Page 94 of Reckless Love

“But you think she did,” Maren says to Stephen, more statement than question.

“Yes,” Stephen says, “I think there’s a strong possibility.”

“Then she probably did,” Maren says. “Mom loves playing puppet master. I’ve wondered a few times what strings she’s pulled that we never even saw.”

“If she did this,” I say, “she’d better hope her health is solid. Nathaniel won’t help her, and if she’s lied to me and let my son believe someone else is his father—the idea of explaining all of this to him is…” I stare up at Stephen. “Not to mention denying Stephen his chance to be a dad.”

“A lot of layers there,” Maren agrees as we approach the medical building. Like much of the palace properties, the building’s exterior is composed of a mix of limestone and fieldstone. She opens the modern glass door, and we enter a narrow hallway.

A nurse comes out of one of the rooms. “Dr. Bennett should be here any moment,” she says. “If you want to take a seat.”

It’s funny to me that the royal doctor even has a waiting room. As far as I know, the only people Dr. Bennett sees are the royal family.

“This is bigger than I expected,” I say.

“Rory changed how the medical clinic works. Any employee can come to Dr. Bennett prior to or following a shift if they need medical attention or advice. We also have all these royal children on the estate now, since the brothers have all stayed on the property with their families, which goes against previous customs. Lots of clients for Dr. Bennett and his staff.”

“Sounds like something Queen Aurora would do,” I say.

“She’s been good for Alex and good for the country,” Maren agrees. “Do you want me to stay?”

“No,” I say, and I take Stephen’s hand between mine. “We should be okay.”

“Thank you,” Stephen says.

“Of course,” Maren says. “We Tucker kids need to stick together.” She offers me a half hug before she heads for the door again. “And if you need any help managing Mom,” she says to me, “you call all of us. There’s strength in numbers. Okay?”

I lift my chin. “If Mom forged the results, I’ll handle her myself.”

“But you don’t have to.” Maren gives me a soft smile. “That’s all I’m saying.”

“Thank you,” I say, and Stephen squeezes my hand.

As Maren is leaving, Dr. Bennett comes through the door too, and the two of them briefly catch up at the entry.

“You’re here for a consult?” Dr. Bennett says as he leads us back to a room.

“We need your help,” Stephen says, “or more accurately, the help of your onsite lab.”

“We still help the police from time to time,” Dr. Bennett says. “Haven’t seen you for a few years.”

“I left the island,” Stephen says. “I’ve been back for a little less than a year now.”

Every time I hear his timeline, my stomach somersaults. I still haven’t pressed him for why he returned.

Once we’re safely inside one of the examination rooms, Dr. Bennett takes a seat, and we sit in the other two chairs. “What can I do for you both?”

I look at Stephen, unsure of where I should even start.

“Tell him everything,” Stephen suggests.

So I do. All the good and the bad followed by our suspicions. When I finish, Dr. Bennett grimaces. “I have heard Celia Tucker’s influence is quite broad on the island. Doctoring DNA results is impressive and horrifying.”

“Raul is on Landon’s birth certificate,” I tell him. “If he’s not the father, we’ll need that changed.”

“That’s a legal process,” Dr. Bennett says, “and that’s a separate thing. If you bring Landon here, we’ll follow the strict legal protocol for a DNA test that’ll be accepted by the courts. We’ll ask for two copies. One of those will need to stay sealed if the court is expected to accept it as proof of paternity.”

“How long?” Stephen asks.