Patricia tugged on her husband’s arm, her lips trembling. “This isn’t why we came. Let’s go for now, and we’ll come back.”
Her statement piqued Beth’s curiosity, but she was too angry to put much thought into it. All she wanted now was for the Cohens to disappear.
Locked in a staring match with Hunter, William glowered, and his jaw twitched. For whatever reason, he backed down. “We’ll grab our luggage and leave, but you’ll be hearing from my attorney.”
“I’ll escort you to your room.” Hunter’s scowl didn’t lessen, and he stayed on William Cohen’s heels as they climbed the steps, leaving her alone with Patricia.
“I’m sorry,” Patricia rasped. “This isn’t how it was supposed to go.”
“What did you expect,” she whisper-shouted. “That you could march into my life two years later, make demands, and I’d cave? It’s not happening, and I’m not running again. The children deserve better.”
“They do.” Patricia sniffled and ran outside.
Beth stared at the door, not understanding what happened. This wasn’t the Patricia she’d known. This lady was broken but stronger, unfamiliar, and confusing. She wanted to go after her, find out what she meant, but more than anything, she wanted distance from William.
Yes, she wanted to deal with them and escape their shadow, but she wanted it done on her terms. Not like this when she wasn’t prepared.
Heavy footsteps stomped down the stairs, and she prayed they wouldn’t wake up anyone. William bounded in the foyer with Hunter on his heels. He didn’t say a word as he stormed outside, didn’t afford her another glance.
Hunter glared out the window, not moving until headlights faded into the distance. Only then did he come to her, wrapped his arms around her waist. “Are you okay?”
“I will be.” And she would be, with Hunter by her side.
Chapter Fifteen
“I’m so sorry,” Addy said, sitting behind her desk the next morning. “They arrived around seven last night asking if we had an opening. He looked familiar, but he registered under a different name, so I didn’t think much of it. The credit card he used even matched.”
Hunter watched Beth. As much as he wanted to take care of this for her, he knew she needed to tell Addy on her own. But he’d be there for support, even if she did all the talking.
“He has a separate identity set up. Kyle did as well, for when they went places. They didn’t want crowds gathering when people discovered their presence.”
Addy snorted. “Isn’t that some arrogant foolishness.”
Unable to stop it, Hunter laughed at the expression on Addy’s face. Of course, she wouldn’t understand—she was humble to a fault, would never pretend to be anyone she wasn’t for any reason.
“Even if they had used their real names, how could you have known.” Beth twisted her hands in her lap. “I’m sorry I let you believe I was a widow. I should have been honest from the start.”
A rare blush dotted Addy’s cheek. “I’ve known, honey.”
Beth’s eyes widened. “What?”
“I knew you were hiding something when you came here. Although I wanted to help you, I also had a responsibility to my guests, so I did a bit of digging.”
“Why didn’t you ever tell me?” A horrified look covered Beth’s face, and she pressed one hand against her cheek.
“From what I learned, I understood why you kept your secrets. I figured when the time was right, you would let me know.”
A laughed mixed with nervousness and embarrassment slipped from Beth. “Well, I doubt this was the right time, but now you know.”
“What next?” Addy stood and circled to the front of her desk. “Tell me what you need from me, and I’ll do it.”
“I don’t know.” Running a hand over her hair, Beth grimaced. “The way Patricia was acting, I think I need to talk to her.”
“Are you sure that’s a good idea?” He’d promised himself he wouldn’t interfere, but he couldn’t stand the thought of her interacting with those monsters. Though to be fair, Patricia didn’t come across nearly as vicious as her husband.
“No, but I have to.” Beth left her chair and paced the length of the office. “Everybody is right. I can’t fully move on unless I deal with this, no matter how difficult it might be.”
Hunter knew she was right, but he didn’t like it. “At least let me talk to Mr. Chavez first and get legal advice.”
Beth shook her head. “I don’t want anyone else involved.”
“Sweetheart,” Addy began, moving to Beth’s side, “I understand why you don’t want to drag more people into this, but I believe it would be wise to accept Hunter’s offer. If anyone will know the legal ins and outs of this, it would be the district attorney.”
Indecision danced in her eyes. “How’s this. I invite the Cohens back here to discuss this on my terms with both of you present. If, after that meeting, I believe it’s necessary to seek legal counsel, I’ll let you talk to Mr. Chavez to see what direction I need to take.”
He shook his head. “Let me invite him to the meeting. His presence will keep the Cohens in line and spare you any further verbal attacks. Please.”
“I’m sure his schedule is packed.”
She was relenting. He shouldn’t push, but this was one issue he couldn’t cave on. “Let me ask. You never know.”
“Fine.” She leaned against a bookcase. “I’ll call Patricia and make the arrangements. Today if possible.”
Addy watched her intently while biting down on her bottom lip. “Do you have their number?”
“If they haven’t changed it, and I doubt they have.” She shrugged, too casually for the coming reckoning. “If they have, I’ll call his answering service and they’ll put me in touch.”
She excused herself, and Hunter turned to Addy. “I don’t like any of this.”
“Me either.” She held onto his arm with her aged hands. “Family doesn’t only come by blood. I’m an old lady with most my natural family gone or scattered, but you and Beth, and Dex, and April. Even Bill and Mr. Lejeune. You’re all my family, and I’d defend each of you with my life.”
He let his mouth form a half smile. “I had similar thoughts.”
“Go check on her. I’d wager she could use a hug about now.” She let go of his arm and gave him a nudge.
Heading straight for the back yard, he knew he’d find her on the swing. She didn’t have her phone to her ear, and she stared off in the distance. He walked over, gestured to the empty spot. “Mind if I sit.”
“Go ahead.”
The swing creaked under his weight. “Did you make the call?”
“They’ll be here at two this afternoon,” she answered in an even tone, not looking at him.
He crossed his arms loosely over his chest and pushed his feet to set them in motion. “You’re calmer that I expected.”
Finally, she looked at him. “I’ve spent so much energy hating them, and then being angry at them. But sitting in Addy’s office this morning, all that left me, and I only feel sorry for them.”