“You won’t tell your father to fuck off because of some turtles?”
Shit, that wasn’t the reason at all. But, I had to keep my mouth shut. “Theo, I’m sorry you found out like this.” I should have told him sooner. Why didn’t I?
He grinned, barely, as if he couldn’t believe it. “Ok then. Good to know.”
“What? It’s my dream. Are you discounting my dream?”
His eyes flew to explore mine. Despair blazed behind his irises. “What? No. But, I was ready to walk away from my dream for you Penny. I love you that much.”
He was right. But, I couldn’t let on about the real reason.
“I’m sorry.” I had nothing to say for myself.
“She’s never coming back, Penny. As many turtles as you save, she is never coming back.”
I raised my chin to stop the onslaught of tears threatening to spill over. “I know.” My voice was meek, silent almost.
“Fuck.” He stepped further away, and I wanted to reach out to him. To once again hold him when he was hurt. “I just can’t believe this.”
“Wait, Theo. What happened at the meeting? Anything?”
He shook his head, his hair falling into his eyes. “Who cares. Wouldn’t want you to not get the turtles. I won’t sit on the side and sneak my time with you, Penny.”
“I’m not asking you to.” My heart hurt, and my chest blazed with a burning so real I wanted to run to the ocean to put out the flame.
“Fuck.” He slammed his fist against the hard, oak desk.
The hairs on my arms stood on end. I couldn’t lose him. I couldn’t get married. I couldn’t breathe. I tugged at my suit jacket. “Theo, please tell me what the P.I. said,” I practically begged him.
He took a few deep breaths as he paced the small space. “He found a few things. Some offshore accounts. Well, you already know he and the county commissioner go to Bahamas once a year.”
I closed my eyes, trying to picture the man’s face. Short man, beady eyes, and a round head. “Yes, Mr. Spielman. What does that have to do with anything?”
“Well, Stephen thinks all the affairs they handle there is to cover up their dirty work. We think he’s paying off officials to assure he gets the proper permits, among other things.”
“What other things?” I sat in the office chair as Theo moved around to sit on the edge of the desk in front of me.
“Paying them off to hold liens. I’m not entirely sure yet. He’s still looking into things. What did Dex want?”
I inhaled, then exhaled. “He wants to move the wedding up to next weekend.”
“Goddammit. Why?”
“I asked and he said because “why not?” or something stupid.”
“I’m going to call Stephen, make sure they aren’t onto us.”
I rose from my seat and situated myself between his long legs. “Please don’t be mad.”
He stood, pushing me back slightly. “I don’t know what to think or feel right now. I just need some time to process. I’ll still keep you up-to-date with the P.I.”
He moved to the door and took with him a piece of my heart. I was crushed.
“Oh, and Penny,” he called from over his shoulder.
“Yes.”
“I won’t be at work tonight.”