Second Chance Rancher (16 page)

Laurel grinned, too. “You get to be Addy's full-time daddy?”

For the first time in months he had hope that he could have a life with his daughter. He looked at Laurel. Was it possible to have it all?

* * *

L
ATER
THAT
EVENING
, an exhausted Laurel had finished her training with Ruby Ridge and was headed upstairs to her apartment. She'd been invited back to Kase's house for supper, but she'd declined, knowing how busy her day had been and how badly she needed some sleep.

Before she left Kase, she had him call Allen and Jacobs to get the official documents on the account. Then she'd be off the hook.

There was no doubt that Ben Chappell was involved, along with the bank that held the money. No one else had access to the funds. Now Addy didn't have to leave her father, and Kase didn't have to leave Hidden Springs. Maybe they all could have a future together.

Her cell phone rang. Her heart sank when she recognized the number. “Hello.”

“Hello, Laurel. Did you get the money?”

She stiffened. “Jack. Where are you?”

“I just wanted to say I'm sorry and I hope you'll forgive me.” Then the connection ended.

Great. She didn't need this today.

She heard a knock on the door and her heart pounded in her chest. “Oh, God, no. Please don't be Jack.”

She looked through the peephole and was relieved to find Kase on the porch. She unlocked the door, opened it and didn't give him a chance to say anything before she launched herself into his arms.

“Wow, I like the greeting.”

She was trembling. “Sorry. It just...” She held out her phone. “I got a call from Jack.”

He stepped inside the apartment. “What the hell? When?”

“Just now. When I heard the knock, I thought it was him. He only said ‘Did you get the money?' and ‘I'm sorry.' Then he hung up.”

Kase checked the number, then walked to the kitchenette and made a call to his PI to give him the information. “My guy is going to try to trace the number.”

Laurel hated that her past kept causing trouble. “I'm sorry, Kase. You have enough on your mind right now.”

He shook his head. “What are you talking about? It's thanks to you, for pointing out the deficit in Addy's account, my problems could be over. I don't think Ben can explain his way out of this. Even if he can, just my investigating into the loss of Addy's trust money will have his clients questioning his ethics. That could mean the demise of the law firm.” Kase frowned. “I got a hold of Jacobs and he sent the entire account information to my lawyer. So we'll be prepared for court tomorrow.”

“Was Mr. Jacobs upset that I gave you the information?”

“He doesn't know, Laurel. Even if he did, you didn't do anything illegal by giving me the account records. You caught the oversight. I wouldn't have learned about it until next week. By then, Ben could have been awarded custody of Addy.”

She finally smiled. “I'm glad I could help.”

He gave her a quick kiss. “Me, too.”

“Now, I still have to go to Denver tomorrow. Sam and I plan to meet with the Chappells and their lawyer. I want you to go with me, Laurel, mainly because I don't want Addy to be afraid. If you can watch her, I'm planning to confront Ben. What he did was embezzle money, and at the very least he could be disbarred and lose his law practice.”

Laurel was curious. “I thought the Chappells were wealthy. Why would he need to take Addy's money?”

Kase shrugged. “First of all, Judith comes from money. The Kirsch family struck it big in gold nearly a century ago and invested wisely in many more enterprises over the years. Ben built his law practice himself, and he's done well for himself. But it's a large firm. You lose clients and their hefty retainers, and that can be a game changer. When I wanted to make partner, I was told over and over to bring clients into the firm. There's a lot of overhead with a high-rise downtown office.”

“So are you going to send Ben to jail?”

Kase pulled her close. “I don't want that, but if I have no choice, I will. No one messes with my family.”

Chapter Sixteen

The next day, Laurel got up at 5:00 a.m., did a few chores, let Chet know she'd be gone for the day and asked him to take over her training schedule.

She could see her foreman wanted to question her, but he only nodded and went on with his business. She knew she was putting her business second, but all she could think about was that Kase and Addy needed her. Everything else would have to wait.

After a quick shower, she dressed in dark jeans and a blue oxford cloth blouse. She doubted she had to do much more than watch Addy, so this outfit seemed the most practical. After grabbing a lightweight sweater, Laurel was waiting on her apartment steps when Kase drove up at six thirty.

When she heard Addy's fussy cries, she climbed in the backseat and kissed the child hello.

“Now, let's get you and your dollies comfortable.” Laurel arranged the child's favorite blanket around the safety seat to support her head. She stroked Addy's arm and hummed one of her favorite songs until the child went back to sleep. Then there was silence in the car.

Kase reached a hand back and touched Laurel's knee. “Thank you,” he whispered. “You're a miracle worker.”

No, she just cared about this child. She leaned forward and said, “Addy is just afraid. She can see your worry.”

“I guess I didn't do a very good job of hiding it, or preparing her for this trip. Damn Ben,” he hissed. “How could he put her through this?”

Laurel placed her hand on Kase's, loving the connection to this man. She hoped he knew how much she loved his child. “Hopefully, today will put an end to that worry and you can move ahead with your lives.”

His gaze met hers in the rearview mirror. “I hope you know I want you involved in those decisions, too.”

Laurel wanted that, too. She wanted to dream about a future with Kase and Addy. But there were still many things that needed to be resolved. “Why don't we table this discussion? You need to concentrate on today.”

“Not for too long, Laurel. I'm tired of living in limbo.” He turned his attention back to his driving.

Laurel tried to nap like Addy, but she couldn't seem to stop thinking about a possible future with Kase. Could it really happen?

There were things still standing in her way. She needed to repay her parents and Trent. Although Trent and Rory both told her she wasn't responsible, she knew she was the one who'd given Jack the password to the escrow account. Her father entrusted her with the finances of the project, and she screwed up big-time.

* * *

O
NCE
THEY
ARRIVED
in Denver, Kase took them to Emma's Café, just walking distance from the courthouse. Best part, Addy was happily distracted coloring the picture on the kids' menu. He looked across the table to watch Laurel avoid eye contact. Maybe he was conjuring up problems, but something was bothering her.

“Laurel, what's wrong?”

She shook her head, then glanced down at the child next to her. “Just want this over with. I think we'd all feel better.”

Kase blew out a breath and glanced at his daughter. He wanted Addy's happiness above everything else. For the first time since this custody battle began, he felt they might be able to start building a life in Hidden Springs.

He took her hand in his. “I want that, too.” His cell phone went off. “It's Sam.” He read the text. “He wants to meet with me.”

Kase texted him back.
At Emma's Café.

Sam replied,
B there in 5 minutes.

“He's coming here.” He glanced at Laurel. “I don't want to take Addy to the courthouse just yet. Maybe I should have gotten a hotel room.”

Laurel shook her head. “We've only a few hours to wait,” she said, keeping her voice in a quiet tone. “If it takes longer, I can always take Addy shopping, or even go visit the aquarium again.”

“Yeah, Daddy, I like the aquarium. I like to color, too. See my picture?” She held it up. “I was careful to stay inside the lines.” She smiled. “At school, my teacher said I did a good job and she gave me a star.”

“Great job, sweetie.”

Kase knew he couldn't keep hiding things from his daughter. If they could just get through today without a lot of drama... “Addy, I have to go back into court today and see your grandfather.”

Those big blue eyes locked on his, and his chest tightened. “I know, Daddy. Grandpa wants me to live with him and Grandma.” She shook her head. “I don't want to. I want to live with you. You tell him that, okay? Then we can go home to live forever and ever with Papa Gus and Laurel and Pops and Mimi.”

He didn't know what he did to deserve this child, but he couldn't let her down. “You're going home with me today, guaranteed,” he emphasized.

His child grinned.

He glanced at Laurel to see tears in her eyes. He took hold of her hand. “It's going to be all right.” He wasn't about to let his girls down.

His friend since college, also his lawyer, Sam, walked up to the booth. “Well, hello, little darlin'.”

Addy grinned. “Sam!” She reached out her arms and he picked her up.

“How's my favorite girl?” he asked.

“Good. I have a new friend at school.” She frowned. “Please don't make me go stay with Grandpa Ben again.”

He shook his head. “No way. You're going to go home with your daddy today.”

That produced a big grin from the child. Sam looked at Laurel. “It's good to see you again, Laurel.”

“Good to see you, too, Sam,” Laurel said. “I hope this is the last time here at the courthouse.”

He winked at her. “Thanks to you, I'm pretty sure this will be.” He looked at Kase. “You ready to bring down the bad guy?”

* * *

R
IGHT
AT
NOON
, Sam and Kase stepped off the elevator onto the floor of Chappell, Hannett and Caruthers, Attorneys at Law. Kase paused and looked around the prestigious law offices. The dark paneling, light-hued walls, plush carpeting and offices with names gold embossed on the glass doors.

At the large reception desk, the pretty blonde looked up. Slowly her smile faded. “Oh, Mr. Rawlins.”

“Hello, Jennifer.”

She seemed to be at a loss as to what to say. Sam stepped in. “We're here to see Ben Chappell and Charles Hannett. We have an appointment.”

Jennifer quickly glanced at her computer screen. “Yes, of course, Mr. Gerrard. They are expecting you in conference room one. Please follow me.” She took them down the hall. Kase knew where to go but let the woman do her job.

Jennifer knocked, then opened the door and announced them.

Letting his lawyer take the lead, Kase followed Sam inside to find Ben at the head of the table and Charles seated next to him.

Ben glared at him. “I told Charles I didn't want this meeting. You coming here was the only way I'd agree to it.” He glared at Kase. “So get on with it. Are you willing to end this court battle over Addy?”

“Never,” Kase said and sat down.

“Then there isn't anything else to discuss.” Ben stood. “Come, Charles, they're wasting our time.”

They had reached the door when Sam said, “I think you'll be interested, since it's about Addy's trust fund. Or we can save it for the judge.”

Ben swung around, his face red with anger. “You can't have access to her funds. Her grandmother set that account up when Addy was born. I'm her trust officer.”

“That's what we're here to talk about,” Sam said. “This hasn't been a matter for the courts. Yet. I thought I'd give you the opportunity to keep the matter...private. Just between you and Kase. I'm sure you want to think about your granddaughter's best interest.”

Charles spoke up. “Ben won't discuss anything without his lawyer present.”

Sam grinned. “That's fine with me.” He opened his briefcase and took out the manila folder. “We have records from Addy's trust account.”

“Stop!” Ben turned to his law partner. “Charles, I can handle this.”

The distinguished older gentleman frowned. “No, Ben, I can't allow you to talk with them without representation.”

Kase knew his father-in-law didn't want anyone to know about the disappearance of funds. Ben raised a hand to his law partner. “I said, I'll handle it, Charles. Please leave us.”

“I advise against this, Ben. But I'll go.” He walked out and closed the door behind him.

Ben glared at Kase. “How dare you go into Addy's trust.”

Kase wasn't going to let this man intimidate him any longer. “Sit down, Ben. It's time you listened.”

Seconds passed as if the man was weighing his options, but they all knew he had none. Ben pulled out the chair and sat down. Sam slid the portfolio across the table for Ben to see.

Ben shook his head. “I already know what's in the file.”

Kase sat across from the man who'd given him a chance to build a career. He was to be the firm's golden boy. He wondered if the marriage to Johanna had been part of the program. He didn't care about that, because he got Addy. She was the reason he was here.

“Not much left for your granddaughter, is there?”

Ben continued his arrogant attitude. “She'll have plenty from her grandmother. Hell, Judith is loaded.”

“Then why take from Addy?”

“It was just easier. Besides, I'm planning to pay it back.”

“Damn, Ben,” Kase began, “as a lawyer you knew you were breaking the law.”

Ben's hand hit the high-gloss table. “Do you have any idea how much work it is to keep this practice going? How many clients it takes?”

Kase couldn't feel sorry for Ben. “Maybe when you started losing revenue, you should have downsized the practice.” He glanced around. “You could have made a good living without all the fringe benefits.”

Ben sent him a long hard stare. “I don't need a lecture from you. I made you. I gave you opportunity. You couldn't even handle my daughter, or the exclusive clients that I sent your way.”

A few years ago, Ben's reprimand would have bothered him, but not anymore. “I cannot care less about the clients, but I'll regret not being able to help Johanna. Now Addy is without a mother.”

“Johanna was always a headstrong child,” Ben said. “She'd been a trial from the beginning.”

Kase shook his head. Good Lord. Didn't this man have any paternal feelings?

Kase couldn't take any more. “Well, I can't do anything about the past, but I sure as hell can see that my daughter's future is secure.”

“So sending her grandfather to jail will do that?”

“Don't make me out to be the bad guy,” Kase said. “You tried to take my little girl away from me. If I thought that you loved her and it was in her best interest, I could understand. But this was purely for greed.”

Ben looked defeated. “So now I lose my practice and get disbarred?”

Sam stepped in and began to speak. “Not necessarily. Although I advised him not to, Kase is willing to give you a second chance.” His lawyer slid a paper across the table. “You sign this and give up this fight to take Addy. You have two years to pay back the money you stole from your granddaughter's trust,” Sam said. “Also, make me the trustee of the account, or Kase, and no one will have to know about this.”

Again, Ben hesitated.

Kase had had about enough. “You're not going to win this, Ben, not once I tell Judge Steffen you're embezzling Addy's money. Whether he is a friend or not, he can't overlook this. I win custody, and you don't go to jail.”

“Take the offer, Ben,” Sam encouraged. “It's more than you deserve.”

* * *

I
T
HAD
TAKEN
nearly two more hours before Sam and Kase finalized the details of the contract. The court also had to be notified the Chappells were dropping the custody case. Once they'd walked out of the conference room, everything was signed, sealed and notarized, then Sam took possession for safekeeping.

Kase couldn't wait to get back to his daughter and Laurel. Earlier, he'd gotten a message from Laurel saying she'd taken Addy to the aquarium.

He couldn't wait to see them. “I can't thank you enough for helping me,” Kase told Sam as they climbed into a taxi. “You helped more than just representing me.”

Sam grinned. “All right, I'll bill you extra for all those late-night calls.”

They both laughed. “Go ahead. Today's results are worth everything. Name your price. How do you feel about a new foal?” He thought about the future horse that he shared with Laurel.

“I'll pass on the foal. There's a no-pet clause in my lease. But I wouldn't mind if you'd listen to a proposition I have.”

Kase studied his friend's suddenly serious expression. “Okay.”

“I have this venture I've been thinking about and I want to include you. How would you feel about practicing law again?”

* * *

F
EELING
BOTH
EXCITED
and anxious, Laurel kept a lookout for Kase as she walked Addy out of the Downtown Aquarium. He'd texted that he was on his way. After two hours of looking at sea creatures, even the mermaid show hadn't distracted the child. She wanted her father.

Kase hadn't been able to tell her much, only that he'd explain things when he got there. Why couldn't she get her heart to slow to a normal pace? Ever since Kase Rawlins had come back into her life, nothing had been calm and soothing.

She missed the days when she worked hard all day, and fell into bed at night exhausted from working her horses. Now she wanted to be with Kase and Addy. She wanted nothing more than to be a part of their lives.

Addy tugged on her arm. “Laurel, do you think the judge put Daddy in jail?”