Chapter 52
FIFTY-TWO
I gape at Linc in wonder as everything slips into place.
The reason why I have no physical attraction to Linc or Lucas but like them both so much.
Some part of me must have known I was family.
I blink away tears. “How could I possibly be your daughter? I can’t believe it.
I don’t know what to say. All this time I believed my father was a monster. ”
“Well, I’m not a monster and I hope you’ll come home and rejoin your family.” Linc smiles at me. “I need to make up for lost time. Sam has done a good job of raising you but you’re my daughter.”
Dumbfounded, I shake my head. “What about Mia? She’s your daughter too. She’s never known anyone else but you. I know she’s done terrible things but, in her mind, she was only trying to protect her mom. You can’t turn your back on her now—and what about Isabelle?”
“Isabelle gave away our baby to protect her status and cozy lifestyle. This is what Rachel was blackmailing her about. The night you were born, Isabelle panicked. She believed because you had blonde hair that you were her lover’s child and she swapped you with the dark-haired baby belonging to Rachel.
She figured the moment I saw a blonde-haired baby I’d know she’d had an affair—the thing is, my mom is blonde and so is my sister.
“Isabelle should have known I would have raised any child of hers as my own—no matter who had fathered it.” Linc’s mouth flattens.
“I was so in love with her I overlooked the fact she had affairs all through our marriage. The moment I go on tour she has a new man in her bed—now this. There is only so much a man can take. I can’t trust her and we don’t know if she’s involved in the murders.
She made it quite clear when I spoke to her that it’s over between us.
Her lover will support her and she obviously likes him better than me.
She doesn’t care about her boys, or Mia.
She is a very selfish woman.” He wipes away my tears with his thumbs.
“You should have been raised in a family with two brothers. You’ve missed so much.
” His eyes fill with tears. “I’m devastated about Mia.
She is still my little girl, no matter what she’s done and I’ll do whatever is necessary to get her help, but she’ll go to prison for a long time. ”
There’s a knock on the door and Detective Watkins walks in. I look up at him waiting for the next shoe to fall.
“You’re free to go. I’m sure you’ve been advised that Mia has confessed to everything including tampering with your files as well as Jenny’s. She wanted you both to believe you were going crazy.”
I’m shocked and glare at Brunel. “She confessed to the cops?”
“Yeah, we were both in the room when she confessed.” Brunel frowns. “She went against my advice and told me not to represent her. I’ll still be standing by as I’m sure she’ll see reason soon.”
“We’ve charged her and she’ll be held until her court hearing.” Watkins turns to Brunel. “Does this mean you’ll be representing both your clients?”
“I’m representing Mia but Isabelle Croft will need to engage her own attorney from this point forward as it will be a conflict of interest. I’m representing Mr. Boswell in a divorce action.
” Brunel collects his things. “Send me the details of Mia’s court appearance and tell her I’ll be along as soon as she’s been processed.
We’ll talk and discuss her decision about representation. ”
Sadness washes over me, seeing how devastated Linc is and how it will affect Lucas and Oliver. “I’m so sorry.” I look at him. “What will happen to Isabelle?”
“We are investigating her involvement in the crimes.” Watkins rubs his chin. “She certainly instigated them. I can’t say if she’ll be charged with anything yet. All this will take time to untangle. You should all head on home. I’ll keep you in the loop via Mr. Brunel.”
“Come on, Alani.” Linc stands slowly. “It’s time to go home.”
The nightmare is over and I walk out into the bright lights with Linc’s arm firmly around me.
It will be strange to call him “Dad.” Maybe one day.
I see Sam waiting patiently and go to him and hug him.
“Thanks for helping me. I’ll come by and see you and Willow very soon.
” I kiss him on the cheek. “I have a lot to tell you. One important thing is—I’m so sorry.
You and Mom are the best parents a kid could have and I was just too stupid to see it. I hope you’ll both forgive me?”
“We forgave you the night you stormed out.” Sam shrugs. “It’s what kids do. We knew you’d come around sooner or later.”
“One thing.” Linc smiles at me. “I want you to write my story—about all this, including all the dirt you can dig up. I want the truth out there. Especially that we just discovered that you’re my daughter.”
I stare at him in disbelief. “I’d love to.”
“Your daughter?” Sam’s eyes open wide. “How?”
I look at him. “It’s a long story but it’s true. The DNA tests prove it.” I laugh. “I’m a Boswell.”
“You’ll always be our little girl, Alani.
” Sam holds me tightly. “But I’m happy Linc is your father.
He is a good man.” He lets me go reluctantly and smiles.
“You look just like the family. Especially Linc’s mom, you have her hair color and the turned-up nose.
I can’t believe I didn’t notice it sooner. ”
“I hope you don’t mind me claiming my daughter?” Linc turns to Sam. “Since she arrived, she fit right in and has already become one of the family. I promise she will visit all the time.”
“We’d like that, but Alani has been an independent woman since she turned eighteen.” Sam shakes Linc’s hand. “I’m glad she’s found her real father. I only wish the best for her and your family.”
I glance behind me as we head for the doors and see Detective Watkins smiling.
He gives me a wave as we dive into the swell of reporters and flashing cameras.
Beside me Linc, my dad, is holding firmly to my arm.
As we head to the limo waiting at the curb surrounded by uniformed cops, I suddenly feel free and full of hope.
My future isn’t mapped out for me, but it’s going to be one hell of a ride.
* * *
If you were addicted to Tell Me Your Lies and can’t wait to read another gripping psychological thriller from D.K. Hood, don’t miss The Liar I Married.
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