Page 22 of Controlled Chaos

“Missed you too, Mom.” Porter’s voice was soft and his shoulders somewhat relaxed as he stared down at her. “I’m sorry Dakota couldn’t make it.”

“It’s fine, dear,” Wanda answered, but there was an underlying strain in her voice telling me that it was anything but fine.

“And Clara Bennett, I want to hear all about how you stole my baby’s heart.” Wanda pulled me into the same type hug that Edward had given me upon my arrival.

“I think he stole mine.” I chuckled.

She held me at arm’s length and met my gaze. “I guess what Dakota had been telling us for years now, is true.”

“And what did she say?” I was almost afraid to ask.

“That when Porter finds the right girl, all his voodoo will quit working, and here he’s found you, and the girls on the island aren’t even batting an eye. I have to tell you how relieved I am for him and you.”

Thaddeus walked up behind Wanda and rested his arm over her shoulders, and she dropped her motherly touch and stepped back into the man’s embrace. The top of her head barely reached the guy’s armpit.

With a single touch, I watched as Wanda transformed, turning off her motherly veneer and becoming a refined woman who was put in her place as if she were holding a tea party for dignitaries. “We appreciate you coming. The group is looking forward to hearing your speech.”

“I can’t say I’m looking forward to giving it.”

I regarded Porter with somber curiosity as I leaned into his arm. “What speech?”

Wanda’s gaze went from mine to Porter’s. “You didn’t tell her?”

“Tell me what?” I asked.

Wanda smiled lovingly up at Porter as she spoke. “It’s his anniversary of the day he got sober. He’s giving the speech to this year’s graduating class and is heading the ceremony.”

“It’s a high honor and achievement,” Thaddeus said from next to his wife. “You should be proud of him.”

“Oh, I am. I can’t wait to hear what he has planned.”

Two of the armed guards approached, and Thaddeus stepped away from Wanda even though he kept an eye on us as he listened to whatever they were whispering in his ear.

Maybe they’d figured out the real reason we were here. Maybe our cover had been blown. Thaddeus looked like he could break me like a twig with just the snap of his fingers. I was in his domain. On his island and without a weapon. Where and when did I think this was a good idea?

I forced a smile. Thaddeus nodded at whatever was being said before he rejoined us and kissed Wanda’s cheek. “If you’ll excuse me, I’m needed elsewhere.”

“Everything okay, dear?” Wanda asked.

“Of course,” he said and kissed her again. “Why don’t you take Porter and Clara into my private study and show them the model for the expansion.”

“What a great idea.” Wanda beamed with pride. Just looking at her, I’d think she was happy if it weren’t for the Stepford-vibe everyone was giving off. “You’re going to love this.”

Wanda wrapped her arms through both of ours and led us up a set of stairs. A quick glance over my shoulder and I spotted Thaddeus leaving the building with four guards following him, and the only thing I could think was that his idea of showing us these plans were a diversion. Had they found Porter’s hiding spot?

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