Page 107 of Lilly

"I'm afraid not."

My dad slams his fist on the table. "When did all these damn rules change and why was I never told?"

"You wanted to be kept out of it. You specifically asked me to keep that side of my life private."

He sighs. "Would Phillip be punished for telling Katherine things about the organization? Or is that no longer a crime? She is still his sister-in-law so technically they're family."

"But she's not his wife, so yes, he could be punished. Why do you ask?"

"I have a recording of Katherine admitting that Phillip was helping her get Lilly into the organization via Reed and his father. She shared some things that Phillip told her. Things she shouldn't have known."

"He'll get a verbal reprimand for it, but that's it. As you said, she's his sister-in-law and it's not as though she wasn't aware of us and our secrets. Her father used to tell her things all the time."

"I can't just let him get away with this."

"Pearce, I know you're angry but don't do anything foolish. If you do, you'll put your whole family at risk."

My dad's eyes go to mine. "I understand."

"Knowing Phillip, he'll get himself in trouble some other way and end up being caught. And then we'll punish him."

"Thank you for your time, William. I'll talk to you soon."

"Wait. Pearce?"

"Yes. What is it?"

"I hate to ask you this, but is there any way you could help out with the company again? I'm still not feeling well and—"

"William, I'm terribly sorry. I didn't even ask how you're doing. I was so caught up in my own issues that I wasn't even thinking. So your health hasn't improved?"

"No. It's the same, maybe even a little worse. I have meetings next week with the board members and I don't think I'll be able to attend."

"Let me talk to Rachel and get things settled here. I'll call you back as to when I can be there."

"Thank you."

"I hope you feel better," I say.

"Is that Garret?" he asks, his tone lighter.

"Yes. Sorry, I should've told you I was listening in."

"How are Jade and the kids?"

"Good. They're at home. Your mom is there too."

"Well, give them all a hug for me."

"I will. I'll have Jade give you a call."

"Please do. I'd love to hear from her."

"Oh, before you go, I had a question."

"Go ahead."

"I called the clean-up guys and I um...I used my member number."

---