I sighed. “Even so. With me out of the game, I should pay like any other client. As far as your question, when I gave you the reins, I went to Mexico to work for a businessman.”
Archer’s raised brow told me he knew the business was drugs.
“I ended the business relationship when I decided I wanted to work on the right side of the law. The danger and adventure just didn’t do it for me. But while I was there, I had an affair with the boss’ daughter.”
“That’s never a good thing.”
“He didn’t care. He knows his daughter. You know how it was. Sex. Wild sex, but only sex. When I decided to leave, we ended it without any drama. And then, she showed up with Mo.”
He nodded. “So where does Dax fit in all this?”
“I asked him to go down and find out what was going on with Mo’s mother. I thought she was in danger and was going to get her out, but it turns out she’s now in a leadership position.”
“That still puts her in danger, I imagine. It’s certainly not a place for a baby.”
“I suppose, but there’s still something off. She keeps calling insisting that I keep Mo. She seems to think I’m going to give him away. I don’t know…it’s just odd. But I can’t find an angle.”
“You think she’s using the baby for something?”
I shrugged and reached out to caress Mo’s cheek with my finger. “I hope not.”
“Because that could mean he isn’t yours?”
My gaze jerked to Archer. “He’s mine. What the fuck?” Then it occurred to me. “Let me guess, Harper is spreading rumors to Lane.”
Archer held his hands up in surrender. “Not that I know of. I’m just thinking if someone is trying to play you with a child, it’s possible he’s not yours.”
“Or he’s mine and they’re using him for leverage.”
“For what?”
That was the million-dollar question.
“So, what’s all the animosity about Harper?”
“You know her.”
“I know she’s outspoken and will tell you her opinion. I know she doesn’t like to be bullied or manipulated.”
“I wonder how much of that is for show. She and Bran are trying to play me—”
“Wait? Mo’s mother and Bran and Harper are all playing you?” He didn’t hide his skepticism.
“Harper says Bran wants me to model his wife’s watches or something. He bought the home next door, arranged for Harper to buy it so that she could sweet talk me into being a watch model.”
Archer let out a bark of a laugh.
“I know, ridiculous right? I think what he’s really after is Saint Security.”
The humor in Archer disappeared. “What?”
I nodded. “It has to be. That model thing is ridiculous.”
Archer looked at my arms. “Your wrists are alright.”
I threw a diaper cloth at him. “I wish this had shit in it.”
He laughed.