Secrets (28 page)

“Stop. Stop right there. Do you know how much it hurts to learn you've worked with Carter? You've hurt people. You've killed. You've stolen jobs and made people homeless. You didn't do that for me, Dad. You did it out of greed and ego. You did it to create power and wealth for yourself.”

His father crossed his arms over his chest and his right knee over his left knee. “I just don't know what you're talking about.”

“Oh my God!” Casey's mind raced. “You're not going to admit anything, are you? Dad, I know what you've been involved in. I know you're lying to me right now.”

“Casey.” His dad stood tall, innocent eyes shining down on him. “Keep this focused on just us. No matter what, I love you and I'd do everything to protect our relationship.”

Casey stood, his muscles aching to run away and deny the truth of his father, his idol, one of his best friends in a world where he'd had few. “If you can't be straight with me, there is no longer any
us.”

A sob escaped his mother's throat. “Casey, we love you. When you called and said you had some issues to discuss, you sounded so detached. It hurt. Please, sit down.” She turned to her husband. “Tell him.”

His father rubbed the top of his head and stared at the floor. Suddenly, his shoulders drooped and his face crumpled. “You deserve to know the truth. To know everything.” He shook his head.

Casey stiffened on the couch. Was there any hope he could stomach his dad's confession?

“I was telling you the truth when I said everything I've done has been to protect you and take care of you.”

“I heard you. That's about money. Do you think that matters more to me than integrity and compassion?” His heart hammered in his chest, indignant.

His father held up his hand. “No, that's not what I'm talking about.”

Michelle squeezed his leg and gave him a pointed look.

“Let him speak, Casey.” His mother's voice was firm, but gentle. “You asked for the truth, listen.”

He settled back into the couch, tension slithering inside his gut.

“When your mother and I first married, times were very tough for us. My parents initially ousted me from the family and the colony. I'd broken a primary rule by marrying your mother. Your mother had finished her degree but I was still in grad school.” His father shifted on the couch.

“So, hard times. Everyone has them.”

“It's not an excuse. I'm just telling you what you asked to know.” His father cleared his throat and looked down again. “Carter approached me. He told me a tiny investment into a group that was going to help Laurelwood prosper would yield not only good things for the community but boost my income.”

Casey's mother broke down into sobs. It plucked at his heart but he knew he hadn't heard the whole story yet.

“What I learned later was that Carter was power hungry and he was delving into research projects that would endanger humans and were-cats. I learned that as I got deeper involved with him.”

“And the money?” Casey was losing patience.

His father's eyes flashed lividly. “Yes, there was money coming in. But Carter knew about the existence of were-cats. His limited knowledge of were-cats scared me. He'd heard stories about were-cats and went in search to find one. He worked with doctors who belonged to him to get access to medical records. He learned that your mother and I had were-lynx genes. He assumed you had them, too, but I lied to him, telling him you didn't have the genes.”

Casey dropped his head into his hands. “Oh my God.”

Michelle sniffed. Casey looked down at her to see tears in her eyes, but she gave him a soft smile that assured him.

“So the investment you made paid off? You've lived a good life. I've been safe. End of story? I don't think so.”

“No. I didn't invest money. Carter told me my investment would come later, when it was needed.” He choked on his words, but struggled to continue. “I could see the effects of Carter's actions and the development of The Nexus Group. When your mother got pregnant, we decided it was time to separate from Carter.”

“Let me guess. He wouldn't let you. Threatened you. Is that about it?”

“Casey, he did that and more. But we were determined to start over.” He put his arm around his wife and Casey had the feeling they hadn't talked about their life with Carter much. “He told us our baby would be our investment and he had plans to raise the child as a protégé in his company and eventually involve the child in The Nexus Group.”

“That's crazy. Why your child?”

“Carter had an idea that the child would surely be a were-cat. Nothing I said penetrated his insane intentions. But your mother went into preterm labor. The doctor told us the baby hadn't survived. It was a terrible time for us. But we had each other and we had you.”

Michelle's soft touch on his arm soothed the sizzling anger seething just beneath his skin. He might have been wrong in his conclusions about his father.

“We realized we could never part from Carter. His connections infiltrated all aspects of living in Laurelwood. Doctors, politicians, police administors, judges. We discussed moving out of town but we knew he'd find us. As long as I stayed involved in some capacity, you and your mother would be safe. So yes, I've contributed to the development of horrific crimes, but all the while I was trying to do things that undermined Carter's endeavors.”

Tears blurred Casey's vision, but he brushed them away. His mind had no memories of Carter's interaction in his family's early life. He did remember his mother's pregnancy and subsequent loss of the child, but he'd never had reason to question it as anything other than a sad but normal event. “So now it's over? Carter's dead and you're free.”

“We haven't had time yet to wrap our brains around this development, his death. There is a lot to consider.” His mother dabbed her eyes, then folded her hands.

“And what about The Nexus Group?” Casey's brain whirled. There were still many questions.

His parents exchanged glances. “You've got to understand that we know very little about the inner workings of The Nexus Group. It's a very dangerous organization. Please don't make attempts to investigate it.”

“You're afraid of the group. But you're a member?”

“Yes, I'm a member. It's not something I'm proud of or ever wanted. I made some bad choices. And yes, we're afraid what the group might to do to us and you if we attempted to separate or report their activities to the authorities, who are probably connected to the group.”

Casey rubbed his fingers across his mouth, contemplating. “I want to believe you. I do. But why didn't you come to me, after I grew up, and tell me about the terrible fix you're in? I'm a PI, for god's sake. I could have helped. But no, you chose to keep your secret from me. I can't help but suspect there is more to what's happened than what you've just told me.”

“I understand. But I hope in time you'll be able to accept what I've said and forgive me for what I've done. I truly have been trying to keep you safe, son.”

Casey pulled Michelle to her feet. She stood close beside him and the warmth of her closeness reminded him he was beginning a new life with new ways. “Dad, Mom, I love you. If what you've said is true, I can understand your actions. But finding out the way I did, second hand and not from you, really rocked my beliefs about you. I need time.”

Sorrow pulled at their faces, but Casey could not simply act as though all was well.

“Okay, son. Thank you for hearing me out. I respect your need for space, but I hope to see you again soon.” His father wrapped an arm around his mother, as Casey led Michelle away. Away from his father, his mother, from the home of his childhood, away from all the corruption.

Casey walked with Michelle to his car and drove away, pain gripping every muscle in his body. That heartsick pain he couldn't get away from.

He heaved a deep sigh. “I've held my father in high esteem. I feel lost now.”

“You were right to listen and to take time to consider everything.” Michelle gave him a sad smile. “It could be true. And maybe the baby didn't die. It could be Kennedy. Why didn't you say something?”

“We don't know for sure if Carter was telling the truth. I'm not going to build up their hope and take it away if I find out Kennedy is not family.” Casey fisted his hands. “I feel so conflicted. My dad should have known better than to get involved with Carter. But if it's true, they've suffered so much.”

“The William Carter effect. It's horrific and almost never fails in its intent.”

“It really hurts.” His body sagged into the car seat.

“The sorrow you're struggling against will sink you, if you let it.” Michelle plucked at one of his dreads. “Giving it enough space to expand to its fullest height and breadth and then some more is the only way through to the side where you'll find peace.”

“You sound as though you know a thing or two about deep pain.” He didn't smile at her, but inside he felt the smile in his heart that was Michelle blooming.

“You're such a good man, Casey. I'm sorry your father has failed you.” She caressed his leg and let silence lie between them.

He believed her words, but he couldn't let loose the depth of his loss of beliefs until other matters were resolved. “I called a meeting this morning of my colony. I'd like you to be there, if you're willing.” He kept his eyes on the road and waited.

“Of course. I've been smack dab in the middle of all that's been going on in the last few weeks. Is that what the meeting is going to be about?”

“Yes. I'd hoped you would be a part of it.” He pulled into his driveway and up to his garage. The others were already inside. He could see they'd made themselves at home in the family room. He wished this gathering were purely social. Last night had been intense and they deserved some down time. However, it wasn't going to happen this afternoon.

In the kitchen, Casey pulled a bottle of water out for himself and passed one to Michelle. They took seats in the circle of chairs and couches in the family room. Casey rolled his shoulders, shifting his morning's confrontation to the back of his mind.

He thanked everyone for their work last night, then continued. “Lara, what do you have to report about the cats? Any troubles with their health?”

“Blood tests show some have a predisposition to respond to the type of drug Carter filled them with. So those with that predisposition exhibit symptoms. Fortunately, we got them out of his project before the enhancements created deformities. Some who don't have the same genetic predisposition have degrees of organ damage. I'm giving them B12 injections to help them get through withdrawals.”

“Will they need observation for a while?” Michelle sat on the edge of her seat.

“Yes. Nothing is contagious. They don't have any diseases other than the typical ones homeless cats get.” Lara exchanged a pointed look with Casey.

“I know, Lara. We have to work with Kennedy, gently. We can't just abandon her nor can we interrogate her. We have to wait to find out her story.”

Lara nodded. “Yes, we have to go slowly. She went into shock yesterday and she's recuperating at my house. That's why Asher isn't here. He's keeping an eye on her.” She looked out through the expansive windows for a few seconds. “Booker did an exam on her yesterday. She's healthy, but we need more testing.”

“That's right. I did just a basic checkup.” Booker tapped his fingers on the arm of the couch. “We have no idea at this point what she's been through.”

“We're going to have to do a DNA test on her to determine family connection. I need that. I'm sure she will, too,” Casey said.

“It makes sense,” popped up Booker. “We don't know anything about her. And we surely wouldn't take Carter's words at face value. We can do a sibling test.”

“Dr. Booker,” quipped Tizzy, using his official title, “how accurate is the sibling DNA test?”

“Typically the test identifies a number of genetic matches between true siblings. For siblings who carry inherited genes not commonly found in the general population, accuracy is better than ninety-nine percent.” Booker turned toward Casey. “We wouldn't need your father's cooperation.”

“She can stay with me as long as she needs to, but we need a long-term plan, once we know more.” Lara pursed her lips. “We could take turns hosting her if that's a better short term solution. We've got to think of what's best for her and the group. We don't have any reason to trust her yet.”

Asia nodded. “Yes, we have no concrete proof of her loyalty or state of mind. But I don't feel that means we automatically distrust her.”

“That is how we operate and it has kept us safe,” Conrad pointed out.

“We seem to have opened our lives to Michelle and her friends without much concern about possible damage.” Tizzy tilted her head and arched her brows. The room got suddenly very quiet.

“Different. Casey and I both already knew them. Don't make this about moggy versus pure, Tizzy.” Lara shook her head and flashed Tizzy a disgusted look.

“I'm grateful for the trust you've put in me.” Michelle's expression and deep blue eyes shined gratitude. “I imagine you relied on your instincts, something you all seem to be skilled at. When you have gathered the information you need about Kennedy, you'll do so again.”

“Good point, Michelle.” Asia smiled at Michelle, then aimed it at Casey.

“The news is calling Carter's death an accident and Walker is taking the blame for it.” Casey glanced down at the floor, trying to control his emotions. A leader of a colony of were-cats does not cry in front of the members, even over the death of another of his kind. Michelle put her hand on his leg and rubbed lightly. “I'll talk with Jackson and probably Sterling and Lacey and take care of Walker. He was involved in the study but he kind of redeemed himself last night.”