Darius Colton and his offspring knew how to wield power and intimidate the right people. Theyd been a thorn in the Walsh familys side since before Mark disappeared and Damien Colton was accused of his murder.
Ive considered the possibility that the Coltons could be involved myself. Finns been treating me for the poisoning, so I dont think hes our man. Craig closed his eyes and sighed. But if another Colton is responsible, how do we prove it?
Peter gritted his teeth and shook his head. Not through official channels, thats for sure. Because Wes Colton was the sheriff, Peter needed to find a way to circumvent the sheriffs
department and get to the bottom of his fathers murder and Craigs poisoning.
I can hire someone to look into the matter. Money is no object for me. Craig paused for a breath, his weakness from the poisoning still evident. You and your mother are family to me, and I have a feeling we havent seen the last of these attacks. Until whoever is behind this mess is stopped, were all still in danger. That includes you and Patrick.
A chill shimmied through Peter. Craig was right. He had to protect Patrick.
Despite his heavy case loadcheating spouses, insurance fraud, missing teenagers, adopted kids looking for their birth parentsPeter had to find the person behind the attacks.
He met Craigs dark eyes with a level stare. Ill do the legwork myself. I have resources at my disposal, law enforcement and investigation training. If not much time.
He hated that taking on a private investigation into his fathers death would mean more time away from Patrick. But how could he let Craigs poisoning, Marys attack and Marks murder go unsolved?
Craigs wan face creased with worry. Are you sure you want to dig into your fathers business and expose yourself to his skeletons?
Peters gut churned at the thought of the dirt he was likely to uncover on his father if he undertook this investigation of his murder. Im sure. But Ill need your help.
My help? Craig lifted the numerous IV tubes and tipped his head. Id love to assist you, but Im kind of tied down at the moment.
I need information from you. I need you to try to remember anything suspicious that may have happened at Walsh Enterprises in the weeks before my dad was murdered. Did my father contact you? Did you know he was alive?
Craigs gaze softened. If Id known that, I would have told you and your brother and sisters and your mother, Peter. You know that.
Okay. Peter waved that issue away. Then what about the company? Any suspicious activity in the accounts or operations?
Ill check on that, butmy memory is a little muddled. The arsenic caused me a bit of confusion and lapses in my memory. He twitched a wry grin. Thank God it was just poison. I thought I was getting senile.
Peter forced a grin, but reminders of how close hed come to losing the man whod been a surrogate father was no laughing matter. What about threats? Had anyone contacted you
When Peters cell rang, he scowled, checked the caller ID.
Honey Creek Elementary.
His pulse spiked. If the school was calling in the middle of the day, it couldnt be good news. Was Patrick sick? Hurt?
Had his fathers killer come after his son?
He jabbed the talk button, his heart in his throat. Peter Walsh.
Hello, Mr. Walsh, a sweet female voice began. This is Lisa Navarre. Im Patricks teacher.
Whats happened? Was there trouble at school? Peter was already out of his chair and putting on his coat.
Well, yes, theres been an incident. I need you to come to the school as soon as
Ill be right there. He disconnected the call and squeezed his eyes closed. Patrick was his whole world. If anything happened to his son
Panic rising in his throat, Peter met Craigs concerned gaze.
Is Patrick all right?
I dont know. His teacher said thered been an accident. I have to go. He backed quickly toward the door. But well talk more later. I want the people responsible for doing this to you caught, Craig. I wont rest until I find everyone involved in this conspiracy.
Chapter 2
Cheeks flushing, Anthony DePaulo lowered his head over his geography quiz and got back to work.
Lisa checked the clock. Fifteen more minutes. Pace yourselves. Dont spend too much time on a question you dont
Her classroom door slammed open, and a tall, dark-haired manan extremely handsome manburst through. His eyes were wide with alarm, his manner agitated. Even before Mr. Handsome Interruptions gaze scanned the room and landed on Patrick Walsh, Lisa knew this had to be Peter Walsh. The father was the spitting image of his son. Or vice versa, she supposed. Dark brown hair roguishly in need of a trim, square-cut jaw and a generous mouth that was currently taut with concern.
Mr. Walsh, I
Patrick! Peter Walsh rushed to his sons desk and framed his face, tipping his head as if checking for injury. Are you all right?
Da-ad! Patrick wrestled free from his fathers zealous examination, while the class twittered
with amusement.
Settle down, kids. Finish your work. Lisa hustled down the row of desks to rescue Patrick from further embarrassment. Mr. Walsh, if you would? She tugged his arm and hitched her head toward the hall. We can talk in the office. As you can see, the class is in the middle of a test.