Follow Your Heart

Chapter 24

Nicholas jumped every time he heard the bell on the door ring. For some reason the ice cream shop was very busy with people today. He was a little relieved figuring whoever was following him wouldn't do anything rash in public. The Feds called him a few days after Lewis was found and told him they needed to question him. He refused and snuck out of his hotel, taking a cab to the airport and taking a regular flight to Georgia. It felt strange since he hadn't done that in a very long time. Nicholas trusted no one but his daughter. Skylar was his only hope. She would know what to do. He knew he lost the people following him but he couldn't be too careful.

Finally, he saw Skylar's car approach but she wasn't alone. At first he thought about leaving but then saw it was her husband so he relaxed. He should have known she would bring him. She spotted him sitting in the corner booth and ran to him. Matthew looked around outside and then closed the door.

"Are you ok? I heard what happened to you in New York," Nicholas was concerned. He kissed her cheek.

How is it that her life was known to all? she thought to herself. "It was just a bump on the head. Nothing really." She sat next to him.

Matthew took a seat across from them. "Hello, Mr. Montgomoery."

Nicholas nodded and turned his attention back to Skylar. "I need you to help me leave the country for awhile until things clear up. I'm afraid whoever killed Lewis is after me. Now that DVD is missing, I have no proof I'm innocent."

"Nick, if you run, it'll make you look guilty and besides, I have the DVD." Skylar handed the envelope to him.

Nick's eyes opened in surprise. "How?"

"I don't know. Someone sent it to me. I haven't seen it but I think you should have it and go to the authorities."

Nick shook his head. "No. I'm leaving Montgomery Enterprises in your hands. I'll be gone for awhile."

"Is there something you're not telling me?" Skylar questioned.

"No, sweetie. It's just that I feel the FBI will pull my company in with the money laundering case on DelGuidice and conveniently lose the DVD. I don't trust them."

"Nick, relax. I'll take care of everything."

"Were you followed?" Nick looked outside the window again.

"No, I don't think so."

"Good, first we'll go back to Lyoness and then we'll take the plane."

"Wait." Matthew turned his attention to Nicholas. "I'm sure if you turn this DVD over, you'll be cleared."

Again Nicholas shook his head. "I prefer to take my chances with Skylar," Nicholas said.

"I don't want my wife putting herself in any more danger. She was almost killed in New York because of you."

Skylar kicked him under the table and was satisfied when she saw him wince.

Nicholas turned to her. "Is that true? They were after me?"

"Yes but it was nothing serious. I can handle myself." She gave Matthew a challenging look and turned attention back to her father. "I don't mind. Nick, I need to know something."

"What is it?"

"Why didn't you tell me about my mother?"

Nicholas turned pale but quickly recovered. "Now is not the time or place for this conversation."

"Now is as good a time as any. I found the papers so I know most of the story."

Nicholas let out a deep breath and answered her. "Margaret adopted you as her own but you are my daughter. I promise to tell you the whole story but not here. Ok, let's go." Nicholas stuffed the envelope inside his jacket.