter says, “Why don’t you show them the rest of the place
while I finish up in here?”

“Good
idea.” So off we go. It really is a prize package. But when we get to Ells’
room, I see Kolson’s eyes pop.

“She
has a kid?”

“Had.
She, along with Carter’s parents, was killed in the hurricane that hit here
four years ago.”

“No
shit?”

“Seriously.”

“That’s
awful,” Jack says.

“I
know. Carter really hasn’t changed anything in here, not to mention she’s had
it tough financially.”

Kolson
stares at me. “So, she lost her entire family?”

“Yeah.
She was away at a seminar when it happened.”

“Just
don’t let her see you as a huge dollar sign.”

“What
the hell is that supposed to mean?”

“Just
what it sounds like.
”

“For
fuck’s sake, would you look at the girl? Does she look like the type that would
do that?”

“Honestly,
no. She doesn’t even look like the type that would date.”

“Damn,
Kolson. She’s fallen on hard times. Maybe she can’t afford to buy clothes. I
remember a time when Gabby couldn’t. Why are you being so tough on her?”

“I’m
only trying to protect you. She already bosses you around like nothing I’ve
ever seen.”

“I
don’t need protection. I’ve done it for myself my whole life and I think I’ve
done a damn good job of it, so back the fuck off.”

Kolson
spreads his hand out and says, “Okay. I hear you.”

“Good.
Not another disparaging word about her.”

“None.”

“And
just a little FYI, I offered to buy her clothes, but she refused.”

“That
sounds like someone I know.”

“Yeah,
I thought it would.”

“What
happened to her husband?”

“She
never married the guy. It was an accidental pregnancy. And she never really
dated him.”

“What?”

Jack
is looking back and forth between us like he’s watching a tennis match.

“That
sounded awful, but it was one of those drunk things. I’m telling you way more
than I should. She was a nerd—her words, not mine. The guy took advantage
of her intoxicated state. He was a real piece of shit.”

“What
a shame. Cute kid,” Kolson says.

Jack
stands here, holding a picture of Ells, and says, “If one of my kids died, it
would absolutely kill me. Forever. I don’t think I could survive it. Poor girl.
I don’t know how she goes on every day.”

We
both look at him, because neither of us has kids.

“Come
on, let’s finish up.”

When
we get back to the kitchen, Carter is walking inside with a platter of food.

“Just
in time, I see,” I say, joking.

“Just
like a man,” she retorts. “Help me plate this up.”

We
all head to the dining room to eat. The guys go nuts over the fish. It is so
tasty and Carter just smiles as she watches everyone gobble up their food.

Carter
gives us a brief Charleston history lesson and tells us some about the
beautiful homes. Kolson is fascinated by them. He asks question after question.

When
he’s finished, Kolson announces, “This food was restaurant-worthy.”

“Why,
thank you,” Carter says.

“And
thank you for all the wonderful information about Charleston.”

“So?”
I ask.

Kolson
says, “So?”

“When
are you going to start house hunting?”

“As
soon as I can get my wife down here.”

We
all laugh. “I told you you’d be completely smitten.”

“I
am. You were right,” he says.

“Tell
Gabby as soon as I’m moved in, you’re all coming down. Better plan on spending
Christmas here this year.”

“It’s
a plan.”

Jack
and Kolson bid us goodnight and I want to collapse.

“Why
don’t you go upstairs to bed while I clean up?” Carter suggests.

“You
don’t mind? I can barely stand.”

“Go,”
she says and she points.

I
don’t wait for her to tell me twice. I brush my teeth and strip. My eyelids
slam shut before I know it.

***

My
phone alarm buzzes at six a.m. Thank God I had the presence of mind to set it
because I don’t remember falling asleep. I kiss Carter’s cheek, tell her good-bye,
and I’m out the door.

My
shower is quick and I’m on the road to the office. My phone rings on the way.
It’s my sister-in-law. Why does this not surprise me?

“Gabby.”

“Kestrel.
I hear you have a girlfriend.”

“Kolson
is like a gossiping old lady. Carter is not my girlfriend. We’re dating. That’s
all.”

“Not
according to your brother. He claims you’re very protective of her. And she
leads you around like a well-trained dog on a leash.”

“Fuck
Kolson.”

Gabby
laughs. “Is that all you have to say?”

Sighing,
I say, “No. You know I love my brother, but dammit, this is not his business.”

“He’s
worried about you.”

“Can
the two of you do anything else besides worry about me?”

“I’d
like to meet her.”

“Gabby,
we’re only dating. It’s nothing, really.”

“Kolson
says she’s different than anyone else he’s ever seen you with.”

Now
that makes me laugh because it’s the fucking truth. “You could say that.”

“He
told me about her family.”

“Yeah.
Pretty damn tragic.”

“Don’t
be a mercy date for her. You’ll end up hurting her and that will make things
worse for her.”

Leave
it to Gabby to punch me in the gut with a sentence. But then again, she always
manages to do that to me.

“Thanks,
sis. I’ll do my best. I’m pulling up to the office.
Gotta
go. Lots of love.”

I
end the call. My thoughts are all haywire now. She’s dead right on this. And
hurting Carter is the last thing I want to do. I’ve warned her, but she hasn’t
taken the bait. Do I need to force this issue? Why the hell did this happen to
begin with?

The
office is dark and empty as I enter. This is good. It’ll give me time to sort
things out. My head is much clearer now that I’m off the cough medicine. My
body feels much stronger today, too. An hour passes before Shayla gets here and
is followed closely by Kolson and Jack. We all get to work and Friday passes in
a blur. I tell the guys I’ll be here on Saturday to catch up. Jack is flying
home for the weekend to spend it with his family and Kolson is staying. He
decides to ride home with me.

“Wanna
grab some dinner?” he asks.

We
head to town to eat. I know he’s going to interrogate me tonight and I’m
prepared. As we sit at another stellar restaurant, which Charleston is famous
for, we order a round of drinks and peruse the menu.

“So,
what are your intentions toward Carter?”

I
raise my hands in the air. “I give up. Between you and Gabby, I stand no
chance.”

“What
do you mean?”

“You
know damn well what I mean.”

“I
don’t want this to be hostile, Kestrel.”

“Neither
do I.”

He
locks gazes with me. “I’m concerned.”

“So
I hear.”

“This
is abnormal behavior for you.”

“Have
you ever thought that maybe I’ve changed? Maybe I want to be different than I
was before?”

“Yeah,
but with her?”

“What?
Just because she’s not up to your standards, doesn’t mean she’s not up to
mine.” He’s making me feel like a child being scolded by their parent. “Look, I
don’t have to justify who I date with you.”

“I
realize that. I think this is somehow messed up.”

“I’m
messed up and will always be messed up.”

“Then
why don’t you choose someone who doesn’t have any issues?”

“I
like Carter. She’s brilliant, witty, and interesting. It’s unfortunate that
those things happened to her, but I’m not going to hold that against her,
unlike you seem to be doing. Which, by the way, I find odd, considering the unfortunate
upbringing we had. What if Gabby had decided to hold yours against you?”

The
corner of his mouth lifts. “Touché. I guess I deserved that.”

“Yes,
you did. Carter is different. And I like that about her. My worry is that I’ll
fuck
her
up and not the opposite. I’m not worried about
me
in
this equation.”

Out
of the blue he asks, “Have you slept with her yet?”

“Now
that is none of your business.”

“I
suppose it’s not. This house deal somehow blurs the lines though. I get the
feeling things will get weird, especially with her living in that carriage
house.”

“Kolson,
I’ll handle it.”

“Fine.
It’s your money, and your problem.”

“Exactly.
So what are you ordering?”

“I’m
going to ask for the chef’s recommendation.”

The
waiter stops by and takes our order after he delivers our drinks. Kolson is
verbose about the business; he’s ecstatic at how well things are progressing
and at the rapidity of it all.

“Kestrel,
I’ve gotta hand it to you. You were dead on with the choice of office
buildings. Had we gone with what I wanted, we would’ve outgrown everything by
the year’s end.”

“I
know. As it is, these may be too small in a couple of years.”

“But
there’s room for expansion. We can add on as we have plenty of property.”

“You
might be interested in this. Carter’s family owed a beach house on Sullivan’s
Island that was literally devoured by the hurricane. The only thing there now
is a vacant lot that she wants to sell. I was thinking that perhaps if you and
Gabby are interested, maybe we could go in together and build a place there. I
haven’t seen the lot, but she said it’s beachfront.”

“Seriously?
That’s something to consider. We could design a house with separate sides for
complete privacy.”

“Kolson,
that’s a great idea. And we could make a place for Mom, too.”

“Find
out where it is and let’s check it out.”

Our
food arrives and it’s delicious. Kolson comments about the restaurants here
again.

“My
understanding is that Mt. Pleasant has great ones, too. I haven’t had much
chance to get over there yet, since I spend most of my time down here.”

“When
you have restaurants dotting every block and within walking distance of your
home, why would you drive across the bridge?”

“One
day, I’ll be more adventurous.” We laugh as if driving over the bridge is in
another state, when it’s only a few miles away.

“Yeah,
when we have our place at the beach.”

“Truth!”

Kolson’s
rental apartment is on King Street, which is one block over from the
restaurant. So after dinner we part ways. I tell him I’ll pick him up in the
morning around eight for work.

On
the way home, I call Carter. She doesn’t answer so I leave her a message about
seeing the property on Sullivan’s. By eleven, when I don’t hear from her, I go
to bed. I know I need the rest and tomorrow will be another long day.

Chapter
Thirteen

Carter

It
has become abundantly apparent to me that I am completely out of my element
around the Hart brothers. They are wealthy.
Extremely
wealthy.
Kolson is beautiful. As tall as Kestrel, he’s blond where
Kestrel is dark. They are opposites of each other. Kestrel is broader and more
muscular than Kolson, yet Kolson appears to be much more standoffish. Or maybe
he just doesn’t like me. He makes me uncomfortable, like I’m a horse and he’s
examining me for flaws. He finds many, no doubt. He is the kind of man that
admires beauty in all things and he doesn’t find that in me. And that’s okay.
I’ve never thought of myself as beautiful. I’m plain and used to it. But when a
man like Kolson Hart inspects you, it makes you feel completely self-conscious
… naked and exposed. I did my best to cover it up and I hope it worked, but who
knows?

The
other man, Jack, is quiet and unassuming. I’m sure he’s different in the
business setting, but he let the brothers do most of the talking, only asking a
question about Charleston every now and again.

It
was a huge relief when they left and I was more than happy to find Kestrel
asleep when I went to bed. I’m not sure what’s happening between us, but I do
know I can never fit into his world. I can’t pretend to be like they are nor
will I ever hold a candle to that. Maybe Kestrel is right. Maybe I need to run
from him, but not for the reasons he says.

When
his alarm goes off, I pretend to fall back asleep, but I don’t. He quietly
leaves and then I get into the shower. There’s so much on my mind that the only
place I can think straight is the lab. I get to work early and stay there until
late. Kestrel calls but I choose to ignore it. When I listen to his message,
I’m not sure how to react. I do need to sell, but a part of me feels like the
Hart brothers are taking over my life. I need to tell him something, so I text
him the address so he can go on his own. He’ll probably think this is strange,
but when he calls, I’ll just say I’m busy.

Saturday
morning, as expected, my phone rings and it’s him.

“Hi.”

“You
don’t want to come with us?”

“I
can’t. I have work to do.”

“Actually,
we’re working today. We were going to stay in the office until about three.
Would that work for you?”

“No.
Why don’t just the two of you go? Then you can hash it out. You know, without
the third wheel. And you won’t feel uncomfortable talking about it.”

“You’re
probably right. Thanks, Carter.”

“Kestrel,
I’m asking 2 million flat. It’s almost a full acre of beachfront property. It’s
a good deal.”

“Why
so cheap?”

“Cheap?”

“Yeah.
What are the comps?”

“I
don’t know.”

“Before
you price it, you need to check. I’ll pay you whatever’s fair.”

“Okay.
Thank you.”

“I
would never take advantage of you. I know how important this is to you.”

Why
is he so nice?

“I
appreciate that. I hope you like it.”

“I’ll
call you.”

We
end the call and I sit there, thinking. This is really my way out, but do I
want to go through with this? If I sell this house, maybe I don’t have to. But
what will I do with the property? I have to pay those God-awful taxes every
year, which have nearly bankrupted me. No, I don’t have a choice. It’s
sell
all the way. Get out from this burden and move forward.

With
the sale looming before me, I look to the positive. I really do need to shop.
My wardrobe is atrocious. Maybe I’ll go and buy some jeans today and a few
tops. I need a couple of outfits to wear out to dinner and such. I pick up the
phone and call my friend Harper.

“Hey,
chica
. What’s up Doc?”

“You
in for some shopping?” I ask.

“Huh?
Is this Carter Drayton?”

“Ha
ha
, funny. I need some clothes.”

“I’m
always in for some shopping.”

“I
know but I can’t afford King Street. I was thinking Mt. Pleasant.” King Street
is where all the exclusive boutiques are located.

“Yeah.
Cool. What time?”

“Eleven?”

“Good.
Are you driving?”

“Yep.”

I
pick up Harper and when she sees me she comments on my hair.

“Oh
my God! I love it! When did you do it?”

“I
guess a couple of weeks ago. I got tired of the frizzy crap.”

We
head to the clothing stores in Mt. Pleasant. I buy a couple of pairs of jeans,
a few shirts and sweaters, a dress, two skirts, and tops to go with them.

“You
need shoes. I see a cute pair of booties to go with all. A neutral color,”
Harper suggests.

“Yeah?”

“Hmm.
And some tights for the skirts.
Yep. Let’s go to this
shoe store I know of that has great deals.”

She
directs me there and I end up with a pair of taupe booties, a pair of knee-high
black boots, and a pair of grayish flats.

“Now
you’re set,” Harper declares. “You have white T-shirts and blouses?”

“Oh,
yes.”

“You’re
good. And you’ll look great. But what’s the occasion?”

“No
occasion. I haven’t bought clothes in years. Just needed some.”

“Give
it up, girl. You’re not fooling me. The new hair and now all these clothes. But
please tell me you’re not seeing Simon.”

“Oh,
God, no!”

“Thank
heavens. We were all out last week and I heard him say your name.”

“My
name? What did he say?”

“I
don’t know. He was talking to James and I overheard him.”

James
was one of our mutual friends. We usually met once or twice a month for drinks
after work. I missed the last one because the people from StrongMeds were in
town and I had to go out with them instead.

“It
was probably some nasty comment, I’m sure.”

Harper
laughs. “Knowing Simon, you’re right. So, if it’s not Simon, then who is it?”

“Well,
the guy that’s buying my house has taken me out. Remember when I borrowed your
dress? That’s what I needed it for.”

“Really?
How interesting.”

“It’s
nothing.”

“Don’t
you lie to me Carter
Drayton.
You’re buying clothes
for the first time in four years so it’s more than nothing.”

“He’s
nice. That’s all.”

“Mmm
hmm. I’ll bet. His name.”

“What?”

“What’s
his name?”

“Kestrel.”

She
puts her hands around my neck and says, “Do I have to strangle you for
information? His whole name, please?”

“Kestrel
Hart.”

“Hmm.
Kestrel Hart. Why does that ring a bell?”

“No
idea.”

“So
what does Kestrel Hart look like?”

“Tall,
devilishly dark, and exceedingly hot.”

“Shut
it!”

“Exactly.”

Harper
grabs my arm and clamps down on it. “Have you done it with him yet?”

“Harper!”

“Answer
me!”

“Jesus.
Okay! Yes, dammit!”

“Why,
Carter Drayton, you little tramp. Sleeping with the enemy!”

We
both start laughing.

Then
she says, “I knew there was more to this shopping trip. Let’s go have us some
Bloody
Marys
to celebrate your end of celibacy!”

“Amen
to that!”

Only
there’s a dark shadow that falls because I may be entering another stage of it,
but I don’t dare share that with Harper. She hasn’t a clue about Ells’ room and
I won’t tell her. Nor will I tell her about the deal I made with Kestrel.

Later
that evening, Kestrel calls. He wants the Sullivan’s Island lot. But he said
he’s going to check into comps before he offers me a price. Of all things, he
thinks my asking price is too low. I call Uncle Foster, and he agrees. He
thinks it may be closer to 2.75 million. I’m shocked. It’s a good thing Kestrel
is a fair businessman.

***

A
crazy two weeks pass. Kestrel and I only chat on the phone because he’s been
out of town on business, and I’ve been underwater with my research. The StrongMeds
team is back, mucking everything up for me. They really don’t, but whenever
they pay me a visit, everything stalls. I’m planning on meeting my friends for
happy hour on Thursday after work. The team leaves on Wednesday and I work like
a fiend after they leave.

Late
Wednesday, something close to miraculous happens. In my research, I accidentally
stumble on a process I haven’t tried before. It’s a modulating shortcut I used
because I was so far behind. In doing so, it led me on a different pathway.
Thursday morning, when I picked up where I left off, I uncovered something I
hadn’t before. The results were surprising. I tested them again and again. I
kept getting the same results.

“John,
come take a look at this.” My tone was flat so he wasn’t expecting anything.

He
looked into the microscope and asked, “What am I looking at?”

I
repeated the process and let him watch.

“Is
this what I think it is?”

“Uh
huh. Human T-cells chewing up cancer cells, instead of what we usually see.
Watch again.” I repeated the process.

“What
did you do?”

I
explained about the shortcut I used to encode the cancer RNA.

“You’re
joking.”

“No.
I was behind yesterday so I did it to catch up and this is what happened.” I
force myself to contain my excitement.

“Carter,
explain to me in detail exactly how you did it.”

I
show him, step by step.

“There’s
no lysis,” he says in awe.

“I
think it’s because of the short cut. There isn’t time. My concern is that this
is
in vitro
.
In vivo
may be another story because of the time
differential.”

His
eyes brighten and he hops up and down, as he does when excitement bursts
through him. “We’ll deal with that. Right now, at least we have the process.”

“Yes,
one step closer, right?”

“You
are a genius, my girl.” He hugs me as he hops, which makes me hop, too. As a
result, we both laugh.

“We
have to come up with some type of mechanism to protect this from lysis.”

“Well,
the pharmaceutical companies did it for the penicillins when they developed
beta lactamase inhibitors. Remember how they added them to protect the beta
lactam ring? Maybe we can do something similar.”

“John,
you’re right! I need to call StrongMeds!” Now excitement rushes through me.
This may only be a tiny blip on the horizon, but it’s the beginning of what
could be a viable treatment for terrible diseases.

Grabbing
the phone, I place a call to Winston Miles.

“Winston!
It’s Carter Drayton. I know it’s Thursday and kind of late, but I need to talk
with your best biotech engineer. I stumbled onto something here.”

“What
did you find?”

My
explanation is lengthy and he wants to fly down tomorrow. I tell him I’ll be
waiting for him.

When
I glance at the clock, I see it’s seven-thirty.

“Oh,
hell!”

“What
is it?”

“I
was supposed to meet my friends at five-thirty and I’m always standing them up.
Damn!”

John
says, “Go. I’ll close up shop. See you early tomorrow.”

I
race out of the lab and hurry to my car in the hopes my friends are still at
our designated watering hole.