Once Upon a Friendship

“I’m telling you I don’t think this particular account has anything to do with the rest of it. You know as well as I do that there’s ample proof of fraud in Connelly Investments. You saw the same reports I did. You’ve even verified some of them when the FBI hadn’t yet been able to.”

Gabi had pointed that fact out to him the night before, after he’d come back from rescuing Gordon. Or Edith, depending on how you looked at it. After they’d finished dinner, before the two had left together, he’d given Gabi permission to tell Gwen everything he’d told her.

“But maybe he’s not guilty of money laundering,” Liam said now, the courthouse halls a bit busy with the various courts adjourning for lunch. What was with him? Still trying to believe in the old man...

“It’s a personal account, Liam. Being used by someone in Florida. Do you know anyone in Florida who your father might be sending money to?”

“Of course not.”

“No long-lost aunt or uncle? Or even a grandparent? Someone from Walter’s past he might not want you to know about?”

“My father grew up in the foster system. He has no family.” Confused, coming down from a professional high to land back in the mud of his life, Liam walked to a deserted alcove at the end of the hall and stared out into the street. His phone in one hand and his briefcase in the other, he stood there in his silk-lined trench coat over one of his newer hand-tailored suits, feeling at a total loss. “Is there a name associated with the account?” he asked, which should have been an obvious first question.

“No. It’s in the name of a trust.”

“But someone’s drawing money from it with a debit card.”

“It looks that way.”

“Wouldn’t there be a name associated with the card?” There didn’t have to be. Necessarily.

“It’s in the name of a corporation.”

“Let me guess. One that doesn’t exist.”

“One that no one has been able to find as of yet.”

“But you’re going to keep looking?”

“Gwen and her team are at it as we speak. I’ll join back in when I’m through with my afternoon appointments.”

He nodded. Feeling stupidly relieved. Gabi had his back.

And because she was there for him, he could go back to work. He’d been gifted a reprieve of a few hours. He’d worry about his father—about his life—later.

* * *

GABRIELLE WAS ALONE in the apartment, pacing, at five o’clock that night.

Liam had said he was going to be out of court at three. She’d expected him to come straight home. She’d been there waiting for him. And he hadn’t shown up.

She’d started to worry. Then to think he’d decided to have a night on the town to get away from his troubles, or maybe to grab a beer with someone he’d met in court... She just hoped Tanner was with him.

In case he’d slipped his bodyguard, she’d started to worry again that something had happened to him. So she’d called. Just to make sure he was okay. And he hadn’t picked up.

Because he was with a woman?

He didn’t need her getting all female on him. He was a man with a full life of his own. He didn’t answer to her.

Nor should he.

So she’d hung up without leaving a message. And paced.

Tanner had been pretty insistent that he wouldn’t leave Liam alone. Which would mean that it wasn’t likely he was in danger.

She had to face facts. He was with a woman. She just knew it. Beautiful women had always fallen at Liam’s feet. All of them drop-dead model gorgeous. A lot of them with enough money to make up for any of his father’s losses. It was no wonder he’d never been able to settle for just one.

It had always been that way, from the time they’d first met. There was no reason for her to feel...put out. She was neither rich nor gorgeous. Never had been. Never even particularly wanted to be. And she’d never, ever wanted to be one of his women.