The Country Guesthouse (Sullivan's Crossing #5)(45)

“Roger Addison’s name doesn’t appear on Mrs. Addison’s court documents, but given what Erin described about their relationship, he might be driving the notion of custody for money. If you hear from either of them, refer them to me and hang up. If you see either of them around, call the police and then me.”

“I don’t think I’d even recognize either one of them! And what am I supposed to tell the police they’ve done? Given me the willies?”

“I’ll text you a couple of photos and I’ll tell Stan I’m representing you in a custody case with a woman who has personal ties to a felon who has a long criminal history. Roger Addison might be hoping if his mother can get custody and control of that trust, the money will somehow flow to him. Or maybe he thinks he’s smart enough to talk her out of it. It wouldn’t be the first time a delinquent kid out-conned his parents. I’m just being cautious, Hannah. I’ve handled custody cases that involved people with criminal histories before and it can get treacherous. It’s hard for me to believe that a woman who was completely estranged from her daughter and has no relationship with her grandson wants custody of him. There’s more to it. I don’t want to be right, by the way. I’d rather this just fizzle out.”

“Me, too,” Hannah said. “I asked Noah if he’d ever met his grandmother and he said he couldn’t remember. There’s obviously no history there.”

“Enjoy your summer and pay attention to anything unusual. Let me know if you’re contacted.”

  A couple of days later they were all together again when Owen, Hannah, Noah and Romeo went to the Crossing for a Fourth of July picnic potluck.

“I apologize for bringing a Great Dane to the party but Romeo doesn’t enjoy the sound of fireworks when he’s home alone. He’s counting on Noah to protect him,” Owen said.

“I’m glad you brought him,” Sully replied. “The Fourth of July gets some of these animals all riled and sends them on the run. Connie and Sierra brought fireworks, like usual. The kids love ’em even if the dogs don’t.”

Cal’s sister Sierra and her husband, Connie, also brought their two little ones, a little boy they had adopted and a little girl about a year old who had been their surprise biological baby. Hannah made a mental note to talk to Sierra about adoption when there weren’t so many people around.

During the afternoon at the Crossing, Maggie and Hannah talked about Hannah’s job and when her family leave would expire. Being a neurosurgeon, Maggie understood the role of a sales rep of medical equipment quite well.

“My leave expires in September,” Hannah said. “The problem is sales involves a lot of long days and travel. As you would know, we spend a lot of time with radiologists, surgeons, ER docs and other MDs who use our equipment. We take them out to dinner to discuss how to better meet their needs, follow them into surgery and treatment, confer with them constantly and... Well, I don’t think those long days and a lot of travel are going to work out for me. I’m no longer a woman alone.”

“I was thinking about that,” Maggie said. “Have you thought about working in a hospital or clinic? It probably wouldn’t pay as well, but you never know until you look around.”

“That’s an idea,” Hannah said. “I’m looking for a change.”

  A few days later, Owen mentioned his upcoming trip. “It’s time for me to get ready for Vietnam. If you’re at all uncomfortable being here by yourself, just say so. I can reschedule.”

“I can’t let you do that,” Hannah said. “Not only are you looking forward to the trip, I’m excited to see the pictures when you’re home!”

“Things are a little rocky right now,” he said. “It’s uncertain with the Addisons.”

“A bit, but so far Mrs. Addison has been taking her issues to court and for that I have Cal and Judd.”

“I’m going to talk to Cal again before I leave,” Owen said. “If there’s any word from them, consider staying with friends for a few days. There are plenty who would welcome you—Cal and Maggie, Leigh and Rob, Helen and Sully.”

“Please don’t worry,” she said.

“I’m not going to be able to be in touch when I’m in the cave.”

“Owen, I’ll be very cautious. And Noah won’t be outside alone for one second. Not even on the porch. And by not alone, I won’t leave Romeo in charge. But I bet he’d come in real handy if any uninvited guests showed up.”

“He’s never been put in the position of protector...”

“And hopefully he won’t have to be the protector, but he looks huge without even trying.” She reached up to palm his cheek. After his experience with his own son, of course he would be feeling nervous. “We’re going to miss you but we want you to explore that cave.”

“While I’m gone, think about something,” he said. “I don’t want to make you feel rushed or cornered or pressured but I want you to know, this works for me. I’m ready. Finally. Ready for a family. You don’t have to worry about a job. Not for money anyway. If you want to work because it feels good to be productive, there must be something around here that can fill that space. I love you. I want you and Noah to stay.”

“What about my house?” she asked.