Chapter 32
Two weeks went by with no trace of my sister in my program. I’d taken as much time as I could babysitting the computer. It almost confirmed the fact that my sister didn’t exist.
A knock on my door pulled me from my search, and I yanked my door open, this time without the use of my gun. Only my sisters would dare dismiss the no trespassing signs. I was wrong. It appeared none of the Pierces knew how to read.
Martha and Carter both stood on my stoop. “I really need to talk to Delany about giving out my address.”
“Don’t worry, dear. We won’t be long,” Martha said as she maneuvered inside with grace and without an invitation.
Carter patted my arm in passing and lifted his brow as if he didn’t even want to be there.
“Maxwell only sent one dozen roses?” Martha asked, spying the vase on my counter. “I thought I taught him better than that.”
“He sent fifteen. I took the rest to the retirement home. Your son must have forgotten that I’m never home and they’ll die. Listen, if you’re here to convince me to give him another chance, I’m sorry, but that boat has sailed.”
Martha nodded with a sly smile and met Carter’s gaze. “Why is that, dear?”
I rested my hands on my waist. “He lost faith in me.”
“Darling, he didn’t lose faith in you,” Martha said, taking my hands in hers. “He fired FDG because he saw what happened to the other operatives. It would have killed him if you’d gotten hurt too.”
“You’re lying. He blamed it on me. The fact she was taken, the fact that Robin was living in the same house, and we never suspected a thing. It was my fault. I get it.”
“You think you failed him,” Carter interjected, sliding his hands into his pockets as if he’d figured out some significant realization.
“I did. I failed you all. Especially Petunia.”
Carter’s gaze went to the coloring book page on my fridge. “You’re in denial. You saved her from a killer. You saved him from a life of nothing but work, and you saved my sister from marrying the wrong guy. She called off the wedding and they’re going to counseling. You won’t even talk to Max for Christ’s sake. Let him fix this, Gwen. You and I both know that you two belong together. Stop being so damn hardheaded.” Carter tilted his head. Silence lingered until he spoke again. “Who’s the spirit crusher now?”
If Martha hadn’t been in my house to witness this exchange, Carter and I might have gotten a lot more vocal about the situation.
“Come clean and tell her the rest, dear,” Martha said.
“Fine.” Carter slid his hands out of his pockets. “The new employees on the production line and the scholarships weren’t my idea. They were all Max.”
“You’re smart, dear. I’m sure you’ll figure this all out. But in the meantime, Maxwell had mentioned holes in my security.” She handed me a file. “You had offered to close those holes at one point. I’d still appreciate your help. Maybe this time you can enjoy the island longer.”
I peeked in the file and grinned. It was Martha’s own personal approval for my presence on the island, with lifetime access.
“We have dignitaries coming next month, so if you could squeeze us in, we’d appreciate it. Isn’t that right, Carter?”
Carter didn’t answer. He just stared at me.
“Carter?” Martha nudged his arm. “Tell her.”
“Of course, we’d appreciate your help.”
“We appreciate your time, Gwen.” Martha headed for the door. “I’ll save Maxwell’s room for when you’re ready to work. I hear that you enjoyed the view from that room.”
Martha walked out, leaving Carter and me in the living room.
“Max didn’t blame you, Gwen. He blamed himself for distracting you. My brother can be difficult some times. He can be headstrong, opinionated, and a cranky SOB, but there’s one thing beyond all that, that will stop him in his tracks.”
“Family,” I answered, already knowing the answer.
“Family,” Carter repeated. “Give the guy a break. He cares about you and misses you, and it was a hard time.”
“You’re making your mother wait,” I said and gestured to the door.
