Page 19 of Final Vendetta

I hadn’t told Gideon or my parents about it. I didn’t know what to say. I convinced myself nothing would come of Myers’ so-called “theory”. Or maybe I simplyhopednothing would come of it. After all, he didn’t have any proof to back up his assertions.

For all intents and purposes, Samuel Tate was dead. Agent Myers said it himself. The only proof he had that Samuel Tate might still be alive was his fingerprints on the glass at Alton Sinclair’s cabin that could have been left there several years ago.

But something about Agent Myers made me think he could be a problem.

“How are you doing with…everything?” Mom asked, pulling my attention back to her.

Despite the fact that my parents had been here every day since the accident, this was the first time I had any meaningful alone time with my mom. Typically, either Lachlan or Gideon was also around. Especially Gideon. While I understood the guilt he felt over the accident and his need to prove himself to me, his constant presence had been somewhat suffocating.

But right now, it was just my mom and me. I had a feeling she sensed I needed this time with her before she returned to Atlanta.

“I have Samuel back.” I forced a smile. “Why wouldn’t I be happy about that?”

“I still can’t believe it. You told me about your suspicions, but I didn’t think it was possible.”

“You and me both.”

She gave me an understanding smile before her expression turned serious. “But is it Samuel you want?” She set the last t-shirt inside my duffel bag, then sat in the chair beside my wheelchair. “Or Gideon?”

I parted my lips, but hesitated, not immediately answering. It shouldn’t have even been a question in my mind.

For years, I would have given anything to have Samuel back. I finally did. And not only in body, but also in spirit. Since the accident, Gideon had been like a different person. Like Samuel again.

Just like I wanted.

Then why did it feel like something was missing?

“I love Samuel,” I finally said.

It was the only truthful thing I could muster. But it didn’t escape my mother’s notice that I failed to actually answer the question.

“Regardless of the things he may have done, Gideon was still a good person, Imogene,” she encouraged softly. “Maybe over the next few weeks, you can help him see that.”

I nodded, but didn’t say anything, ruminating her words over in my mind for several moments until the door opened and Lachlan and Gideon walked in.

But he didn’t look like Gideon anymore.

He didn’t look like Samuel, either. Not really. He was dressed more casually than he typically did, wearing dark jeans and a button-down shirt with the sleeves rolled up. It almost felt like he was trying to be Samuel again but didn’t know how.

“Are you ready to go?” he asked softly.

I gave him an overly enthusiastic smile, hoping to hide any disappointment or confusion. “Definitely.”

“I’m glad you’re feeling better, kid.” Lachlan gave me a gentle hug, pressing a kiss to my temple.

“Thanks for being here.”

“Anything for you. You know that.”

I met his eyes. He may not have been my father by blood, but since he walked into my mother’s life all those years ago, he filled the role of my father in a way my sperm donor never had.

“I do.”

“We’ll be out to visit soon.”

“Looking forward to it.”

He gave me one last hug, then turned toward Gideon. “You’ll take good care of my girl.”

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