“I haven’t decided yet.” Noah’s shrug was a Knight mannerism. “I’m looking at a couple. I was thinking about Trinity Falls University.”
Simon brushed that suggestion aside. “No, no. That’s not good enough for a Knight.”
June walked back to the group, putting a hand on her son’s shoulder. “He’s a Cale.”
Darius arched an eyebrow. “A little late for paternal instincts, isn’t it?”
He escorted June and Noah out of his parents’ house and back into his car.
Noah settled onto the middle of the backseat. “I didn’t think he was that bad.”
Darius watched his brother from the rearview mirror. “You didn’t grow up with him.”
June buckled her seat belt. “How did you grow up in that house?”
“I didn’t.” He’d grown up in Ean and Quincy’s homes.
“I used to envy you, growing up with both parents.” Noah’s voice was pensive. “But I think I was the lucky one.”
Darius smiled without humor. “Yeah, you were.”
June looked away, wiping a hand across her eyes. “Do you think he’s telling the truth? Will he give up his petition?”
“I think so.” Darius pulled away from the curb.
But had Simon’s decision come too late to save his marriage? It seemed Darius had spent his whole life dreading, and yet expecting, his parents to divorce. Had it finally come to that? Only time would tell.
One thing he’d learn from this experience is that there are some stories the media should leave alone. His half brother was one of them. Dr. Peyton Harris’s private life was another. He owed the professor an apology.
Nessa Linden wasn’t happy to see Simon Saturday morning. He entered the councilwoman’s home, anyway.
She locked the door before confronting him. “It’s not a good idea for you to be here. I can’t be seen endorsing your campaign.”
“I’m not going to run for mayor.”
“Because of your sons?”
Simon gave her a sharp look. “How did you know about that?”
She walked past him into her living room. “I underestimated Darius. I didn’t think he’d have the balls to bring his brother into the equation.”
“Everything’s fallen apart.” Simon chewed his inner cheek. “Ethel left me last night. I don’t know where she is. I called Darius this morning and he blames me.”
How had his life gone so wrong? Why did his son hate him? Where was his wife?
“You’re right. You’re no longer a viable candidate for mayor—if you ever were. And the sesquicentennial is only a week away.” Nessa settled onto her black leather sofa. The full skirt of her cream sundress spread around her. “I’ll have to think of something else.”
“For what?” Simon paced her living room.
“For what I have in mind for Trinity Falls.” She smoothed her cap of dark brown hair.
Simon stilled. “What are you planning to do?”
Nessa crossed her legs. “That no longer concerns you.”
Simon chuckled without humor. He tucked his hands into his front pants pockets and rocked forward on his toes. “If you’re planning to do something to hurt the town, you’d better hope Ramona, Doreen, and Megan don’t hear about it.” Or Darius, for that matter.
Nessa’s dark brown eyes were cold. “How would they learn of it? We’re the only ones who know I have a plan, and neither of us would say anything, would we?”