The Killing Game(48)

“The one who didn’t come to your wedding.”

So he hadn’t forgotten. “Exactly. Have you ever met her?”

“Don’t think so.”

“She’s been going through a tough time, but things have improved.” She took a breath. “I have something I want to talk to you about.”

“Fire away.”

“I’ve been thinking about Mimi and the baby.”

He made a sound between a snort and a groan. “There is no baby.”

“I know that’s what you and Greg thought, but I’ve never been convinced. So I’m going to call her, connect with her. Find out how she’s doing, and if you’re right and she’s been faking, then we’ll know. And if she’s pregnant, we need to reach out to her.”

“If she’s pregnant and if it’s Greg’s. Two big ifs.”

“Well, we need to find out, then.”

“Why? Mimi Quade and her brother Scott are con artists. Greg was an idiot for getting involved with her. Sorry, Andi. It’s true.”

“I’m not arguing with you, but I need to know once and for all, and so do you. The child would be your niece or nephew.”

“I have no interest in any bastard child of Greg’s.”

“Carter, come on.”

“Andi, I’ve got other things to think about. Like the finances. I know you and Emma have just given up, but I have to worry about these things.”

“The construction loan went through. What are you talking about?”

“Cost overruns. Unexpected problems. Do you know how f*cking expensive it is to build a lodge? Don’t even answer. I know you don’t.”

“I’ve got a pretty good idea,” Andi said.

“We’ve got other expenses on top of the loan. It’s all tapping us out and we’ve got a long way to go yet.”

“So we’re in financial trouble again?”

“Not again. The same problems.” He made a face. “And don’t worry about it. I’m handling it.”

“I am going to worry about it. We’re in this together. All of us. It’s been a hard summer and fall . . . losing Greg, the miscarriage . . . but the lodge is coming along, and things are getting better.”

“Are they?”

“Yes.”

“If you’re stirring up things with the Quades, I’m not so sure.”

“I just want the truth. The total story. And to learn that, I need to see Mimi.”

“Fine. I’ve got some appointments to keep. More red tape with the county,” he said with a wave of his hand, telling her it was the same old rigmarole. “Tomorrow, let’s meet at the lodge. I want to go over some things with you and Emma.”

“Have you contacted Emma?”

“You mean because she never shows up for work? Not yet, but I will.”

“I could call her,” Andi offered.

“No, I’ll do it.”

Carter was good at complaining he was doing all the work but less so at delegating true responsibility, so she was pleased he was attempting to include both her and Emma. Oftentimes he had a tendency to think his way was the only way, no matter if there was evidence to the contrary.

He’d placed his cell phone on his desk, but now he swept it up again. “I’ll move a few things around and let’s meet at nine.”

“Great. Anything else you need before then?”

“Aren’t you meeting with Mimi?”

“Yes, but that’s not going to take up all my time.”

“There’s nothing specific, so do whatever you usually do.” He flipped a hand toward her office, as if her value as a company member was practically worthless. It burned her, but she didn’t want to fight with her brother-in-law.

As she turned to leave, he said, “Let me know how it turns out.”

“Sure,” she answered shortly.

As Andi was leaving his office she got another call. Luke. Her pulse quickened in spite of herself. Taking a deep breath, she answered, “Hi, there,” as she headed into the hallway, closing Carter’s office door behind her.

“Hi. Been a while since we talked.”

Gooseflesh rose on her arms at his warm tone. She could feel her cheeks heat and she shook her head at her own susceptibility. It was ridiculous. They were business associates and barely that. As soon as the Carrera problem was put to bed, her relationship with Luke would likely be over. Maybe they would be friends, but maybe not.

“I’ve finally got an appointment with Peg Bellows.”

“Great. When?”

“Two o’clock this afternoon.”

“She called you?”

“Yep. I’ve been checking with some of the other families who were pressured by the Carreras, but they say the same thing you do: everything’s quieted down. Maybe it’s the calm before the storm; I don’t know. But ever since that night at Lacey’s, nothing much has come out of their camp. Peg’s been MIA, but maybe she can shed some light on the situation.”

“Good. It’s kind of strange how little we’ve heard from the Carreras.”

“I know. How are you feeling about the protection thing?”

“I can’t believe they’ve just given up.”