The Country Guesthouse (Sullivan's Crossing #5)(67)

“Good detectives command a high price, but they’re thorough.”

“Of course,” Owen said. “This is unknown territory for me, Cal. But don’t you feel something is missing here?”

“Well, that’s not uncommon. Whatever motivates Victoria is her secret, I’m afraid. After seeing her with Noah, it’s hard for me to be convinced she wants a close and loving relationship with him. I suspect it’s about money, but unless Erin told her mother about the trust she’d leave behind in the event of her untimely death, there’s no way for her to know. From what I’ve learned about their relationship, that seems unlikely.”

“I don’t even know,” Owen said. “I just know Hannah doesn’t want to use it for living expenses. She wants it available to Noah. She said, ‘What if he wants to go to medical school?’ She’s thinking way into the future. So this makes me wonder about this brother—he’s a felon. He could be dangerous.”

“But he’s in Minneapolis. He’s on parole. If he leaves the state, he’ll be put back in jail.”

“Can you arrange to take a closer look at this dysfunctional family until it feels like there are no questions left to ask?”

“Do you feel threatened, Owen?” Cal asked.

Owen took a breath. “It could be paranoia. Of course, I wouldn’t break the law or ask you to break the law, but... Well, there’s something we’ve never talked about that I should tell you. Just so you know I’m not really overthinking this. I’m cautious for a reason. You see, I had a son...”

  After Owen and Hannah had discussed all that had to be done, they told Noah they had decided to continue living together in the house on the lake.

He had a stunned expression. “For real?” he asked.

“We both decided we want a little more time together,” Hannah said. “Do you agree?”

“Oh, I definitely need more time!” And then he hugged Romeo.

“It’s going to be a very busy couple of weeks. I have loose ends to tie up in Minneapolis. We’re all going together. We’ll get to see Sharon’s new baby and visit with Kate and her family. We’ll be counting on a lot of cooperation from you.”

Noah hugged Romeo tighter. “I can do that,” he said. “Is Romeo coming?”

“I’m afraid not,” Owen said. “He’ll take a little vacation with Aunt Mary.”

Hannah was feeling some anxiety about Victoria, wondering if she had returned to Minneapolis, if she’d be lying in wait for them, but his grandmother apparently never crossed Noah’s mind. He didn’t mention her even once. And while Hannah had complied with the judge’s request to share her phone number, she had not heard from the woman.

Hannah and Noah went to visit the local elementary school when she registered him. They looked around a little bit and visited with the office staff but since classes were not in session, there wasn’t much to see. The teachers weren’t even present to set up their classrooms yet. The principal invited them back the week before school was in session to meet the teacher and see the classroom.

They began organizing a move long-distance. Kate was able to recommend a good property manager and Owen lined up and scheduled packers and movers. The property manager offered to arrange for the repairs, cleaning and painting once the property was empty of furnishings. Plane tickets were purchased, lists finalized, appointments made.

One of the first appointments that Hannah scheduled was with her boss, Peter. She didn’t talk to him personally but rather made the appointment with his secretary. Once they had arrived in Minneapolis, that was the first thing on her agenda. And she dressed for the occasion, wearing her business attire.

Peter stood from behind his desk as she entered the office. Then he smiled and came around the desk to give her a hug. “Hannah, you look great.”

“Thank you,” she said. “A lot of sun and summer fun.”

“Sit down. I’m glad to see you but I’ll be honest, I’m bracing myself. Hoping you’re here to tell me you’re ready to come back to work...”

She smiled at him. “I’m here to ask if you would consider an extended leave of absence. My life has changed so much, so fast. I’m not ready to take on a full-time job yet but I love this company and hate the idea of giving it up.”

“First, tell me everything,” he said.

Peter knew about her reason for taking family leave and then extending it, but she was happy to have a chance to give him all the details anyway. And then there was the fact that she rented the Airbnb for a two-week vacation and hadn’t left yet.

“I think you met someone,” he said, grinning at her.

“The most wonderful man and his big dog. Noah has been thriving there, become so healthy and strong. We talk about his mother a lot but he’s happy. I’m happy.” Then she went on to tell Peter all about Owen, his work, his travels, his lifestyle. Next she began to mention Timberlake and the Crossing and some of her new friends. Then she glanced at her watch. “Oh my gosh, I’ve kept you so long!” she said, though if memory served, Peter was never one to rush a meeting. He was focused, very present in the moment. Despite his addiction to executive retreats, he was a very good boss, and working for him had been pleasurable.

“It wasn’t just the sunshine that has you looking so healthy,” Peter said. He moved some papers around on his desk. “You know our policy as well as I do, and extended leave except for medical situations is not something we do. But in this case, I’m going to agree to it. You know why?”