“We’re all in this mess now,” Pao blurted and stood, going to pour himself coffee.
Lindsay clammed up.
“Egan, could you and Pao step outside and give us some time?” Novah directed her question to Egan who remained quiet.
Pao seemed agitated. Egan wavered.
Hannah touched her brother’s shoulder. “Take your coffee onto the porch, boys.”
With shrugs of irritation, they finally left.
Lindsay followed them with her gaze and she sighed as if unloading a bucket of emotion. “They’re going to hate me.”
“Don’t mind them. They’re just grumpy,” Novah said with a smile. “We’re all in this together now, but we need to know what’s going on. You hold the key to the answers we need.”
Hannah handed Lindsay a cup of coffee which she took the offering gratefully. “Thank you.”
“You’re welcome.” Hannah sat down in the chair Pao had been occupying.
“I’m sorry. I’m terribly sorry that this has all happened.” A tear slid down her cheek and she swiped it away.
Novah sat closer to the woman who was quickly becoming a friend. “Take your time.”
Her hazel eyes turned a shade darker. “I really don’t know how things got out of hand like they are now. When I first met Peter, I had no clue who he was, or that he was married. I know under the circumstances, the fact that he’s a millionaire and all, that it seems impossible. I had just started my second year of medical school so I was in my own bubble, focused on getting through. I wasn’t looking for a relationship—didn’t need one or have the time. It was a whirlwind relationship and I found myself caring for him.” She smiled but it didn’t reach her eyes. “Until his wife showed up to speak to me.”
“ShyAnne. I’ve had the pleasure of meeting her,” Novah said with an eye roll.
“Yes, what a pleasure,” Lindsay answered abruptly. “She was angry. I understand, but I had no clue who he was or that he was married, let alone running for Governor. His intentions to run hadn’t been announced yet. I know it’s crazy, but he didn’t tell me his real last name. He said his name was Peter Stark.”
Novah snorted. “That’s his campaign manager’s last name.”
“His wife didn’t seem interested in the truth, only that I should obey her demands and stop any connection with him at once.” Lindsay played with a piece of fuzz on the blanket.
“Did you stop seeing him?”
“Yes, of course. He betrayed me and I couldn’t even look at him after that. He started sending me gifts and calling me at random times until I had to change my number. I even moved out of my apartment and in with a friend. And then…” Her voice trailed off and the dark circles deepened.
“It’s okay, Lindsay.”
Inhaling deeply, she blurted, “I found out I was pregnant.”
Novah exchanged a glance with Hannah. “By Peter?” Seeing Lindsay squint, Novah explained, “I’m sorry. I needed to ask.”
She gave a slow nod and sat up straight against the cushion. “I wasn’t sure what I should do. I’m barely scraping by as it is. I applied for residency at several hospitals and I’m going crazy waiting. It’s hard enough being on my own, but what will I do with a baby? I’ve worked so hard and now this…”
“Does Peter know about the baby?”
“I told him in person, that’s the day I came to his office. He was angry, blaming me for not being on the pill, getting pregnant on purpose. He demanded that I terminate the pregnancy because it would disrupt his campaign. It became all about him.” Sadness crawled over her pale features. “I told him I needed to think things through. I was highly emotional and wanted to work the kinks out in my head before I decided. Peter was impatient. He called me at least a dozen times in two days. One second he was angry, and the next he was calm and supportive, willing to give me time.”
“How far along are you?” Hannah asked.
“I’m ten weeks.”
“Why did Peter’s men bring you to the resort? Where does that all fit into this puzzle?”
Lindsay set her full cup on the table. “Peter came to see me and said he planned to leave his wife.” She wiped away more tears. “He confessed that he loved me and wanted us to be a family. I knew even as he declared his feelings that I could never trust him again. Honestly, as crude as this sounds, I didn’t want it to happen, didn’t want him to leave his wife because then I would have been obligated to be with him. Yet, I knew ShyAnne would never let him go. I saw the look in her eyes when she spoke to me and she made it clear she wouldn’t step aside. I also knew he’d never give up his dream of running for public office. She came by to see me again, this time because Peter must have told her about the baby and his plans to leave. I’ve never seen someone so angry. She warned if I didn’t terminate the pregnancy, she’d see that I was destroyed. That I would never step foot in a hospital again. Two days later, I was walking to the parking garage and was approached by the men who kidnapped me. After that, my memories are a bit groggy.”
Novah stared in disbelief. “Do you think Peter gave the orders?”
Several expressions flitted across her face. “I don’t trust Peter. Never can I again. However, I trust ShyAnne even less. She sees my child as the enemy. I think she is behind all of this.” How could I be such a fool?”
Novah felt her reserve slip some. “Lindsay, you’re strong enough to get beyond this.”
Her gaze dropped. “He has money. He’s running for public
