Chapter Three
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Logan had spent most of the night on the Internet trying to find this mystery woman. He was seriously tempted to do something unethical and actually contact that clinic because her health wasn’t where his mind was focused. He also knew what he wanted to know about her, wasn’t going to be in any of their files. Logan chose to do something slightly different and contacted Bennett Stone. But possibly equally as unethical . . .
“Do you truly believe someone would fake an injury to meet you?”
He didn’t like Bennett’s tone. He wasn’t so vain as to think it was because of a love interest. She hadn’t come across as the stalker type. Then again he’d been busy trying to evaluate her injuries based on her symptoms. “This isn’t about me, Stone. This is about the family. If I’m right, she bumped into Shaun too. What are the odds of that?”
“I’ll look into it, but it’s going to be difficult from Tabiq. Send me what you have, including the copy of her driver’s license the receptionist took for your file. Also, the name of the clinic she went to.”
“Will do.” Logan wasn’t willing to cross that line, but Bennett followed a different set of rules. That’s why he’s so damn good at what he does.
He disconnected the call and picked up Cordelia’s file again. There really wasn’t much in it to explain why she’d made an appointment to see him. If there’d been copies of prior test results showing an actual injury, he’d feel less concerned. They’d learned a few years ago that when a Henderson had an enemy, they were out for blood. She didn’t look like she could hurt a fly, but then again, he didn’t look at people that closely. Normally he saw only what he needed to. If he let himself truly see a person, it would shatter him each time he lost one on the operating table. Logan wasn’t about to admit to Bennett that he didn’t have a gut feeling about this. He really was relying on Shaun’s information. No matter their differences, they were brothers, and they always watched each other’s back.
That didn’t mean he wanted to open that door with Shaun and tell him he might be right. Hell, I hope you’re not. If he was, that meant once again the Henderson family was going to have to tighten security.
He would let Bennett do his thing, but that didn’t mean Logan was going to sit back and wait. He had Cordelia’s address and phone number, and he planned on checking her out himself.
He’d finished his rounds at the hospital early, and there didn’t seem to be anything urgent awaiting his attention. Those types of days were few and far between, so he planned on making the most of it. So many options lay before him. He could do what a lot of his colleagues were doing—play golf. That would mean talking shop while holding a putter. It killed time, accomplished nothing, and wasn’t relaxing. He’d make his appearance at the country club another time, not today.
This Saturday, he had his own agenda. Might not be his forte but he was about to do some of his own recon. The first thing he needed to do was change out of his suit. They’d had only one brief encounter. He didn’t think she’d recognize him in a pair of jeans and a T-shirt. I can’t say the same about her.
Even though he was a professional, her eyes had captured his attention that day. They were darker green than any he’d seen before, yet for a brief second, they lightened and actually looked blue. They reminded him of a mood ring his sister, Zoey, had as a child. She’d worn it everywhere, but it usually stayed one color in the house. They’d gone over to play at the Barrington’s one afternoon, and the entire time they were there the ring lightened up. He’d asked her afterward, and she explained different colors meant different feelings. The lighter color had meant she was happy. Dark was scared or anxious.
Cordelia’s eyes had gone light after she’d fainted and he was carrying her. If anything, he thought she’d be in full-blown panic mode. Yet, she seemed totally relaxed and comfortable in his arms until he called out for 911. That was like flipping a switch, and she had one thought only, to flee. Was that an indication she was lying or truly didn’t want to go to the hospital?
That was the problem. Logan didn’t know, but he was about to find out. He was parked in front of the apartment building number she’d left on her form. It wasn’t the same address where Shaun dropped her off. This isn’t a good sign.
The doorman stopped him and asked, “The name of the person you wish to see please?”
Logan was glad she had good security. Somehow knowing she was safe made him feel better. It was odd because he didn’t know her, yet something inside of him wanted to.
“I’m here to see Ms. Sparks.”
The man opened the door and said, “Apartment 4A. The elevator is on your right.”
Her file didn’t list her occupation, but Cordelia wasn’t doing so badly for herself living in a place like this. Not where someone who was trying to keep a low profile would stay.
He finally landed at her door and contemplated whether knocking was really a good idea. Recon probably should’ve been done from a distance, but he wasn’t one to play games. He faced challenges head-on. Cordelia was just that.
Here goes nothing. He knocked and waited. A woman opened the door. She had similar features to Cordelia but was older by several years. “I’m looking for Ms. Sparks.
“That’s me. Can I help you?”
“I should clarify, Cordelia Sparks.”
“May I ask what this is in reference to?” the woman asked as she looked him up and down.
He almost burst out laughing because, normally, no one looked at him with such suspicion. Maybe I dressed down too much? “That’s confidential.”
“Then I guess this conversation is over,” she snapped and slammed the door.
This wasn’t going exactly the way he’d planned. On the ride over it had played out entirely differently. Somehow he’d pictured her happy to see him and even inviting him in for coffee. Leaving right now didn’t seem to be the best option. He’d gained nothing from coming, and that didn’t sit well with him.
Knocking again, the woman answered, this time the look on her face was stern. “If you persist in disturbing me, I’ll have no option but to call security. Since you don’t care to tell me why you’re looking for my sister, then we have no further business.”
Cordelia was her sister. You’re the uptight one. “I’m checking on her. She wasn’t feeling well the other day, and I’m a concerned . . . friend.”
For the first time, the woman’s expression softened. “Sick? She didn’t tell me she wasn’t feeling well. But then again, I was too busy lecturing her about . . . some personal things, that I’m sure it slipped her mind.”
She opened the door wider and asked, “Did you want to come in?” Logan was shocked. A moment before she had shut the door in his face. With little specific, provable information, she was inviting him inside? Still, he wanted answers . . .
Logan walked inside and asked, “Is she home?”
“She doesn’t live here. I do. I’m her sister, Sarah. Has she mentioned me? Because she hasn’t mentioned you. It’s a shame because she’s been so darn focused on . . . well, let’s just say something that’s not healthy for her. So knowing she has a handsome friend like you coming to check on her gives me hope.”
“Hope about what exactly?”
“That she’ll let go of this vendetta and enjoy the sweeter things in life. Like you for instance.”
Although he didn’t like the way Sarah was talking about Cordelia, at least she was saying something informative. So you’re not just some sweet woman in trouble. You’re out stirring it up. “I’m sure she has her reasons.” Come on. Take the bait. Tell me what they are.
Sarah snorted and said, “As far as I’m concerned it can only end one way: badly.”
Logan arched a brow. “Do you think she’s in danger?”
She walked over and took a seat. The look on her face said she was extremely concerned, but her words didn’t reflect that. “She thinks she can handle it. Who am I to tell her no? It’s not like she’d listen to me anyway.”
“May I ask what exactly what it is that you think will hurt her?”
“It’s not a what. It’s a who. A family she is concerned about. The Hendersons.”
It took more control than he knew he had not to appear blown away from that little announcement. What on earth was she going after them for? The last name Sparks meant nothing to him. That didn’t mean one of his brothers hadn’t pissed her off. Goodness knows there were business dealings over the years that had left a sour taste in their opponents’ mouths. Yet, he honestly thought that was all in the past.
“I know the name. Personally, I think they’ve been given a bad rap for faults not their own.” At least, I have. He knew their bad reputation was because of their father. It was something they’d carry for the rest of their lives. But if someone was coming after them, it’d be nice to know why.
“That’s what I told her. But she will not hear it.”
“And what exactly do you think the . . . Hendersons are going to do to her? They might be tough businessmen, but they’re not ruthless.”
Sarah laughed. “You obviously don’t know them like we do.”
“So you know them?” That’s funny. I don’t know you.
“More than I wish. When you see Cordelia, you can ask her. I’m sure she’ll tell you. It’s all she thinks about. If the Hendersons don’t destroy her, I’m sure she’ll self-destruct through her own internal pain.” Sarah looked at her watch. “If you’d please excuse me, I have a meeting I can’t be late for. It was very nice meeting you. . . I’m sorry, I didn’t get your name.”
He surely wasn’t going to use his real one, yet lying wasn’t something he did very well. So he used his middle name. It was something no one ever called him. All five boys had the same middle name. “Michael.”
“Should I tell her you were looking for her or will you be heading over to Country Lane when you leave?”
Bingo. That was the place where Shaun had dropped Cori off. If there was any doubt about the mystery woman being one and the same, it was gone. “I think I’ll surprise her.”
He let himself out. Once inside the limo, he called Bennett and provided the update.
“What the hell is wrong with you? I told you I’d look into it. Now you know she’s coming after the Hendersons. I’m going to have her picked up and detained. Once I figure out what she’s really after, we’ll see if she should be set free or turned over to law enforcement.”
“Hold up. That’s not what I want. I’m going to see her now. If at any point I think I can’t handle the situation, I’ll let you do it your way. But for now, I don’t want anyone else to know what’s going on. Do you understand?”
“Logan, I’m not on your payroll. The last I knew I was married to your sister, and she’s a Henderson. I’ll do whatever I deem necessary to ensure she’s not hurt. If that means taking out your little whatever she is, then so be it. When it comes to Zoey, she comes first and always will.”
He understood and respected Bennett’s point of view, but that didn’t mean he was going to let anything happen to Cori. Something within him said she needed help. It might not be the type he normally provided, but that didn’t mean it wasn’t needed. When she came to his office, she’d said she was in pain. What he hadn’t realized was it was on an emotional level. If he were smart, he’d step aside and let Bennett do what he did best. For once in his life, Logan wasn’t doing what was smart or what was right. He was going with his gut, and that said to reach out to her. Help her find the answers she was looking for. If whatever she believed was true, so be it; they’d need to fix it, if possible.
“One week, Bennett. If I have no information, I’ll step aside.”
“I thought you were going to Tabiq with Shaun in a few days?”
In the operating room, he was in full command of everything. When it came to the family, not so much. They had different opinions. In their eyes one was right and the other wrong. Would they ever understand they might both be right? Most likely not, based on the fact Brice didn’t take a no as the final answer. “I have no plans to go now.” Or at any time.
“Okay. Keep me updated, Logan. If I don’t hear from you, you’ll be hearing from my team or me.”
Logan ended the call and gave the driver the address to Cori’s apartment. He knew Cori was right. Hendersons were bastards to deal with. Never realized just how much of one I was until now. But still, why would she hate us so much?
He knew when he saw her he’d need a really good explanation for being there. Nothing came to mind. Everything he thought of said he knew she was up to something. That would put her guard up. He remembered Shaun telling him his in-laws had picked her up off the road. He’d met them on several occasions. Elizabeth was what every mother should be. A nurturer.
Logan pressed the intercom and gave the driver an alternate address. Time to ask for a favor.
“Michael? He came and saw you why?” Cori had no idea what Sarah was talking about. The only Michael she knew was a copy editor at the news station. Why he’d stop in to visit made no sense at all. Then again, he was the one who’d been asking her a lot of questions about what she was working on. Was it possible he was fishing around to try and snag the story from her? It was a tough business, and she’d seen that happen many times. Until now, she didn’t have anything worth stealing.
“He seemed very nice. And quite handsome if you ask me.”
That didn’t mean anything. Sarah thought any man who gave her the time of day was handsome. It was sad really, because she was a beautiful woman. But she was kind of a snob, and most real and fun men didn’t want to bother with her. Cori knew that from past experiences. When they were younger, Cori had tried a few blind double dates with Sarah. Awkward didn’t even begin to express how the nights had gone. It was more like Cori had two dates and Sarah sat alone.
She hoped over the years Sarah would mellow out, but the opposite happened. She had to dress just right, each hair had to be in place, and she wasn’t going to go anywhere or do anything to spoil either. Cori was up for almost anything. Clothes were meant to be washed, and hair brushed. Life was meant to be enjoyed. And it could have been if it weren’t for James Henderson.
That’s how she used to live, but now she was living, breathing, eating, and sleeping everything Henderson. It was consuming her life. Sarah said it wasn’t healthy, and Cori knew that to be the truth. Yet she couldn’t bring herself to walk away. She’d gone this far. If she quit now, not only had she wasted all that time, she’d also let Grandpa Joe down. Neither could happen. Even if it cost her all of her happiness. And right now, that seems possible.
She couldn’t help but feel bad. Shaun and his in-laws had been so kind to her. Yet, her intentions were not so nice. What were they going to think of her when they found out what she was working on? Although to be fair, she hadn’t planned on jogging by their house yesterday and getting hit by an automobile wasn’t scheduled in either. Yet it did open doors, literally. She could already tell Shaun was a bit leery of her, as he should be. But Elizabeth and Loras weren’t. Was it wrong for her to take them a nice cherry pie as a thank you?
She couldn’t bring herself to do it. That would make me as bad as them. Using people to get what I need or want. That didn’t mean she couldn’t eat the pie herself. She opened her cupboard and took out a plate. She was just about to cut a piece when there was a knock on her door. She knew it wasn’t was Sarah. Sarah refused to come to this side of town. She wanted to live in what she called luxury. Cori liked homey and quiet.
When she opened the door, Elizabeth and Loras were there with a pot. “I hope we didn’t wake you, dear.”
“Not at all. Please come in.” She opened the door, so they could enter. “What is that? It smells wonderful.”
Elizabeth walked over to the kitchen and placed the pot on the stove. “Homemade chicken and dumplings. I thought you might be sore and not in the mood to cook. But it looks like you’ve been doing some baking yourself.”
Cori laughed. “Actually I was just getting ready to bring you a homemade cherry pie to thank you for all you did for me yesterday.”
Loras had a big grin on his face. “Well, it sounds like it’s time to eat.”
Elizabeth shot him a warning look. “You don’t invite yourself to lunch.”
Loras shrugged. “I was just trying to save her a trip.”
“And how is that exactly?” Elizabeth asked.
“By eating her pie here,” Loras said as though it was the only logical thing to do.
“I have to agree with Loras. And I’m starving. What do you say we start with lunch first and then make our way to dessert? I even have ice cream to go on top,” Cori said as she gave Loras a playful wink.
“You’ve twisted my arm, but it’s all up to the boss.” Loras raised his thumb and pointed to Elizabeth.
“Don’t you forget it either,” she teased back. Then looking at Cori, she said, “We’ll stay only if you let me help. I can tell you’re still favoring that leg.” She nodded and handed some plates to them. “Shaun said it’s not broken. That’s good.”
“I’m very lucky.”
“I don’t know about that. You did get hit by a car,” Loras said as he sat down and let the ladies set the table.
“Don’t you pay him any mind. We’ve been married for over forty years. I’ve learned how to tune him out.” Elizabeth gave Loras a sweet smile, and he, in turn, gave her a peck on the cheek.
“It sounds like true love to me.”
Elizabeth nodded. “That it is, my dear. When we first met, no one thought we were a good match. But that’s because people judge others without taking the time to get to know them.”
It was as though Elizabeth was talking directly to Cori’s heart. That’s what she was doing to the Hendersons, and she knew it wasn’t right. The problem was she didn’t know how to stop. If she did, then she’d always wonder. But if she continued and found what she believed to be the side of them they hid from the world, she’d know for sure. Are they like their father or not?
“Sometimes we don’t mean to; it just happens,” Cori said, her voice riddled with guilt.
“That’s true. I remember when our daughter, Morgan, met Shaun. She judged him so harshly for being from a family that is perceived poorly. I didn’t think the man stood a chance, because she was being so stubborn and hardheaded. But look at them now. Not only did he marry her, but he adopted her son.” It had surprised me, too, that Shaun had a heart.
“That must make you very happy.”
“At first, Loras and I were worried he’d move them into the city where he lived. But the man has a heart bigger than the moon. He bought a house just a few down from us so we could all remain close.” Elizabeth’s eyes glistened as she spoke. “You have no idea what a blessing he has been to us all. The entire family has rallied around Tyler, our grandson. Do you know they have a Walk For Autism each year? And they not only all donate, but they walk with us. I make new T-shirts with Tyler’s picture on them and write TEAM TYLER. Each one of them wears theirs, including their children. I’m telling you, Morgan meeting Shaun was the best thing for her and Tyler.” Perhaps Shaun doesn’t have traces of his father in him. That’s why he is a Henderson with a heart.
Loras added, “It takes special people to love another person as they are and not as you wish them to be.”
She could understand that. It’s what she’d been searching for all her life. Grandpa Joe was like that, but the rest of her family wasn’t. They corrected her each step of the way. Even now Sarah told her everything she was doing wrong in her life. One day you’ll tell me what I’m doing right. Can’t you just be happy that I’m happy? She knew that wasn’t going to happen because deep down, Sarah wasn’t happy with herself.
“It sounds perfect,” Cori said as she poured them each a glass of cold lemonade.
“Perfect? There is no such thing. And if that’s what you’re looking for or waiting for, you’ll be sadly disappointed. You have to look at life as a bunch of moments all put together. This one is a good example. We’re sitting here together enjoying a lovely lunch that was totally unexpected. Yet, yesterday there was a moment that could’ve made this one impossible.” Elizabeth reached out and touched her husband’s hand.
“I’m really glad you both came to see me today.” They were medicine for her soul. The saying to stop and smell the roses had just become more than words. It was something she’d forgotten to do lately. These two were a good reminder.
“It’s our pleasure. We actually were hoping you’d come over tomorrow. It’s our wedding anniversary, and we’re having a small gathering at the house. It’s a very casual affair. A backyard barbecue.”
“Oh, I don’t want to intrude,” Cori said, looking at Loras.
Elizabeth smiled at her. “We wouldn’t be asking if we didn’t want you there. So we’ll expect you around noon. Now that that’s settled, how about a piece of that lovely pie over there calling out to me. Cherry is my favorite.”
Cori giggled on the inside. Pie does do that. It calls out for you.
“Should I make another for tomorrow?” Cori asked.
“I wouldn’t want to put you out, but if you show up with one, well, I won’t be upset,” Elizabeth said with a huge grin on her face.
Cori couldn’t believe she had actually agreed to go to a family gathering. This wasn’t just any family. It was most likely going to have some Hendersons there, definitely Shaun. She didn’t think Dean would remember her because he never gave her the time of day. Logan, on the other hand, might question things a bit too much.
That didn’t mean she wasn’t going. It just meant she was going to have some serious backstory thinking to do tonight. Whatever she did, Cori needed to make sure Elizabeth and Loras didn’t get hurt. They truly were wonderful people and didn’t deserve to be caught in the crossfire. They’re not making it into this story. Although, they are starting to make it into my heart.
After they left, Cori went to her computer to jot down what she’d learned regarding Shaun. She knew he’d married, but not the background. Loras had explained Tyler’s real father was ashamed of him and didn’t want anything to do with him. He’d gone to great lengths to make Morgan and Tyler’s life miserable.
There were, unfortunately, plenty of people like that in this world. What shocked her was how compassionate Shaun was. How he’d taken her battle as his own and defended the two of them. He sounded like a person she would choose as a friend. Maybe he is the perfect son-in-law. Of course, he’d hate her when she found dirt on his siblings.
It would be so much easier if she could say it was all part of the job. That wasn’t the truth at all. This had started out very personal to her. She knew what her goal was, and victory was nearly within her grasp. Yet as she got closer, it was as though her vision was blurring. Was she letting her emotions get in the way of what she wanted?
That couldn’t happen. Whether she told them the truth now or later, it would have the same outcome. They’d never trust her again. All she could do was move forward. At least at the end of it all, she might have the career of her dreams, and Grandpa Joe’s revenge.
Her head was pounding. It wasn’t from the accident or the stress. This was a guilt headache, and she was earning every single throbbing ache. And then some.
Cori heard her phone ringing and hated to get up. That was what voice mail was for. Yet she was curious and had to answer.
“Hello.”
“Hello, is this Cordelia Sparks?”
“It is. Can I help you?” The male voice sounded familiar, but she couldn’t place it.
“This is Dr. Henderson. I’m calling to check on you.”
Oh, shoot. “I . . . um. I’m fine; thank you for calling.” She didn’t believe for one second that this was normal practice for him.
“I was wondering if you were free to meet with me.”
And I know for damn sure this isn’t either. She was going to play it off like she had planned. Keep it a doctor-patient issue and nothing more. Most likely she wouldn’t see or talk to him again after this call.
“Dr. Henderson, I’m truly back to normal. No further symptoms, but I sincerely appreciate you taking the time to check in.”
“Please, call me Logan. And I’m glad you’re feeling better. If you don’t mind, I’d like to confirm that for myself. What do you say we met at the bar called Heads Up around seven?”
Her head stopped pounding, and now her heart was. Was he asking her out? It sounded like it, yet not really. One thing she had figured out was Logan was extrememly serious about his profession. Hitting on a patient wasn’t something he’d do. So what is this then?
“I know the place, but I’m not sure why you want to meet me there.”
“Would you rather meet somewhere else? I can come to your place.”
“No! I mean I can make it. Seven it is.”
She hung up the phone, put her pillow over her face, and let out a muffled scream. Why am I doing this to myself?
She knew the answer; she just didn’t like it. Logan Henderson from afar in swim shorts was gorgeous. In his office, with his suit and strict demeanor, he’d been suave and self-possessed. Despite his looks, she’d kept her emotional guard up. Except for the moment he’d held me in his strong arms. Not only was I enveloped in his scent, I’d looked into his amazing eyes. She should have wanted to keep a large distance between them, and find any information she could on why scum like the Hendersons should bear the guilt of their father’s abhorrent sins. But . . .
She wanted to see him again. Not because she wanted to gather dirt on him, but because she couldn’t stop thinking about him and those damn dark eyes. Why do I want what I can’t have?