Page 8 of Severed By Vengeance

“Did James have a son? Does the name Derek Cain or Lyons mean anything to you?”

In my career field, knowing how to read a person’s body language, nervous tells, and even the smallest of twitches was crucial to finding a crack and exploiting it for what it was. The quick rise and fall of my father’s chest were subtle, but just enough to notice.

“Eva, I—” His throat bobbed as he swallowed.

“So, it’s true? Unbelievable!” I threw my arms up. “You knew. You knew this whole time.”

“Understand. It wasn’t my secret to tell. James confided in me years ago. He swore me to secrecy, then never mentioned him again.”

I pinched the bridge of my nose and exhaled a heavy breath. “And you didn’t think to tell me after his death that there’s a son out there, the last link to the man who was like a second father to me?” I shook my head indignantly. “Derek’s his only son? How could you keep that from me?”

If I were being honest with myself, his omission hadn’t come as a complete surprise. Growing up, I never questioned my father’s wealth, our privileged upbringing, the lavish vacations, or elite private schools.

He was a doctor, after all.

As I grew, it became apparent our lifestyle was far above a physician’s pay grade. But my father was the best man and role model in my life. Turning a blind eye was easier.

“I already told you, Eva, it wasn’t my secret to tell. And where did you get this information, anyway?”

I folded my arms over my chest, ignoring his question. “Is there anything else you’re keeping from me? Why was James doing business with the Russian mafia?”

My dad schooled his posture, his features hardening. “I know nothing about that.”

“Bull! He was like your brother. You knew about his illegitimate son, but somehow you didn’t know about his business dealings? You’ve been investment partners and—”

“Eva, I understand you’re emotional, and you have questions about his son. But I won’t allow you to accuse me of knowing James’s alleged illegal activity, let alone insinuate that I took part in them.”

“I didn’t say that.”

He cradled me by the shoulders. “Look, I have to leave for work in about twenty minutes. The last thing I want to do is argue.” I looked away, still not ready to let go of my grudge. “Eva, please. Understand where I’m coming from.”

“I just don’t like being lied to. And I hate lies of omission just as much. We’re all we have—you and me. Mom is gone… and Frankie. I have to know I can trust you.”

Emotion clogged my voice, and he pulled me into a hug.

“I promise,princesa. No more lies or secrets.”

My father’s words sounded sincere, but a sinking feeling in my gut told me he still wasn’t being entirely honest.

Sighing in defeat, I pushed back the doubts and insecurities and squeezed him tighter. My father was my whole world. I had to trust him.

“You didn’t tell me how you came across this information.”

“Someone sent it to the precinct anonymously. They had an entire file on James. Sam is running prints for me and trying to trace its origin.”

A flash of something gleamed in my father’s eyes, but just as quickly, it was gone.

“Eva, I don’t like the sound of this. Whoever this person is, they knew to contact you. Knew your place of employment. This doesn’t sit right. Should I hire private security again?”

“Absolutely not.”

The thought of strangers shadowing my every move, day and night, gave me flashbacks of my college years and the whirlwind affair I’d had with the man hired to keep me safe. He’d done the opposite, shattering my trust in those meant to uphold the law. And nearly my dream of becoming an officer with it.

“Eva,” he said, using hisdadvoice.

Patting the Sig at my waist, I reminded him, “I can take care of myself now. End of discussion.”

He shot me a look of concern, but let the subject go.