Page 63 of The Fragile Truth
“How much do you know about Brent’s life in Summerhaven?”
It was an odd question. She turned it over a few times in her head. “Pretty much what I’ve told you.”
“Did Brent tell you anything about his personal life?”
She considered the question, wondering what she was missing. “I mean, we talked about the usual stuff. Brent was so consumed with his investigation that I figured it was his life. Where is this going?”
“There’s a crucial part of Brent’s life that he never told you about,” Ian said carefully.
Confusion spun like a merry-go-round in her chest. “I—I don’t understand.”
He took in a deep breath.
“Just spit it out,” she grumbled, tired of him tiptoeing around the topic.
“Brent was seeing someone.”
“You mean dating someone?”
“They were involved. Her name is Olivia.”
“W—what?” she blustered. “Why didn’t he ever tell me? Or my mom?” She felt her eyes bug as a burst of anger darted through her. “Why didn’t you tell me this sooner?”
“Hold your horses. I just recently learned all the details. And we were in the middle of the case. I didn’t want to add any more stress.”
She felt like the next question would burst out of her. “Did Brent care a lot about this girl—Olivia?”
“Yes.”
Brent had always prided himself on being mysteriously private. Their mother used to joke, saying,Brent, please let me at least meet the girl you’re dating before you announce that you’re engaged.Sadie’s head swung back and forth as a bark of laughter clipped her throat. “You know, I really shouldn’t be all that surprised. This is classic Brent. He was always holding something back.”
“According to Olivia, Brent was worried about how your mom would take the news of him having a child out of wedlock. He wanted to marry Olivia first before the baby was born.”
Her voice grew shrill. “Brent had a child?” It was shocking enough to learn, after he was gone, that he’d been seriously involved with someone, but then to add a child into the mix? She was reeling!
Ian’s crystal eyes simmered with compassion as he touched her arm. “Take a breath.”
She did as he instructed. It helped a smidgen.
“Olivia was three months pregnant when Brent was killed.”
Sadie fisted her hand and brought it to her mouth as tears sprang to her eyes.
“If it makes you feel any better, you’re not alone. Brent kept me in the dark too about his relationship with Olivia.” He pushed out a humorless chuckle. “When I went to Lina’s apartment to question her about Brent’s death, I accused her of having an affair with him. Later, back at my office, when I rehashed my conversation with Callie, she about fell on the floor. Then she proceeded to tell me that Brent and Olivia were involved.” He lowered his hand from Sadie’s arm and rubbed it across his forehead. “I knew that Brent and Olivia had been out a few times, and I’d heard that she had a baby.” He paused, shaking his head. “But I didn’t realize the baby was Brent’s.”
Her chest constricted. “How did Callie know? Did Brent tell her?”
“No, Olivia’s mom was the one who told her.”
Sadie clenched her jaw. “Why didn’t Olivia reach out to my mom?” Another question popped into her mind. “What’s the sex of the baby?”
“A boy.”
She did the math. “He’s what? Nine or ten months old?” Anger burned hot through her veins. “I can’t believe this woman—Olivia—was just gonna keep this news to herself.” Her voice choked. “It nearly killed my mother when she lost Brent.” She sucked in a breath, trying to steady her voice. “Think of what it would’ve meant for Mom to know that she had a grandson.”
“What it will mean,” Ian interjected firmly.
Sadie jerked, processing the ramification of his words. Despite her exasperation, a curious hope trickled through her. “I’m an aunt,” she mused softly. To think, Brent had a son. A wave of sadness washed over her, bringing home the knowledge that Brent hadn’t lived to see his son. And yet, his legacy would live on. “When can I see the baby?” she asked eagerly, wiping away her tears.