If I hadn’t been driving like a madman or if I’d been thinking clearly, I would’ve.
“I didn’t have my phone on me,” Haven said. “Glad you showed up.”
Take that, Mrs. Hale.
Arlene’s red lips curled at the edges, and it dawned on me that she didn’t appear to be a woman scorned—no puffy eyes from crying, her makeup was in perfect condition, and she was as calm as the ocean on a windless day.
“It didn’t matter. Phone or not, I had to see that Haven was okay with my own eyes.”
“It’s good to know that you’re a gentleman and the rumors about you are not true, then,” Arlene said.
Depends on the rumors.
“Arlene,” Haven warned. “Can we have some privacy?”
Arlene picked up her dog. “Come on, Baxter.” Then she wound her way around a massive staircase and faded from view.
Haven grabbed my hand. “Let’s go out back.”
The house was deadly silent as I followed Haven through the expansive rooms of the elegantly decorated home.
A chill danced down my spine. “Why isn’t Arlene upset about your father’s affair?” I asked as she led me out to a veranda that overlooked a lighted pool and outdoor kitchen.
A young, dark-haired lady came out. “Would you like something to drink, sir?”
“Roya, can you bring some lemonade?” Haven asked.
Roya nodded then left.
I would’ve asked for scotch, but given where I was and what liquor could do to my psyche, I would settle for lemonade.
After we commandeered two of the six chairs, Haven said, “Arlene knew. Besides, no matter what my father does, Arlene would never leave him. And she is all about keeping up appearances.”
“My wife is a strong woman.” Senator Hale strutted out, appearing as though he didn’t have a care in the world. “Ryker James, what brings you out this way? Or I should ask what makes you barge into my home?” His condescending tone lit a fire inside me.
“Daddy,” Haven said. “He’s my guest. And we talked about Ryker and me.”
I was curious how that conversation had gone and what he knew about Haven and me. But I had a nagging topic to get off my chest now that Senator Hale was looming over me.
I rose from my chair. I wanted to be at eye level when he and I exchanged words. “An apology would be a good place to start.” I kept my tone even.
The senator tucked his hands into his suit pockets. “An apology for what?” His green eyes resembled Haven’s, but the one emotion missing was compassion. Then again, I didn’t expect him to have any for me.
“Is it true you bribed state workers?”
He smirked. “I’m not on trial here. And I highly suggest, as my guest, you tread lightly, son.”
Haven might throw me out, but I pushed on. I had to get to the bottom of this once and for all. “You paid off an employee at the Texas Water Development Board to ensure that he would take his time in handling my father’s case with James Enterprises.”
“Daddy, is that true? This is what Lorna has on you? This is what you wouldn’t tell me? This is why you had your men pull me out of the fundraiser?”
I kept my focus glued to the senator as I spoke to Haven. “You haven’t heard? It’s all over the news about your father bribing state employees.”
Haven jumped to her feet. “Father, talk.”
Arlene must’ve been eavesdropping nearby because she rushed out like she was about to save her man. She hooked her arm around her husband’s. “Eugene, have a seat. It’s time you tell Haven everything.”
The senator sighed and found a seat, as did Arlene. I dragged my chair closer to Haven’s. I had a feeling I would need that mojo-calming juice she seemed to have.
