Page 46 of Last Wish Wedding
Despite herself, Kelsey looked up. “What do you mean?”
Mac stepped forward. “Maritime Holdings is undergoing a major merger. They do about forty percent of the shipping business in and out of the New England ports. My grandfather and I own a significant position in the company.”
“Twenty-two percent,” Truman supplied.
“Jason sits on the board,” Mac continued. “We started looking into his finances because of some unusual trading patterns before the merger announcement. This was before I knew about your custody situation.”
Kelsey finished recording Truman’s vitals, the numbers perfectly within normal range. “So, you were investigating him for the merger, and then decided to dig deeper when you learned about Noah?”
“Yes,” Mac admitted. “I should have told you. Both times.”
“Both times? So you admit there’s a pattern here?” She pulled her stethoscope from her bag, the metal cold against her fingers.
“I do,” Mac said and ran a hand through his hair. “And I’m sorry, Kelsey. I was trying to help, but I went about it all wrong.”
“The boy’s got the tactical sensitivity of a charging bull,” Truman sighed. “Always has. Gets that from me, I’m afraid.”
Kelsey positioned the stethoscope on Truman’s chest. “Deep breath, please.”
Truman complied, then said, “Jason Prescott is in serious financial trouble, lass. He’s over-leveraged, and this merger is his Hail Mary pass. Which explains his sudden interest in Noah’s inheritance.”
She moved the stethoscope to listen to his lungs.
Truman continued. “The man’s desperate, and desperate men are dangerous.”
“This was important for us to know in this business deal, I thought having it would help you,” Mac’s voice was low, earnest. “I was wrong not to tell you before.”
“Yes, you were.” She stood, wrapping the stethoscope around her neck. “That’s twice now you’ve decided what’s best for me without asking. First the investigation into Margaret’s will, now this.”
“I know,” Mac stepped closer. “But Kelsey, Jason threatened you this morning. Which just confirms our suspicions of him.”
“That’s not the point!” Her professional mask slipped. “The point is trust, Mac. How can I trust you when you keep making these unilateral decisions that affect my life? My son’s life? How can I trust you when you apologize and say you won’t do it again, but then you do?”
Truman cleared his throat. “If I may, Kelsey. My grandson has many virtues, but sometimes his desire to protect the people he cares about overrides his common sense.”
“Is that supposed to make me feel better?” Kelsey turned back to her medical bag, organizing instruments to steady her hands.
“No,” Truman said softly. “But perhaps it helps explain. He’s not had many people to care about these past years.”
“Grandad...” Mac shook his head at his grandfather, a warning tone in his voice. “I’m sorry, Kelsey. Truly.”
Kelsey met his gaze, wanting to believe him but hesitant. “Twice is already a pattern, Mac.”
“Then let me break it,” he said quietly. “Let me earn back your trust.”
Truman shifted in his chair, wincing slightly. “My blood pressure medicine is making my ankles swell again.”
The professional in Kelsey couldn’t ignore this. She knelt to examine his ankles, finding significant edema. “We should adjust your dosage. I’ll call it in today.”
“Before you go making medical decisions,” Truman said with a twinkle in his eye, “perhaps you should consult with me first? Seeing as it’s my body and all.”
Kelsey sighed, a reluctant smile tugging at her lips despite herself. “That’s different.”
“Is it?” Truman raised a bushy eyebrow. “People who care sometimes overstep, lass. The trick is finding someone who learns from their mistakes.”
She glanced at Mac, who was watching her with those intense dark eyes, genuine remorse evident in his expression.
“I appreciate the apology,” she said finally. “Both of you. But I need time to think about this. And in the meantime,” she turned fully to Mac, “no more investigations, no more surprise solutions. Nothing that concerns me or Noah without talking to me first.”
