“It’s possible,” Max admits. “But from what I know about him, it’s not probable. No matter what he is, I don’t see him leaving a daughter in the situation Lia was in. Lee isn’t the type of man to let someone else mess with his possessions.”
I’m inclined to agree with Max’s assessment. Regardless of whether his dealings are legal, not legal, or strictly in the grey, Jacks is an accepted and sought-after member of Asheville society. He’d never leave a scandal like that to come back to haunt him later. If Lia is his daughter and he knew about her, either she’d have lived with him or he would have sent her somewhere far away. He would have never left her here right under everyone’s nose for someone to stumble across at an inconvenient time. He’s not a stupid man. Although, the argument could be made that he must have had a severe lapse in judgment at least once in his life. A relationship with Maria Adams is enough to make me shudder. It’s hard to imagine that the bitch could have been that much different then.
“We’ll see what comes of it,” I finally say. I fight the urge to light another cigarette while I process his news. I’ve been gone a while, and I need to get back to Lia. I can’t imagine what she must think at the abrupt way I left. I feel like it will be easier for her to talk to the police about what happened to her without me present, but I need to be close in case she needs me. If I’m truthful with myself, I’ll admit that I’m afraid I’ll have a hard time dealing with it, as well. The thoughts of anyone touching her makes me violent. I’ve never been this possessive of a woman before, certainly not of Cassie, and it’s more than a little disconcerting. “Let’s go back in.” I wave Max forward.
I don’t miss the look of relief that crosses Lia’s expressive face when I walk into the room. I cross to her immediately, blocking the view of everyone in the room as I stop next to her bed. “Okay?” I ask, probing her tense expression. She nods just once, but looks so grateful to see me that I immediately feel guilty for leaving her. “I’m here, baby,” I assure her before settling into the chair on the other side of her bed and rubbing her leg soothingly.
The police detective is obviously still dressed for an evening out.. If I were a little more juvenile, I would give Max a thumbs-up because Carly Michaels is a very attractive woman, and if the form-fitting black dress she’s wearing is any indication, she looks just as good under her clothing. Who in the hell am I kidding; I’ll comment on it to him for sure the next time we’re alone.
“Miss Adams…Lia, I know this is hard, but let’s go over it one more time from the top. If you don’t have any objections, I’ll record your statement this time. I’m sorry to put you through this again, but I’ve found that sometimes things are clearer after you’ve had time to reflect on your initial memories of the event.”
When Lia’s eyes fly to me as if concerned by my presence, I say, “Honey, I can step out in the hallway if it’ll be easier for you?”
She looks conflicted for a moment before saying, “Please, don’t leave. I want you here, just…”
I know what she is trying to say. She’s afraid that what I hear will change how I feel about her. It’s likely to tear me apart and infuriate me all to Hell, but it won’t make me walk away. She doesn’t realize the hold she has over me; even I don’t understand it. I never intended to be in this kind of position again, especially with someone just as damaged as I am. Nevertheless, Lia became a part of me before I even knew what was happening. I can no more cut her from my life and survive than I can stop breathing. “It won’t change anything,” I reassure her while bracing myself for her story. Max excuses himself from the room, not wanting to make Lia more uncomfortable.
“All right, Lia, I’m ready,” Carly says as she lays a recorder on the bedside table. “Just take your time and go from the top, please.”