“Daddy, the police are coming.”
He didn’t bother looking at her. “I know.”
How could he know and why wasn’t he more upset? “They’re going to arrest you.”
“I’ll be out of jail before noon. My attorneys are already working on it.” He glanced at her. “Don’t worry, Skye. I know what I’m doing.”
She hoped that was true. “This won’t help stock prices.”
“Garth is playing hardball.”
“You know it’s him behind all this?”
“Of course.”
“Then do something. Stop him.”
Jed turned off his laptop and stood. “This is business. You wouldn’t understand.”
“I understand that he’s doing his best to ruin us all.”
“You’ll be fine.”
“Don’t patronize me.”
He shrugged into a suit jacket. “I’m about to be arrested for an assortment of crimes, including treason, Skye. Do you think you could save your female tantrum for later?”
She left his room without saying anything and walked down the hall to Izzy’s bedroom.
“You have to get up,” she said as she walked in and turned on the light. “The police are coming and Jed’s going to be arrested.”
She and Izzy hadn’t spoken since the afternoon Izzy had told her about sleeping with T.J. Skye hadn’t yet shared how she’d walked out on him and had Lexi help her start rumors so that he would find it very difficult to ever get a date in Dallas again. But now was not the time.
Izzy sat up and blinked. “What? Arrested?”
“The smuggled arms. And who knows what else.”
“Is he going to be charged with treason?”
“I hope not.”
“They could execute him.”
Skye walked into the large closet and pulled out a pair of black slacks along with the most conservative sweater she could find. In Izzy’s collection there weren’t a lot of choices that didn’t scream
“Why are you picking out my clothes?”
“Because the press will be here and if they get pictures of us, I want us to look respectable.”
“Do you really think what we’re wearing matters? Jed is going to jail.”
“Appearance can make or break a situation,” Skye snapped. “We’re Titans, Izzy. We have family pride and there is no way we are going to look anything but dignified.”
“It’s five-thirty in the morning. What has your panties in a bunch?”
“Just get dressed.”
Skye hurried down the hall. She had to pull herself together quickly, as well.
She skipped a shower. After dressing, she brushed her hair back and secured it in a French twist. Minimal makeup took care of the circles under her eyes. She wore her mother’s pearl earrings and low pumps. She was about to leave her room when Erin entered.
“Mommy? What’s wrong?”
“Oh, baby.” Skye hugged her. “Did all the noise wake you?”
“I don’t know.” Erin snuggled close. “I just woke up. Something’s wrong, isn’t it?”
Skye sat on the bed and set her daughter next to her. “Yes, it is, but we’re okay. There’s a bad man saying bad things about the family. We have to fix that and we will, but right now, it’s complicated.”
“Did you talk to the police? They’ll help you.”
“The police are…confused. They’re going to take your grandpa away and ask him some questions. He’ll be fine. But there are probably going to be some press people here, too. They’ll be loud and rude.”
“They shouldn’t be rude.”
If only thinking that would keep it from happening, Skye thought. “I know. I’m not leaving this house,” she said. “But the police will be here soon. Can you wait in your room until they’re all gone?”
Erin bit her lower lip. “I think I’m scared, Mommy.”
“I’ll wait with her.”
Skye looked up and saw Izzy standing in the doorway. “You don’t want to be downstairs?”
“No, thanks. You represent the family. I’ll keep Erin company. We can play a game. When this is over, I’ll take her out to breakfast.” She turned to Erin. “Calico Cafe for French toast?”
Erin managed a slight smile. “Okay.”
Skye hugged her. “I love you, Bunny Face. We’re fine. You know that, right?”
Erin nodded. “Tell Grandpa I love him.”
“I will.”
Izzy led Erin away. Skye went downstairs. There were already a half-dozen cars and vans parked in the driveway. News crews gathered. Jed Titan getting arrested was a big story.
Skye waited until several police cars and unmarked sedans pulled up to call for her father. Jed walked down the stairs looking as well dressed and calm as if he were going to a cotillion.
Federal agents climbed the stairs and knocked.
“Let ’em in,” Jed said.
Skye went to the door.
The second she opened it, lights flashed from everywhere. Reporters crowded behind the officers, yelling and taking dozens of pictures.
“We’re here for Jed Titan,” the man in front said as he flashed a badge.
“I’m right here.”
Jed had put on his jacket and stood ready. Skye opened the door wider. The man entered, read him his rights, then walked him out to the waiting cars.
The reporters crowded around, taking pictures and calling out questions. Jed ignored them. He walked with his head high, not trying to hide his face. Skye couldn’t decide if it was pride or arrogance.
She went out onto the big porch to watch her father being driven away, which turned out to be a mistake.
When the police cars were gone, she found herself surrounded by reporters and several feet from the front door.
“Did you know your father was a criminal?”
“What else has Jed sold to our enemies?”
“Do you think your father is a traitor?”
“How much money have you stolen from your foundation?”
“Were you laundering money for him or for the mob?”
The questions flew all around her. She felt trapped and vulnerable and knew there would be pictures of her looking like a frightened deer.
“This is private property,” she yelled. “You need to leave.”
A couple of the reporters laughed. “Are you going to make me?”
A single shot cut through the early-morning air. Everyone turned and saw Mitch climbing out of his truck. He pushed back his cowboy hat and held his rifle loosely in his hand.
“You heard the lady. This is private property.”
This was still Texas, where the tradition of using deadly force to protect property lived on. The reporters ran for their vehicles.
Mitch waited until the last one had left. He looked at Skye. “Dana warned me what was going on. She thought you might need some help.”
She felt herself starting to shake. “It was a mob.”
“Once Jed was taken away, there wasn’t much of a show. They were looking to start a new one.”
“Thank you.”
“You’re welcome.” He hesitated. “Skye, about before.”
