of my accounts.”
I wasn’t ready to offer my father a place to live yet, but I also didn’t want him living in a car somewhere. “If you need money, let me know.”
“I’ll be fine. I consider myself fortunate. You’re alive, and that’s what matters.”
“You won’t be tempted to go back? You won’t miss the deal-making?”
“No. I don’t think it would be possible; I assume the Feds will keep tabs on me for the rest of my life. But even if not, I’m relieved. I’ve already got a therapist, and I’m doing telemedicine with her while I’m on house arrest.”
Therapy? My father? I was shocked. And once again, impressed.
If he’d gone to the FBI to save my life, then I could at least let him know he was having a grandchild. “I do have something to tell you.”
“I’m listening.”
He’d been more contrite than I’d ever expected. I wasn’t sure I was going to ever feel comfortable dropping our kid off to go fishing with grandpa, but if he stayed out of prison, I would be willing to let him see our child and spend time with him or her. That was something I couldn’t have fathomed just an hour ago.
“You’re going to be a grandfather.”
My father dropped his napkin. He scooted his chair back and stood up. He started to lean forward as if he was going to hug me, and then he stopped. “That’s wonderful news. Congratulations.” He looked at Tyler. “Congratulations to you both.”
“Thank you.”
I wasn’t hungry anymore, but I was tired. And I was ready to get out of this mausoleum of a house. “We better get back on the road.”
My father walked us to the door. “Thank you for coming, especially in light of the situation.” He hugged me, smiling down at my stomach, and he grasped Tyler’s arm. “Thank you for taking care of her.”
I wanted to add that I didn’t need taking care of, but the truth was I liked Tyler’s brand of taking care of me.
“I’ll write. Paper letters. My therapist said it will be good for me.” He wrung his hands together. “If you’d keep me updated on the baby, and on what you two are up to, I’d love that.”
I could do that.
Once we’d closed the wrought iron gate, I stood on the sidewalk and looked back at the mansion I’d grown up in. I hated the house, but I still needed to say goodbye.
“Are you sad that this house won’t belong to you?” Tyler asked.
“No. I grew up here, but it isn’t home. Not the way the farm house is home to you and your family.”
Tyler tugged me closer. “Do you want me to take a photo of it with you in front?”
“No. I’ll leave it in my memories.”
I don’t know how I ever thought I’d go back to Chicago. Not after I’d found Pine Hills, and not after I’d met Tyler. How could I ever have thought Chicago was more important than being with the man I loved?
Tyler got us back on the road.
“Do you want to stay longer?”
“No.” Someday I’d want to share more of my previous life with him. I’d want to show him the fashion magazine I’d worked for, and the office where I’d barely worked before having to run. I’d show him the offices my father had owned, and the private prep school where I’d attended elementary school. I’d show him the university I’d loved, and then eventually, the streets where I’d spent so many hours trying to uncover my family’s crimes.
I was relieved that Jenny was safe at her rehab center. She’d probably be there for months.
I still had friends there, but I’d text or call them for now. And we’d be back to visit my father from time to time too.
But not yet. I wasn’t ready yet.
“How are you doing?” Tyler asked. As usual when he drove, he reached his hand over to rest on mine.
“Actually I’m doing pretty well. I’m looking forward to moving on with our lives. For the first time since I met you, there’s not something crazy hanging over my head.”
“And you don’t have any more secrets, right?” Tyler’s mouth curved up into a half smile, but I knew this was a topic he took very seriously.
“Not one.” I adjusted my seat belt and turned in my seat so I could look at him. “I promise I won’t keep secrets again. I hated every minute of keeping them from you.”
He laced his fingers through mine. “We both agree not to