CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR
Eager to get going, but also not wanting to arrive stinking of sweat, Cole took a quick but thorough shower before getting dressed in the outfit he’d chosen for the trip, aware that he might not have time to change once he got to Serenity.
“Have a happy new year, bro,” Marcus said as Cole packed his things into his duffle bag. “Enjoy time with your girl.”
Cole glanced over at him with a grin. “I intend to.”
It was the time he had to spend with her dad that concerned him. However, the man had offered his jet to come pick Cole up after his game on New Year’s Eve afternoon and to fly him back before his next game. Cole hoped that meant Duncan had decided to be more accepting of his role in Annie’s life.
“See you when you get back,” Marcus said as they bumped fists.
“Give my love to your wonderful wife.”
Cole was the first to leave the locker room. As he walked down the hallway, he heard someone call his name.
Turning, he tried to keep his impatience from showing. “Hey, Eve. What’s up?”
The office manager for the team management hurried toward him. He didn’t often see the office staff unless he went to talk to someone in management, but he knew that a few of them attended the games.
“Listen, I know you all get some weird calls, but there’s been a persistent one for you lately.”
“Okay?” Cole hitched his bag onto his shoulder. “Why is this one different from the others?”
“The caller said she thinks that she’s the twin sister of the woman you took to that gala in November.”
Cole’s heart skipped a beat. “What?”
“Yeah. I know it’s weird,” Eve said. “But she’s called a few times, so I thought I should pass on the information.”
Was it possible that was who she really was? “Do you have her contact info?”
“Yep. Here you go.” Eve held out a piece of paper that had the info written on it. “Just be sure to take precautions when you contact her, okay?”
“Oh, I will.”
“Good. Now, have a happy New Year.”
“You too.” Cole gave her a quick smile, then turned to continue his walk toward the exit.
His thoughts had shifted from seeing Annie, to wondering if it was at all possible that the woman calling the team management office really was Annie’s missing sister.
Or was it possible that whoever had been sending threats to Annie and her father was behind this attempt to contact Annie through him?
Uncertain if he should call the woman or not, Cole decided to wait until he was on the plane before he made a call. Not to the woman, but to Duncan. The man had more resources than Cole did, and he could probably track down the caller.
After putting his duffle bag in the back seat of his vehicle, Cole slid behind the wheel and guided the SUV out of the parking lot. There were still some lingering traffic issues caused by the fans leaving the arena, but he was able to exit the area without too much delay.
As he drove to the airport where Duncan had told him his private plane would be waiting for him, Cole was torn between happy thoughts about seeing Annie again and worried ones over this latest revelation.
It wasn’t until he was settled on the plane that he looked over the information Eve had given him.
The woman had given her name as Angela Reynolds, which he knew wasn’t Annie’s sister’s name. But that didn’t mean that it wasn’t her. Presumably, if she’d been kidnapped, they would have changed her name. The name Angela might have been less confusing for a little girl, since it was close to her original name.
He wanted to call Duncan and let him know what was going on. However, since he couldn’t make a phone call while in flight, he had to settle for using the email address that Duncan had used to send him the flight information.
It was only after he’d typed out an entire message that he realized that perhaps Duncan wasn’t the only one reading his email. There was no way he was going to put Annie at risk of being revealed if someone else read the message.
He erased what he’d written, then typed out a more generic email.
Someone has been trying to contact me regarding my date at the November gala. I have contact information. Is this email address the best place to forward it to you?
He pressed send, then looked up as the flight attendant approached him, a friendly smile on her face.
“Can I get you anything to eat or drink?”
Cole was hungry, since he never ate a large meal before a game. “Do you have any pasta?”
“Yes. We have a Chicken Alfredo with Broccoli.”
“Perfect. Give me a big plate of that, please.”
“Certainly. I’ll have that for you once we’re in the air.”
He was glad that the plane had Wi-Fi, so even though he couldn’t place a phone call, he could receive emails. The response from Duncan came within minutes, just as the flight was taxiing to the airstrip.
This email is secure. Give me the details, please.
The man might have tacked a please on the end, but Cole knew a demand when he saw one. Not that he blamed the man. The information he had could be the best or worst news.
Cole hesitated, his thumb hovering over the screen. This information could change everything for the Burke family—for Annie. If there was even the slightest chance this woman was Angelica, Duncan needed to know. But what if it was a trap?
Figuring that Duncan would take that all into consideration when he made his decision about what to do with the info, Cole typed a quick reply, attaching the contact information Eve had given him.
Her name is Angela Reynolds. She’s called the team office several times, wanting to speak with me, asking specifically about “the woman from the gala.” She said she thinks she could be Annie’s twin. I haven’t spoken with her directly.
The plane sped down the runway, pressing Cole back into his seat. As they lifted into the air, his thoughts raced even faster than the aircraft. Should he tell Annie about this? Would it give her false hope? Or was it his place to tell her at all?
His phone pinged with Duncan’s reply before the seatbelt sign had even turned off:
Do not contact this person. Do not mention this to Annalisa yet. I’ll have my team investigate immediately.
Cole frowned at the screen. He understood the caution, but keeping this from Annie felt wrong. They’d promised honesty with each other after everything that had happened.
The flight attendant returned with a glass of water and his pasta, the rich aroma momentarily distracting him from his dilemma.
“Anything else I can get you, Mr. Halverson?”
“No, this is great. Thank you.”
As he ate, Cole weighed his options. Following Duncan’s directive would start their relationship off on solid ground. The man was finally accepting of him in Annie’s life—antagonizing him now seemed unwise. But if Annie discovered he’d kept this from her…
His phone pinged with a notification of another email.
My security team is already running background on her. If there’s anything legitimate, I’ll tell Annalisa myself.
Cole sent back a reply.
I understand. I’ll follow your lead on this. But please don’t keep Annie in the dark too long. We’ve promised honesty with each other.
Duncan’s reply was immediate.
I appreciate your concern for my daughter. Let me handle this first. See you in a few hours.
The finality of the message was clear. This discussion was over—for now.
Cole finished his meal, his excitement about seeing Annie now tempered with the weight of this secret. He tried to focus on the positive—in just a few hours, he’d be holding her in his arms again.
The remainder of the flight passed in a blur of restless thoughts. When they finally touched down at the airport in Coeur d’Alene, Cole quickly gathered his belongings and exited the plane after thanking the attendants and the pilots.
A man dressed in a black suit waited at the bottom of the staircase.
“Mr. Halverson, I’m Thomas,” he said as he held out his hand. “I’m to drive you to the estate.”
Cole shook his hand. “Nice to meet you.”
“Please let me help you with your bags.”
It felt weird to have someone do something for him that he was perfectly capable of doing, but rather than argue, he handed over the small suitcase and garment bag containing a suit that he’d had prepared and left in his car for the trip.
“We’re parked just over here,” the man said as he led the way to where a large black SUV waited.
Thomas opened the door of the rear passenger seat, leaving Cole with no option but to settle himself there instead of the front seat. He might have money, but he had rarely used a chauffeured car.
Clearly, Duncan Burke didn’t have the same desire to drive himself around.
As the car left the tarmac, Cole stared out the window. The sun had set already, and even though Christmas was over, lighted decor was still visible on the street posts and houses they passed.
As they left the city behind, the winter landscape looked peaceful under the moon that was nearly full. However, Cole’s mind was anything but serene. The weight of what he’d learned pressed on him.
If this woman truly was Annie’s sister, it would change everything for her and her family. Twenty-four years of searching, of wondering, of grief—possibly coming to an end.
“First time in Serenity, sir?” Thomas asked, his eyes briefly meeting Cole’s in the rearview mirror.
“No,” Cole replied, grateful for the distraction. “I grew up here, actually. I’ve missed it though. It’s beautiful here.”
“That it is. Especially in winter.” Thomas navigated a curve in the road with practiced ease.
The man was more than happy to carry on a conversation, sharing a bit about how he’d come to work for Duncan Burke. It wasn’t a surprise to hear that he wasn’t just a driver, but that he was also part of Duncan’s security team.
Soon, they drove past the town limits for Serenity, but rather than stop, Thomas kept driving through the town and eventually exited out the other side.
Cole saw many familiar places as they drove, but pretty much all the businesses were dark. With it being New Year’s Eve, people were either at home or at one of the parties that were held throughout Serenity.
When Thomas finally slowed, the driveway seemed to appear out of nowhere. As he pulled up to an imposing wrought-iron gate, Cole saw a gatehouse on the left side of the road.
He was a bit surprised when a guard exited the building and approached the driver’s side of the SUV.
“Hey, Dave,” Thomas said after he rolled down his window and the rear driver’s side window. “I’m back with Cole Halverson.”
The guard bent and shone his flashlight in the back seat, catching Cole in its beam. He resisted the urge to lift his hand to shield his eyes.
Once the man was satisfied, he tapped his hand on the roof and stepped back. The gate slowly opened, and Thomas accelerated through it.
The driveway stretched ahead, lined with tall evergreens dusted with snow. As they rounded a bend, Cole caught his first glimpse of the main house—an impressive structure of glass and stone that somehow managed to blend harmoniously with the natural surroundings.
“You’ll be staying at the main house with the family,” Thomas said as he guided the SUV around the circular driveway.
The large front doors opened as Thomas brought the vehicle to a stop in front of them. Annie stood framed in the doorway, her slender figure silhouetted against the golden light behind her. Even from a distance, Cole could see her smile.
Cole had his door opened before Thomas could get there to open it for him.
“I’ll bring your bags, sir,” Thomas said as Cole climbed out of the SUV.
Cole barely heard him. He was already moving toward Annie, his heart pounding. All thoughts of twin sisters and secrets temporarily pushed aside by the sight of her.
She flew down the steps and into his arms, nearly knocking him off balance. Cole lifted her off her feet, burying his face in her hair, breathing in the familiar scent he’d missed so desperately.
“You’re here,” Annie whispered against his neck, her arms tight around him.
“I’m here,” Cole confirmed, setting her gently back on her feet but not letting go. He pulled back just enough to look at her face, drinking in the sight of her blue-green eyes, the flush in her cheeks from the cold air.
Without another word, he lowered his head and kissed her, pouring weeks of missing her into the contact. Annie responded with equal fervor, her hands coming up to frame his face.
When they finally broke apart, Annie smiled up at him. “Happy New Year’s Eve.”
“Already the best one I’ve ever had,” Cole replied, tucking a strand of her hair behind her ear.
A discreet cough reminded them they weren’t alone. Thomas stood a respectful distance away, Cole’s bags in hand.
“Sorry,” Annie said, though her smile suggested she wasn’t sorry at all. She turned toward the house. “Let’s get inside. It’s freezing out here.”
Cole kept his arm around her waist as they climbed the steps. “Your dad here?”
“He’s in his office,” Annie said, a slight tension entering her voice.
As they entered the grand foyer, Cole couldn’t help but feel a twinge of unease as they crossed the threshold into Duncan Burke’s domain. The man had nearly ended their relationship once already—and now Cole was carrying a secret that could potentially change everything for this family.
The interior of the house was even more impressive than its exterior—soaring ceilings, a massive stone fireplace, and floor-to-ceiling windows that would offer spectacular views in daylight. The decor was elegant but understated, with rich woods and neutral tones creating a surprisingly warm atmosphere.
“Wow,” Cole said, taking it all in. “This place is incredible.”
“And this is just the entrance hall,” Annie said with a small smile. “Even though no one will see it except a few select people, Dad still had it built to make an impression.”
“Mission accomplished,” Cole muttered, just as the man himself appeared from a doorway to their right.
“Mr. Halverson,” he said, extending his hand. “Welcome to our home.”
Cole stepped forward to shake his hand, noting the firm grip and evaluating gaze. “Thank you for having me, sir. And for arranging the transportation.”
“The least I could do,” Duncan replied, his tone neutral but not unfriendly. “I trust your flight was comfortable?”
“Very,” Cole said, acutely aware of the unspoken exchange passing between them. The email about the woman claiming to be Angelica hung in the air, invisible to Annie but unmistakable between the two men.
“Annie can show you to your room so you can freshen up. We’ll have plenty of time to talk after dinner.”
The slight emphasis on “talk” wasn’t lost on Cole. He nodded, grateful for the reprieve, however brief.
“Thank you, Dad,” Annie said, squeezing Cole’s hand.
A slender woman with silver-streaked dark hair approached them, her posture regal but her smile warm. Duncan smiled at her, warmth chasing away the stern expression he’d exuded since greeting Cole.
“You must be Cole,” she said as she stopped at her husband’s side. “I’m Elizabeth, Annie’s stepmother.”
Cole extended his hand. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, ma’am.”
“Please, call me Elizabeth,” she said, clasping his hand in both of hers. “Annie has told us so much about you.”
Cole caught the subtle emphasis on “us” and wondered how much Annie’s stepmother had influenced Duncan’s change of heart.
“Dinner will be ready in about thirty minutes,” Elizabeth continued. “Annie, are you going to show Cole to his room?”
Annie nodded, taking Cole’s hand. “Come on. You’re in the east wing.”
As they climbed the stairs, Cole leaned close to her ear. “Is there a west wing with a beast I should avoid?”
Annie laughed, the sound echoing in the high-ceilinged hallway. “No, but we do have a library that would make Belle jealous.”
They turned down a corridor lined with tasteful artwork—landscapes mostly, Cole. She stopped at a door near the end of the hall and pushed it open.
“This is where you’ll be staying.”
The guest suite was larger than Cole’s entire first apartment. A king-sized bed dominated one wall, while a seating area with plush armchairs faced a fireplace where flames already danced. Floor-to-ceiling windows revealed the snow-covered grounds, illuminated by discreet landscape lighting.
“This is… something else,” Cole said, stepping inside.
Thomas had already delivered his bags, placing them neatly beside an antique dresser. Annie moved to the windows, drawing the heavy curtains closed.
“Another security measure?” Cole asked.
“Always,” Annie replied with a small smile. “The windows are bulletproof, too.”
Cole crossed to her, taking her hands in his. “How are you? Really?”
“Better now that you’re here.” She leaned into him, resting her head against his chest. “It’s been… interesting since our last conversation. Dad’s been more reasonable than I expected, but I can tell he’s still struggling with the idea of me being more public.”
Cole wrapped his arms around her, savoring her closeness even as guilt gnawed at him. The secret about the woman claiming to be her sister sat heavy in his chest.
“I’ve missed you.”
Annie melted against him, her arms sliding around his waist. “Me too. These past few weeks have been torture.”
He wanted to stay like this forever, holding her, breathing her in. But Duncan Burke’s revelation loomed over him, casting a shadow on their reunion.
“What’s wrong?” Annie asked, pulling back to study his face. “You seem… distracted.”
Cole forced a smile. “Just tired from the game. And thinking about meeting with your dad later.”
It wasn’t entirely a lie, but the omission still felt wrong. They’d promised each other honesty, yet here he was, keeping something potentially life-changing from her.
“Don’t worry about Dad,” Annie said, reaching up to smooth the worry lines from his forehead. “He’s actually making an effort. Even Julian is impressed, and he never gives Dad credit for anything.”
“Julian’s here?” Cole asked, grateful for the change of subject.
“Yes, and Benji too, of course. Full family dinner for New Year’s Eve.” She hesitated. “I should warn you, Julian can be… intense. He and Dad have a complicated relationship.”
Cole nodded, remembering what Annie had told him about her older brother’s rebellion against their father’s security measures.
“I can handle intense,” he assured her.
Annie smiled, pressing a quick kiss to his lips. “I’ll let you get settled. Meet you downstairs in twenty minutes?”
After she left, Cole sat heavily on the edge of the bed, the weight of the day catching up to him. The game, the revelation about the woman claiming to be Angelica, the tension of entering Duncan Burke’s domain—it was a lot to process.
He should be focusing on his strategy for the upcoming conversation with Duncan, on how to convince the man that their security plan would work. Instead, his mind kept circling back to the woman who might be Annie’s long-lost sister.
If it was true, Annie deserved to know immediately. If it was a hoax, she should still be told so that she’d understand the true extent of the threat against her and her family.
Just considering that might be the case made Cole want to lock Annie away to keep her safe. He had a moment of clarity then as he came to understand how Duncan felt.
The love they each had for Annie, though of a different type, still led them to want to keep her safe at all costs.
Cole knew he had to resist that inclination because if Annie was balking against it already with her dad, he didn’t want it to become something between them as well.
Shoulders slumping, he sat for a moment before picking up his phone. He sent a quick text to his folks to let them know that he had arrived in Serenity.
When he revealed that he’d be around for New Year’s Eve and Day, they’d wanted him to stay with them. He’d explained that he’d be spending New Year’s Eve meeting Annie’s family.
His mom had been okay with that since she had shifted away from the New Year’s Eve parties of the past because of all the young children who were part of the family now. But they’d reserved the skating rink at the hotel for a skating party the next day.
It had been a while since he’d last skated, but he looked forward to doing it with Annie. He just hoped that whatever news Duncan received about the mysterious woman didn’t put a damper on his time in Serenity.