She looked at Cassie, sorrow in her eyes and expression. “In a marriage or relationship, you overlook a lot.”
Cassie refused to believe that. In her mother’s marriage, she chose to disregard many signs that would paint her father in a negative light.
Her choice.
Her life.
Not the way Cassie would opt to live her own.
She gathered her thoughts and her courage. “No, Mom. I think it’s the way you decided to live. So you could go on being married to Dad. I’m not judging you, but people were hurt. Very badly hurt.” She shook her head. “I don’t know that I can forgive that.”
Her mother dabbed at her eyes. “I hope you never have to make difficult choices,” she murmured. “I need to go.”
Cassie rose to her feet. She rushed over and pulled her mother into a hug. “I’m sorry to be the bearer of such difficult news.”
“Maybe there’s an explanation,” her mother predictably said.
“Maybe,” Cassie said.
But she highly doubted it.
* * *
Derek worked late thanks to a server crash that had them in a panic for most of the day. Kendall had met Oscar, they’d hit it off, and she’d started walking him the next day. He called her to give him an extra walk today, which she’d done with no problem. He was glad his pup was in good hands, which took the pressure off of him on what time he had to be home.
He was ready to shut down his computer and head home for the day when his cell rang. A glance at the screen told him it was Evan Mann, the private investigator he’d hired a few days ago.
“Hello?” Derek said.
“Mr. West, Evan Mann. Is this a good time to talk?
“It is.”
“I did some digging, although to be honest with you, it didn’t take much. Spencer Storms doesn’t bother to cover his tracks.”
Derek narrowed his gaze. “What did you find?”
“Your boy likes to scam women. Left a trail of broken hearts and empty wallets wherever he went. And the women were all too happy to talk about him and what he stole from them.”
“Interesting.”
“Now, back home, that’s another story. And since I can’t believe he only behaves that way abroad, I’m guessing he covers his tracks better in the United States. That’s what I’ve got for you so far. In a nutshell. Details to follow in a report. Want me to keep digging?” he asked, speaking in his gravelly voice.
Derek picked up a pen and tapped it against the desk. “Keep looking. And thanks.”
Derek leaned back in thought. Something was bothering him about Cassie’s brother, but he couldn’t put his finger on what. So he pushed it aside, knowing it would come to him when the time was right.
He shut down his desktop just as Lucas walked into the room.
“Hey,” Derek said, bracing his hands behind his head and leaning back in his chair. “Long fucking day.”
“No kidding.” Lucas dropped into the chair across from Derek’s desk. “When technology works, it’s brilliant. When it fails…”
“Epic pain in the ass.” Derek grinned. “Well, it’s all sorted out now. So. Are you ready to get married?”
It was Lucas’s turn to push back and brace his hands behind his head in a relaxed, happy state. “I can’t wait.”
“Good. I’m happy for you.”