Fallen Hearts (Casteel 3)

"I know that; I know that," he said. He stood up to pace about. "Maybe we can still work something out behind closed doors."

"We can't. You might as well face it."

"Well, jeez, Heaven, can't I at least try for an easier way out of this? I'll make some calls, see what can be done."

I shook my head and sat up.

"You're just like Tony. You think you can solve everything with a phone call or lawyers meeting behind closed doors."

"I'll just try," he repeated, holding his arms out.

"Try," I said. "But I'm not going to let more than a day pass."

"They won't abuse him," he said, trying to make it sound less severe.

"Logan." I narrowed my gaze on him "You pro ised me you would think of Drake the way you would think of your own child."

"I know and I will," he protested.

"Well, would you let someone do this to your own child? Take him away and fill his head with terrible things about you?" He didn't respond. "Would you?"

"Of course not."

"So then . . I'm calling J. Arthur Steine tomorrow and getting his advice and the name of an attorney in Virginia. I'm going to have the best possible legal help and put all the money I have to into this."

"Sure, I understand," he said softly.

"And if it means hanging out our torn and filthy laundry for all to see, still do it to get Drake back, don't care what these people think of us."

"Well, you said the magic word there, Heaven," Logan said. "Us. We have other people to think about . . my parents, for instance." There was such heat in my chest, I thought my heart had caught fire. The glow moved up my throat and neck and into my face. I felt my cheeks burning.

"You didn't think about them when you made love to Fanny in the cabin, did you, Logan?" I asked quickly. He blanched. "Well?"

"I told you how that happened. Do I spend my whole life paying for it?" he whined.

"I don't know," I said. I wiped the remaining tears from my face. "Maybe it's time we all owned up to our pasts and our actions. Maybe this has all happened so we can cleanse ourselves," I said. "Whatever the reason . I'm determined to do what is right and necessary with or without your support."

Logan stared a moment and then nodded.

"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to sound selfish. Of course you have my support, and of course I'll be right at your side. I love you too much to ever let you suffer anything alone," he said. "I'll do what I can in the morning to stop this, and if I can't, go anywhere, do anything you want to bring Drake back where he belongs."

"Thank you, Logan." My eyes filled with tears again.

"Don't thank me for loving you as much as I do, Heaven. It's what makes my life worthwhile."

He reached out and we embraced.

"It will be all right," he whispered and kissed my forehead. "You'll see."

"I hope so," I said.

In the morning, right after breakfast, Logan went off to see his laws and make his phone calls. I didn't go down to breakfast. Mrs. Avery brought me a tray with coffee and a piece of toast, all I could manage to eat. She didn't say anything, but I could tell that she knew something bad had happened. She must have inquired after Drake and Logan must have told her something. She was too discreet to ask any questions, but for a moment I longed for someone her age to talk with, a real mother in whom I could confide my fears and problems. How lucky were those girls who had mothers and sisters they loved and could trust, I thought

After I had my coffee, I got a firm hold on myself and did what I told Logan I would do--I phoned J. Arthur Steine. He came to the phone immediately, interrupting a meeting he was having with his associates. He listened sympathetically.

"Can she do what she has done?" I asked quickly after I summarized all that had happened.

"Well, from what you tell me, she is a mature woman, a sibling, too. It never occurred to me at the time of our meeting in my office to ask about any of your brothers or sisters. You seemed to be taking charge of things."