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“He did this. Not you.” Lincoln was as fierce as I’d ever heard him. “Do you understand me?”

Loud and clear. But that didn’t mean I agreed with him.

“Go to work. Get your head on straight. We’ll figure this out as a family.”

He was right. I was in no frame of mind to do anything other than the job that was second-nature. Even that was going to be hard.

“All right.” I put my hand on the door handle.

“We’ll come up with something.”

I nodded, despite he couldn’t see me. “You still at the office?” It was late afternoon and a stupid question. He was always working.

“No. I just finished up a meeting with Dad and I’m headed out to look at some property.”

Maybe he did get out of that prison every so often.

“I won’t be home until late.”

After I hung up, I sat there with one hand on the door handle and the other on the steering wheel. Lincoln had a way of settling my temper. He was solid, had reasonable wisdom. He was always there for me, no matter what.

I cranked my truck.

And this time, I ignored his advice.

Chapter Thirty-One

Teague

“Sir. He’s not here.”

For the second time in a week, my father’s receptionist chased after me. I’d believe her when I saw with my own eyes.

On the drive over, I still hadn’t decided what I was going to do once I confronted him. Part of me wanted to give in, do what he wanted, and pray he kept his word he’d leave Grey Paws alone. Except I couldn’t recall him saying exactly those words.

In my father’s world, promises were meant to be broken.

I shoved one of the mahogany double doors to his office.

And found the receptionist had spoken the truth.

He wasn’t there.

When I spun to retreat, she flashed anI told you solook in my direction. I ignored her and marched back toward the lobby.

Now what?

My grand plan failed.

“Don’t you want to know where he is?” Her tone was a taunt.

I hesitated at the elevator. Did I? I wasn’t much for signs, but maybe this had been one that my brother was right.

Without answering, I stabbed the down button. Mercifully, the elevator arrived quickly.

“Should I tell Mr. Hollingsworth you dropped by?” She smirked and finger waved as the doors closed.

She’d tell him, no matter what I said.