Page 22 of Sebastian

“My sister and her husband live in California and run a winery that belonged to his family. They’re doing very well. If my mother needed money, all she had to do was call us.”

“I’m sorry, Mr. Aikens. Tom. I didn’t mean to upset you. We’re just trying to figure all of this out. Your mother moved out of her apartment and into a house with several other people.”

“I knew that,” he said. “She told us she enjoyed their company and pooling their resources was helpful for all of them. I think they had someone in their inner circle that died about a year ago, and it hit them all hard.”

“I see. Well, that can be tough for anyone. She left the bureau the other day and hasn’t returned. If she contacts you, please let us know, or please ask her to call me.”

“Is my mother wanted for these bank robberies?” he asked.

“At this point, she’s wanted for suspicion of armed robbery and an accessory to murder, as well as divulging classified information.”

Again, she was met with complete silence on the other end of the call.

“Mr. Aikens?”

“I’m here. Listen, my sister and I didn’t have the best relationship with our mother after our father died. She never told us that he was dying, which resulted in us not being able to say goodbye to him. We’re a little bitter about that, as you can imagine.”

“I can understand that. I would be devastated if that were to happen to me,” she said, staring at her own father. He smiled at her, giving her hand a squeeze.

“I think that’s all I can tell you, Ms. Stanton. My sister and her family are in Italy on holiday right now, so she probably won’t respond to any calls. I’ll try to let her know what’s happening.”

“Thank you, Tom.”

“Ms. Stanton? If you speak to my mother, tell her, well, tell her we’re very disappointed in her.”

CHAPTER THIRTEEN

“Maddie, honey, we’re so glad that you’re home,” said Rachel, hugging her daughter.

“Oh, Mom, me too,” she said, hugging her mother. “I’m so sorry I didn’t say something sooner. I was scared, and I made a mistake. I misunderstood something that Forrest told me, and I just let my head take over.”

“None of that matters now,” she smiled. “You’re home, and he’s with you. You’re healthy, and these babies are going to be a blessing to us all.”

“Oh, now, let me see,” said Mama Irene, walking toward them. “Look at you. Beautiful, just beautiful! Well done, Forrest. Now, that’s how you keep the Robicheaux name alive.” Forrest could only laugh, shaking his head.

“That wasn’t really on my mind, Mama Irene, but I’m glad I can do my part.” His parents were walking toward them, and he smiled, seeing the huge grin on his father’s face. His parents were both twins, so he expected a multiple birth. Just not a foursome.

“Congratulations!” said Carrie, hugging them both. “We’re so happy for the two of you.”

“Thank you,” smiled Maddie. “I’m scared to death, but at least I have Mom, who can tell me how to handle four at once.”

“Let’s get you to the clinic. Gray wants to do some tests on you, just so she has everything she needs.”

“Of course,” she nodded. “Will you come with me?” Forrest just laughed, shaking his head.

“Try to keep me away,” he said, kissing her and hugging her protectively. A large group followed them to the clinic as she was whisked to the back by Doc, Kelsey, and Gray.

“What’s happening in D.C.?” asked Robbie.

“Old people robbing banks, that’s what,” frowned Forrest.

“What do you mean?”

“We think the robbers and those that kidnapped Emelia are all senior citizens. We’re not sure what they’re doing or how they’re doing it, but they’ve robbed a half dozen banks that we know of. One of them was the admin at Emelia’s division of the bureau. She’s missing now, of course.”

“Damn. That’s not good,” frowned Robbie. “Let the team in D.C. handle that. What do you need from us?”

“I’m going to need help preparing a nursery for four babies.”