“Kids,” he called out.
Rolling my eyes, I couldn’t help but smile when I spoke. “I found something.”
“Something good?” he asked.
“We think so.”
“Then lay it on me.”
“I found a picture of Beth’s dad, Martin Sullivan, standing with Samson,” I replied.
His tone grew serious. “That is good.”
"Samson looks young in the picture, maybe early twenties, but it’s definitely him.”
“We thinking Dad of the Year Sullivan had another illegitimate?” Kyle asked.
“That’s my guess.”
Kyle whistled. “Wow, that man does not buy into the whole monogamy thing, does he?”
Ethan chuckled. “Whole monogamy thing?”
“Yeah, I mean, I don’t subscribe to that either, but at least keep shit wrapped up, you know.”
“What the hell does that mean?” I asked.
“Means don’t leave any proof, especially a baby.”
I rolled my eyes. “I really hope this is one of those times when you’re just saying shit to get a reaction.”
“Guess you’ll never know,” Kyle replied, but it was obvious from his tone that he was looking to get a rise out of me. “Unless you’re into that shit,” he teased.
“I’d have to be involved with someone to have someone on the side, wouldn’t I?”
Kyle snorted. “You can’t tell me you two have been sharing a bed, and you’re only sleeping.”
“Sorry to disappoint you, Kyle, but we’re only working,” Ethan replied, then directed the conversation back to business. I could tell he wasn’t enjoying Kyle's teasing, especially after last night. “Samson being another half sibling could’ve caused a lot of tension between Daniel and Samson. Beth said Daniel didn’t like him.”
“It could have. Especially if Samson thought he was entitled to more after Daddy dearest died,” Kyle agreed.
“If Martin Sullivan is Kevin’s father, do you think the house Beth told us her father talked about was given to Samson? Maybe a little hush offering to keep Samson’s mother quiet about who the baby’s daddy was?” I asked Kyle.
“That’s top-tier detective work there,” Kyle teased, and I rolled my eyes at Ethan, who grinned. “Give me a sec.” We heard typing while he spoke. “I’d already pulled Samson’s birth certificate, so I know his mother’s name was Heather Samson. I looked her up, but she’s deceased and didn’t own any property in Devil’s Lake. Neither does Kevin Samson. Although...” He paused, and I glanced at Ethan.
“Although...?” I encouraged.
“Patience, woman,” Kyle stated. “I’m looking for something.”
“What the hell are you looking for? Maybe I can help.”
He ignored me, but I heard the smile in his voice when he spoke. “Bingo.”
“What?” I asked impatiently.
“I pulled Heather Samson’s birth certificate, and her mother’s name was Margaret Redding. A house in Devil’s Lake has a deed with that exact name on it.”
“So Martin Sullivan gifted the house to Heather’s mom?” Ethan asked, confusion clear in his tone.