“That was…” It’s impossible to finish that sentence.
“It was a cute disaster,” Persy says, staring at the screen of her computer while scribbling something on the pad next to it. “I need to edit the last names, and I won’t publish it until I get the signed release and the approval from my lawyer.”
The phone rings immediately. Persy answers, “Hey, Nyx. You’re on speaker.”
“I don’t approve,” Nyx says.
“What?”
“Your husband texted me, and I listened to part of the conversation you had with the kid. The next time you realize the caller is underage, hang up. Actually, we have to add that you have to be eighteen or older to submit an email to your website. I need to make sure that the uncle is the uncle.”
“He is,” I confirm.
Suddenly, all eyes are on me.
“Who is that, and how do you know?” Nyx asks.
“Hey, Nyx, this is Zach. I know Aiden. We went to school together. In fact, I know Autumn, and I can confirm that the kid sounds like her mother.”
“I’m sure there are more Aiden Wickertons in the world,” she insists.
“In the Washington state area, who has a sister named Autumn?”
“What do you know about them?” Persy turns her attention toward me.
“She’s twenty-eight. I don’t understand how she has a six-year-old daughter, though.”
“It’s pretty simple, but after so long, it seems like you forgot,” Eros says, grabbing two pens and rubbing them together. “When a mommy and a daddy get together—”
I glare at him. “I don’t need that kind of explanation.”
He grins, and the rest burst into laughter.
“I liked the kid. She reminds me of Leah,” Persy mentions her mini-me.
I gesture toward one of her family portraits where she carries her daughter. “The little toddler who has an attitude just like you?”
“Yes, maybe that’s why I couldn’t hang up. It’s endearing that her daughter is concerned about her happiness.”
“I cried,” Liv says. “Who wouldn’t be moved by her words?”
Rubbing the back of my neck, I wonder if there’s something I can do for them. The only thing left to do is agree, “That does make for a great story.”
“Also, a lawsuit.” Nyx’s warning voice bounces through the walls.
I tap my chin. Unfortunately, she’s right. This can’t air unless they have the right documentation. I doubt Autumn would sue them, though. The Wickertons are good people—even their father, who is in jail.
“I wonder if they’re still in financial trouble,” I say out loud. “The last time I saw Aiden was during high school graduation. We were close until the thing with his father. Once he went to jail, our friendship wasn’t the same.”
“What did he do?” Nyx’s concern makes me talk more than I want to.
“He was accused of insider trading and stealing money from a lot of families who sent their children to our school.”
“Edward Wickerton?” Ford asks.
I tap the arm of my chair, unsure how to respond. I like Ford, and we get along well enough, but I’m not as close to him as I am to Eros. I don’t want them to think that just because the father made a mistake that his children are just as bad as him.
“You know him?”
“No. I’ve heard of him.” He clasps his hands together, putting them on the back of his neck and stretching. “A person close to me lost money because of him.”
I’m intrigued by his statement. Any other day, I’d ask more about it, but this doesn’t concern Edward Wickerton. “Autumn needs a break. How can we help her?”
Persy shrugs but says, “Financially, we can do some advertising. We need to figure out how she sells her crafts and jewelry.” She turns to look at Ford. “Someone could try to find her a job in his company.”
“As soon as we figure out what she does for a living, Nate and I will try to figure that out. I promise, babe.”
I want to jump into the conversation and offer Autumn a job, but Persy has other plans. “Let’s continue taping the show.”
This day couldn’t get any weirder. I wasn’t ready to be a part of this show. How could I forget that Persy likes to add sex to her segments?
I let out a frustrated breath. This will teach me to ask before I agree to be a part of this circus. Don’t get me wrong, it was fun, but really, sex and coffee?
“So…next time you need to pair espresso with sexo, find someone else.” At least I learned how to say sex in Spanish.
She grins. “It was a fun segment.”
“If my sister listens to it…No, when she listens to it, she’s going to share it with my brothers.” With a groan, I point at her and narrow my gaze. “I don’t think I like you.”
“I’m your favorite Brassard.”
“Uncle Zach!” Nova and Leah come running toward me. Nate, Nyx’s husband, is right behind them.
“Those two are my favorite Brassards.”
“They’re Chadwicks,” she corrects me.
“It’s all the same.”
“Hey, little ones.” I pick them up and twirl them. “I have a few presents for you.”
Nova’s eyes open wide. “Did you bring us candy?”
“Chocolate, cookies, and even a couple of cupcakes.”
“They shouldn’t be eating sugar,” Persy complains.
I smirk. “Well, you know what they say about payback, and I’m going to be here for a week.”
After spending a long week with the Brassards, I fly to Boston. I meet with the managers of Café Fusion and with the manager of Archer’s Eat Good restaurant. After three successful days at work, I go back to Seattle. When I arrive home, Burke isn’t there. I text him.
Zach: Where are you?
Burke: You’d know if you had been home.
Zach: I need your help.
Burke: Can you wait until Monday? I’m in a business meeting.
I stare at the phone. It’s Friday.
Zach: It could, but why aren’t you coming home?
Burke: I lost the coin toss against Seth. I get to attend a conference and several meetings.
Zach: Good luck!
He can’t help me, but his texts give me an idea. Seth Bradley is like family. We go way back. He’s been friends with Archer since they were in preschool. Seth was our roommate during college. He and Burke attended MIT while I went to Boston College.
He also works for his father, who owns a high-security intelligence company. If someone can run a background check or find Aiden Wickerton, it’ll be him. I call him right away.
“Should I be concerned about this call? Did your brother send you to San Jose? I think you two are too old to switch places.”
I laugh. “We haven’t done that in years. I doubt he’d let me touch the company.”
“True. That leaves us with…you need something from me. What is it?”
“You offend me.” I feign hurt.
“Cut the bullshit, St. James. I’ve known you for too long to play games. I’m guessing you need something weird…or maybe you’re ready to date. I can hook you up with a friend, but there are dating apps available.”