Free A Fortune's Children's Wedding by Barbara Boswell Page B

in the doorway of the kitchen, her arms folded in front of her chest in classic defensive body language.
    â€œThat’s true,” she said shortly.
    â€œWell, Brandon never knew about your existence. Your mother didn’t tell him that she was pregnant, she broke up with him and then ran away from home.” Flynt’s voice rose slightly. “He knows about you now, and he’s here to acknowledge you as his daughter, Angelica. Doesn’t that count for something?”
    â€œHow about the Father of the Year Award?” Angelica was flippant.
    Flynt didn’t let her get away with it. “Angelica, be fair. This time it’s not a case of a father deliberately abandoning his child. This was your mother’s choice not to tell Brandon about you.”
    â€œMama once told me that she was scared to tell him—my father—that she was pregnant.” Angelica defended her mother, her voice warm with compassion. “After all, when she finally worked up the courage to tell her own parents they were terrible to her. They threatened her, and she had to run away to have me.”
    â€œI’ve talked to your mother’s parents, Angelica. They admitted that they went to see Monica Malone when they found out that Romina was pregnant. Monica—uh—paid them some money…” He paused, searching for a tactful phrase.
    â€œMonica Malone bribed them to make Mama get rid of me,” Angelica said bluntly. “That squares with what Mama told me about her parents.”
    â€œWithout condoning their actions, keep in mind that your mother was only sixteen years old at the time, Angelica. Only two years older than Sarah is now.”
    â€œYet they never bothered to look for her,” Angelica shot back. “Mama was an underaged runaway and could’ve been found easily enough, but they never even reported her missing. All these years and they made no attempt to find her.”
    â€œShe knows that? She’s looked into it?”
    Angelica nodded solemnly. “She knows.”
    â€œDo you think Romina expected to be found? Maybe hoped to be found? She was remarkably easy to trace, she never attempted to use false identity or conceal her whereabouts.” Flynt frowned thoughtfully. “Romina’s parents admitted to me that they never looked for her.”
    â€œWhat kind of people are they? I can’t imagine not knowing where your own child is.” Angelica’s voice grew husky with emotion. “If my sister or brothers or one of my own children were ever missing, I’d never stop looking for them. Never.”
    â€œYet you don’t mind that your mother helps fugitive women hide their kids from their fathers? That those men are consigned to the very fate that you just said you would never accept—not knowing where their kids are?”
    â€œThat’s different! Those children were abused by their fathers! Men like that don’t deserve to—” Her jaw dropped. “I—I mean, speaking hypothetically, of course. There is no proof that Mama is involved in—anything unlawful.”
    Angelica looked at the ground, unable to meet his eyes, aghast at her slip. She had almost admitted thather mother was a part of Nancy Portland’s underground network, something she’d never come close to doing with anyone else. Even after warning herself to be careful what she said around Flynt, she’d been indiscreet. She flushed, angry with herself for her inexcusable lapse. And with Flynt for causing her to make it.
    He knew it, too; she could tell. She was darn lucky he’d opted out of law enforcement, Angelica thought grimly. Back in his agent days, Flynt Corrigan had probably weasled confessions out of suspects before they’d ever realized what they were saying.
    â€œRelax, Angelica, I’m not here to grill you or your mother about any disputed custody cases. I’m no longer an officer of the law, I’m