They had been watching me.
***
I stood.
"I want you both to leave."
Raymond rose slowly.
"You're making a terrible mistake."
"Perhaps."
He stepped closer.
"Thomas wasn't the saint you think he was."
I felt the words strike me.
He studied my face.
Then smiled.
"Oh. So Harrison told you."
I stayed silent.
"About the boy?"
My stomach twisted.
Raymond knew.
He had known all along.
"How long?" I whispered.
He frowned.
"How long what?"
"How long have you known Thomas had a son?"
Raymond's expression changed.
Then he shrugged.
"Years."
I gripped the kitchen counter.
"You knew?"
"It wasn't my place to tell you."
I almost laughed.
Apparently, nothing had been anyone's place to tell me.
Raymond continued.
"That boy isn't entitled to anything. Thomas made certain of that."
I looked at him.
"His name is Nathan."
Raymond waved a hand.
"Whatever. The point is, Thomas made certain the family assets were protected."
