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"It might take an hour, but I'll be there." The phone goes dead.

"Ugh!" I fall back and look up at the blue sky. "Lionel and Judge want David to find me for the papers. He'll get away and come here."

I press a hand to my chest and continue, "I have a feeling this is all coming to a head, and it scares me."

Essex mumbles something to Ed before coming over and lying down on the deck next to me. He grabs me and pulls me into his arms. "How are you really feeling, baby? It's a lot to take in."

"I'm surprising myself. I'm sure it has everything to do with you." I smile. "You're a very hot diversion." I sigh. "I'm sad that Mom is gone. I miss her getting on my nerves over the slightest thing. It really irritated me. But now I'd give anything to have her here."

Essex plants a kiss on my ear and nuzzles the top of my head. "I wish I could meet your mother and tell her what a beautiful and smart daughter she has. Tell her I'll take care of her. Keep the likes of Jason and others away because she's mine."

We enjoy the gentle breeze and the rocking of the boat as I admit, "I meant what I said to your mom, Essex. When things are over with Richard, I will be here with you. I don't want the house because that's all it's ever been. I want a home with you."

"My mom means well, baby. She's just scared with what happened to Dad."

I reach up and cup his face. "I get it. Maggie's a mom and she's worried about her son because of the girl he's dating."

"The girl he's in love with." He winks and kisses me.

"I found a connection!" Ed shouts.

"To be continued," Essex whispers against my lips.

I giggle and let Essex pull me to my feet.

30

BEATRICE

When David shows up,he is dressed casually in jeans and a blue t-shirt. He looks tired as he joins us on the boat.

Essex offers him a bottle of water, which he accepts with a nod of thanks. "It's been a hell of a day and it's not even noon."

I wince and ask, "Why are Richard and Judge looking for me when Richard gave me the documents?"

David grimaces. "Judge is the driving force behind those documents. Richard didn't know about some of it...or so he says."

I move closer to David and say, "Richard knew what was in them, even if he lied to me about it so I would blindly sign them. I won't."

He nods.

Ed clears his throat to get our attention. "What happened to the gun?"

Essex chuckles. "Blunt and to the point. I like that." He slips an arm around my waist and pulls me against him.

This man makes me feel safe and secure in his arms. I hope that feeling never leaves me.

"I have the gun. I switched it with another one and threw it in the river with Judge by my side."

Ed nods. "Before you got here, I made a connection with the names Elise had on her phone."

"I know them. I don't recognize the earlier names. The one that really stands out is Deedee."

"Did you know her?" I ask.

"I did. Smart woman. Could have worked anywhere with numbers. Didn't need a calculator, but she chose Lincoln Construction." He pauses and looks in my direction. "She had an affair with Richard."

"Holy shit!" Essex blurts out.

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