Page 100 of Unlawful Seduction

“His conscience. Which is why he didn’t kill that woman and her son, which led to all of this.”

Mr. Zephyr smiled. “If he trusted you enough to tell you what happened, that means he felt close to you.”

“This woman and child. Are they still alive?”

“Yes, Doctor. Thanks to Beckett they are thriving.” I honestly had no idea what to say. He glanced down at the folder. “Think about the offer, Dr. McGregor. I assure you that Beckett was shocked in learning he had a son. Anyone would be. And… he’s not the best conversationalist. I’m certain that’s something you’ve already learned.”

I laughed. “True. Do you have any idea where he’s staying?”

“From what little he told me, a location that reminded him of you. I’m not sure what that means. I’ll be in town another day. Please call me with your decision.”

“Okay. I’ll think about it.”

He nodded and moved to the door.

“Mr. Zephyr? I don’t know why I’m telling you this, but Brady is his son. I haven’t been with anyone since… Since I thought I lost Beckett. Brady is all I have and I love that little man to death. He’s my pride and joy and I just want what’s best for him.”

“That I can understand. I have a son as well. He’s everything to me. Just remember, Beckett isn’t the bad man he likely led you to believe he was. I know because I’ve been his friend for a verylong time. Even though he wasn’t certain he could trust me any longer.”

“Because someone betrayed him while he was here.”

He nodded. “A day doesn’t go by that I don’t blame myself. I was too careless with the information.”

“Meaning what?”

“A computer breach, Dr. McGregor. Beckett was happy here. He was happy with you. I hope that gives you some comfort.”

Maybe it did just a little bit.

“One last question, Mr. Zephyr. Is Beckett still in danger?”

“I don’t believe so. He wouldn’t be here if he wasn’t certain the nightmare was over. I hope the two of you have an opportunity to talk. I really do.”

Sighing, all I could do was nod at this point. At least I waited until after he’d closed my door before allowing the tears to fall.

CHAPTER 25

Mallory

“Are you certain you want to do this?”

I stared into the rearview mirror at myself, the lights in the parking lot barely highlighting the anxiety I knew was on my face. I’d thought of nothing else for the last few hours but what I should do. Asking the question out loud wasn’t getting me any closer to accepting the answer that had floated in and out of my mind since the attorney’s departure.

“No? Well, either turn around now or get out and walk inside the hotel.”

I’d asked Jenny to keep Brady for a few hours so I could do this alone. I didn’t think I could handle trying to work through questions and answers in a way that wouldn’t result in my kid asking me what was going on. He was a smart little man, already reading at his age.

I finally turned off the truck, but remained right where I was. While I’d never stayed at the small boutique hotel, it was knownfor its stunning winter scenes and gardens, twinkling lights covering every tree and shrub. When it did snow, I’d heard it was a winter wonderland for adults.

Over the last few years, I’d learned to hate the snow. Snowfalls reminded me of him. And our passion.

And the lies.

I grabbed my purse, wishing I felt more like the formidable woman the attorney had accused me of being. I smoothed down my shirt, also wishing I’d worn something nicer. As I closed my truck door, I reminded myself this wasn’t a date, just a meeting to clear the air. Nothing more.

As I walked toward the front doors, I found myself coming close to backing out. I’d never even imagined that it was possible Beckett was alive. I don’t know why. He was clever that way and had survived being hunted for at least a year before I’d met him.

The pain had been more intense than anyone should be forced to endure. Only then had I realized just how deeply I’d fallen for the man. As soon as I walked inside, my head started to thrum. I was definitely out of my element at this point.

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