Page 52 of Lost Without You

“It was your daughter, Walter. She wouldn’t stop looking for the truth. Her determination is what got us here today.”

After more hugs and kisses, everyone sat down. Wes and Ethan sat on the side as the family of four held hands, unable to let go of each other.

“You don’t know how many times I wanted to come back to New York, but I knew that as soon as June or Harrison knew I was alive, they’d go after you. I just couldn’t risk it. It was the most gut-wrenching decision I had to make, but I would do it over again. Because all of you are here now. Happy and whole and safe,” Walter’s voice cracked and he wiped at his eyes again.

“Tell us what happened,” Rachel murmured.

“I found out about the fraud at HJR shortly before I left. We’d switched over to electronic records, but not many people knew how to use computers. In fact, I was one of only four people in our department who used it—me, June and two other auditors, Hatch and Salitzo. I was searching for one of my client records and discovered the duplicate ledgers. At first, I couldn’t believe what I was reading, but I quickly realized what was going on. They’d taken my audits and tampered with them. I grabbed a floppy disk and made a copy of everything. I prepared to go above June, straight to Harrison about what I’d found, but…”

Walter reached forward for a glass of water and took a large sip.

“…I was heading into work the next day, and I took the stairs instead of the elevator. I came upon June and Salitzo talking. I hid in the stairwell, I didn’t think they saw me. They were discussing Hatch—he was freaking out about the fraud. Said someone in the department was fielding calls from the IRS and he was worried about getting caught. It was the last time he’d do it. And he wanted a lot of money, or he’d go to the police and fraud would be the least of their concerns. Hatch knew that Harrison had gambling problems and he was in bed with the mob and that June … June sexually harassed the female employees that worked for him. Salitzo assured June it was taken care of. And Harrison approved the plan required to ‘get rid of the problem’. June sounded nervous but he agreed. Later that day … Hatch was found dead in his home. Everyone said it was an accident, but I knew, I knew what had really happened. I went home and hid the disk and I was about to contact the police when June dropped by our apartment. Tina was out with the kids for a walk. June told me he saw me in the stairwell, told me to get out of town and never come back, gave me five thousand dollars in cash. He looked sick. I guess he had a crisis of conscience after what happened to Hatch. Said if I left, my family wouldn’t be hurt. But if I so much as tried to contact the police, we’d suffer the same fate as Hatch. So, I had dinner like everything was normal. I left the book behind, thinking that maybe Tina would find it. I knew she wouldn’t part with my books. When you were all asleep, I packed up what I needed in one suitcase. Left a note and hoped you wouldn’t try to find me.”

“We searched for you, Walter. I hired a PI and ran all over the city, I did everything I could but it wasn’t enough. You were gone,” Tina broke down crying again and Walter hugged her, rocking her back and forth.

“I’m so sorry, love. You don’t know how sorry. God, leaving you and the kids was leaving my heart and soul behind. I haven’t been able to breathe for thirty-four years.”

Walter kissed Tina’s face as his body shook.

“Where did you end up?” Ryker asked.

“In a town called Reveroke, here in Nevada. Population 3,100. It was small enough for no one to care and big enough to blend in. I created a new identity, David Cornwell, said my documents got lost when my house burned down, a wildfire in California. I got a job at the local library. It was quiet and at least I had books around me. I rented a place out in the desert with no nosy neighbors for miles. I would sit outside most nights and watch the stars. Wishing I was back home,” Walter paused and shook his head. “I don’t know how, but eight months after I left, June tracked me down. And every year I received an unmarked letter, with a picture of my family, reminding me to stay gone. Until this year. There was no letter. I used the library computer to do research and I discovered that Salitzo had moved to Miami and June was dead. But Harrison was still there. Harrison sanctioned everything. I didn’t know what to do. And how would I protect my family if I came back?”

“And then you saw Rachel’s press conference?”

“Yes.”

“What happens now?” Rachel asked.

“The missing persons case is closed, but a new one focused on Harrison is just beginning,” Dalton commented. “We got to Derek Salitzo in Florida. He’s got terminal cancer, so he has nothing to lose. He spilled his guts about everything—the fraud, which went on for years, Hatch’s threats, what he knew about June and Harrison, and the money Harrison gave him to hire Hatch’s murderer. He also has tapes of those conversations. His insurance policy. We’ve notified Harrison’s lawyer and what do you know? He wants to talk. We’ve also requested an exhumation of Finley Hatch’s body. It looks like Harrison will be arrested in short order.”

“And what about our safety?” Ryker asked.

“I’d stay with private security for a while, but I think you’ll be safe. Harrison knows the deal is up. All of his so-called friends in high places have scattered like rats since the press announcement. No one wants near him.”

“And my father?” Rachel commented.

“Same goes. He may be called to testify about what he heard between June and Salitzo if the murder trial goes ahead. For now, he can focus on rebuilding his life.”

“Thanks to my daughter,” Walter murmured as he took Rachel’s hand. “I saw you on TV and I couldn’t believe my eyes and ears. There you were, all grown up. All those years, wishing on stars, and finally, my one and only wish came true.”

Chapter Twenty-Two

Ethan

Ethan stood in front of the bedroom window, looking down at the glittering lights of Las Vegas. After the two-hour reunion at the FBI office, everyone went back to their hotels to rest and re-charge. Walter and Tina were given adjoining suites in the same hotel but with assigned protection.

Ethan was unable to sleep so he worked on his book, but Rachel had taken a nap. She’d tossed and turned for a while, but eventually settled. Looking back over his shoulder, he stared at her in their bed, her face relaxed, her hair a black waterfall of curls against the satin pillow.

He never expected to meet a woman who turned out to be not only the lover he craved but the best friend he’d always wanted. How the fuck had he gotten so lucky? He owed Wes a debt for introducing them that could never be repaid.

Long lashes fluttered against her pink cheeks, and her eyes slowly opened.

“Hi, sweetheart, did you sleep well?” he murmured as he walked over and sat down beside her.

“I had restless dreams. What time is it?” she murmured in a soft voice, stretching her arms over her head.

The silky sheet slid down her body, exposing her breasts. Pale pink nipples hardened and all the blood in Ethan’s body rushed south.