Fisher (Prince of Tigers, #3) - Kathi S. Barton Page 0,29

where you are. I know exactly where you and your brother are.” She told him she didn’t know what he was talking about, but that she’d meant to say she was in Ohio. “All right. Then can you tell me where the three-hundred-thousand dollars is that was in our business checking account? Or perhaps why Peter has a terrible credit score when I know for a fact he’s never had a credit card for the health spa that you go to?”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about, Paddy. Can’t we discuss then when I get home? I have such a headache, and I’m exhausted. I’ve not been sleeping well since my—”

“Yes, since your mother died. When was the last time you saw her alive, Mary? You told me you were seeing her once a month or more if you could swing it. From what I’ve heard, you’ve not once seen your mother in all the time she was ill. When that was mentioned at the funeral, you assured me that Piper was trying to make you feel bad for not being on time. I should have spoken to you then about it. Also, you’ve not once seen her since your father died.” Mary asked him what his point was. “My point? Well, I guess you might as well know my point now. I’m not bailing you out. You’ve taken enough from me and my son. Also, you might find this as a surprise, but I’m calling the police as soon as I hang up from talking to you. I’ve had enough. As for your credit card? They’ve all been canceled. In trying to reach you by phone to talk to you about the missing money, I had it in my head that you’d call if you couldn’t gamble anything more away. Lucky me, I guess. That’s just what you did.”

“Paddy, I’ve told you I’ve been arrested, and here you are talking to me about gambling and taking money. If you are going to cut back, please don’t do it to me without asking me first. I’m not going to be upset this time, but turn the credit cards on, and I’ll forgive you.” He didn’t say anything to her. “Paddy? Did you hear what I said? I have to get home for you, and the only way that is going to happen is if you come to get me or I have the credit cards reinstated so I can pay the fine here. I don’t know why you’re making this so complicated.”

“I’m not going to do anything for you, Mary. As of right now, I’m washing my hands of you.” She told him he was just upset. “I am at that. Very much so. You’ve lied and cheated me for the very last time. I’m finished with you. Don’t come here if you manage to get home. The locks will be changed, and the staff will know not to allow you in my home again.”

Hanging up on her felt good. Of course, as usual, after sitting there thinking about what he’d said to her, Paddy felt terrible. Just as he was going to pick up the phone to make a call to the jail to get her out, Peter walked into the room.

When his son had been born, Paddy could have taken on the world. He grew into a wonderful toddler, then a teenager. Peter had never been into any real trouble. Even though they’d given him a car, Paddy knew he’d not been in trouble with the law. Peter’s grades were always on top, and when he graduated from high school in a few weeks, he’d be valedictorian.

“What’s up, son?” Peter grinned at him and sat down across from him. “I was thinking the two of us should go and get some dinner tonight. Your mother is out, and I don’t know when she’ll be back. What do you think?”

“I think you have bad news for me, and you’re going to butter me up before you tell me. I’m an adult, Dad. How about if you learn to pull the Band-Aid off and just tell me what it is.” Paddy felt his eyes fill with unshed tears. “Dad, you’re starting to scare me. What’s happened? What has you so upset?”

Paddy told him about everything, from the money his mother took to the way she’d fucked with Peter’s credit. He told him about how she told him she was in Ohio and shopping. Paddy even told his son about Piper