Chapter 26

Rowan let Daddy sit him down and watched as he took charge, seating the detectives and getting Detectives Cregarrah and Mason a bottle of water. Rowan had a random thought that he was glad Daddy didn't offer them coffee as that would mean Rowan would be alone with them longer, and he didn't want to be. In fact, he wanted to be just about anywhere else right at that moment. Rowan could have cried in relief when Daddy sat himself down next to Rowan and draped an arm around him, tucking him close. He didn't look at the detectives for a reaction. He didn't care.

Detective Cregarrah spoke first. "Mr. Wilson, we wanted to give you an update, and we were going to call on Mr. Philip Wilson next, but thought you'd like to hear it first." Rowan looked up, glanced at the cops, but felt Daddy squeeze his shoulder, which gave him the courage to speak.

"Something happened with my mother," he said. She had probably turned it all around and they were here to say that they were very sorry, but they couldn't hold her any longer. Rowan would never be free of her. How long did restraining orders last? How long until Daddy got sick of the never-ending baggage that Rowan dragged around with him? He shot a look at Daddy and tried to move away, let go of his hand, but Daddy simply held on tighter.

"We've spoken to Mrs. Agnes Edwards this morning and, as a direct result, Mrs. Janice Wilson has admitted guilt and given a full statement to that fact."

It took Rowan a minute, but Daddy got in first. "What?"

"What do you mean?" Rowan whispered.

"Mrs. Wilson has admitted to opening the credit cards in your name and arranging the international wire of the funds, which, incidentally, will be returned to you when it's proven they were sent fraudulently."

Rowan stared at the red-haired detective, who looked rather pleased with himself. "But Mrs. Edwards hates me," Rowan said. "She always agrees with Mother."

Detective Mason mumbled something not very complimentary, and Cregarrah nodded as if he was agreeing with his partner.

"We interviewed her in the presence of her attorney and showed her certain evidence we have collected proving that Mrs. Wilson has lied to her," Cregarrah said.

"To say she was shocked was an understatement," Detective Mason said. "We can also prove she was guilty of a little more than poor judgement in her friends."

Rowan could hear what the detectives were saying, but he couldn't take it in.

"Guilty of what?" Daddy asked. "There must have been quite a step between you talking to the neighbor and Janice admitting everything."

"Mrs. Edwards was convinced that Mrs. Wilson was destitute and going to lose the house because she couldn't pay the mortgage," Detective Mason said.

Rowan stared at him. "But that's ridiculous. She doesn't have a mortgage and my dad would never let that happen, anyway."

"Well, apparently, your mom convinced her that the only time she could work was on weekends when you were at your dad's," Mason continued. "Apparently, your dad would call and say at the last minute that he couldn't have you that weekend and so she had to cancel work, which is why she lost so many jobs."

"But she didn't have a job," Rowan said in utter bewilderment. "She hasn't had one for two years. She told me—" But Rowan clamped his lips closed. Another lie.

"She also told Mrs. Wilson the divorce stipulated your dad had agreed to pay for your medical expenses, but she was having to foot the bill for your education until you began working full time."

Rowan felt sick. She'd never mentioned anything like that to him, ever, and his dad paid for college, anyway. He knew that, so how was this his fault? He tried to move away from Daddy again.

"And as it happens, Janice Wilson received a generous monthly allowance while you were in school."

"Just so I understand," Daddy said, breaking into Rowan's spiraling thoughts. "She got a generous monthly allowance, a mortgage-free home, and had no expenses to pay for Rowan such as college or medical insurance? That's what you're saying?"

Both detectives nodded.

Daddy shot Rowan a puzzled look, but then turned back to the detectives. "So why the loan? Why the credit cards?"

Detective Mason glanced at Daddy. "She leads a very expensive life. Travels extensively most weekends and eats out in top-class restaurants. She also enjoys visiting Las Vegas. I believe that's where she met her previous boyfriend."

Rowan gaped.

"And she knew it was coming to an end," Daddy said quietly.

"Mrs. Edwards is a notary." Cregarrah said.

Daddy glanced at Rowan, but Rowan shrugged, and leaned forward for his water. Daddy let him go this time, and Rowan just curled up in the corner holding his water as if it were a shield. "She used to work in a bank. Mrs. Edward's, I mean," Rowan added, and didn't meet Daddy's gaze.

"And can you confirm you didn't take out a bank loan against your house last week for forty-thousand dollars?" Detective Cregarrah asked.

Rowan almost laughed, but then his amusement died as he realized the detective was serious. "Of course not."

Daddy leaned forward. "But I'm assuming Janice did and Mrs. Edwards notarized it?"

Both detectives sent Daddy an admiring glance, but Rowan was really confused. "But I don't own the house," Rowan said. "I could never take a loan out against it, anyway."

Both detectives looked a little uncomfortable. "Actually, you do. The divorce proceedings stated Janice Wilson could live in the house or sell it and buy another with your agreement, but on her death, it reverted to you."

"But Dad could afford to buy twenty houses," Rowan said.

"Not then he couldn't," Daddy pointed out. "I'm guessing your dad agreed to pay for Janice to live a certain way on the understanding that it would eventually be yours."

"But he never told me," Rowan nearly wailed. "Why?"

Daddy arched an eyebrow. "Apart from the last couple of weeks, how much have you spoken to your dad about any of this?"

Which was a fair point. Rowan had spent years trying to avoid him.

"He probably hasn't thought about it in years. He knows he can provide for you, so what was the point of making it an issue?" Daddy continued.

"The problem is the document needed Rowan's signature," Mason said. "She picked an out-of-town bank so they didn't need to appear, just get it notarized."

"And Mrs. Edwards did it, even though she knew it was illegal." Daddy said. It wasn't a question.

"And she now knows how much trouble she's in, she's panicking it may come out. Especially as her son is looking at running for the local school board and has big political ambitions." He paused. "Very big."

Daddy turned to him. "Unless you want more to happen, it means it's over."

Rowan gazed into those deep, dark eyes. "I want you," he whispered and moved closer. Daddy grinned and, judging from the detectives' expressions, that might have been a little louder than he thought.

"It's definitely over?" Gabriel said, turning back to them. "Rowan won't have to appear in court?"

"Not as a witness," Mason confirmed. "Obviously if you choose to attend the sentencing—"

"No," Rowan rushed out. "No, I don't want to."

"Well, the lawyers are negotiating sentencing, but it's likely she will get four years at a minimum because of the amount of money involved." The detectives stood up and reached out to shake hands with them both. Cregarrah hesitated. "I'm sorry we couldn't get her for the other matter, either for you or the other child, but there may be enough for a civil lawsuit should you wish."

Daddy glanced at Rowan, but he shook his head. "I don't want to think about her ever again."

"Good idea," Mason said, and they both smiled. "Well, please let us know if you have any questions later. As it is her credit and reputation are ruined." Then he hesitated. "We've made it clear that we will check in with her very frequently to make sure she hasn't anything to do with kids in any capacity."

Rowan could barely take it in. It was over.

"I believe you know Captain Sean Chiltern of the Matthews police department?" Cregarrah asked.

Daddy didn't even blink. "Yes, we have mutual friends." Mutual friends? Rowan couldn't decide whether he wanted to laugh or cry. Daddy Sean brought his little Roxy to the club to play most Friday nights.

"Good cop," Mason said, which was clearly a compliment.

Daddy thanked them and saw them both out, then turned and hurried back to Rowan. Rowan was just standing there in utter shock, tears welling but not falling. "Is it over?" he whispered.

Daddy drew him into his arms and kissed him very thoroughly to show him it was.

Gabriel drew back from a very dazed Rowan, knowing he had some questions he needed answers to first. Rowan had to learn to trust him, and that meant Rowan had to believe Gabriel meant every word he said. Rowan had been manipulated all his life by that crazy bitch, and that stopped now.

Ordinarily, and going forward, Rowan would be punished for breaking a promise, but he had gone through hell in the last few weeks. Weeks? Make that years. But their lives were starting today, and honesty and understanding were key. He also wanted to get this out of the way tonight before Rowan had a chance to think about it, and maybe worry some more.

He led him to their bedroom and sat down, pulling a still standing Rowan up to him, trapping him between his legs. "Why did you try to let go of my hand and then sit away from me when we were talking to the detectives? Were you ashamed of me?"

Rowan's eyes grew huge. "No, Daddy."

Gabriel nodded. He didn't think he was. "Then was it because you were embarrassed, or afraid of their reaction in case they were homophobic?" He didn't think that was the reason, either.

Rowan opened his mouth, but no words came out. He pressed his lips together and shook his head.

"Words, baby boy," Gabriel prompted.

"No, Daddy," Rowan whispered.

"I see. So, if you weren't ashamed, embarrassed, or scared, was it just that you've decided you don't like Daddy touching you?"

A tear trickled down Rowan's face, and Gabriel ached to brush it away, to pull his boy into his arms and kiss him better, but Rowan absolutely had to learn. Rowan started to shake his head, but then, catching sight of Gabriel's expression, he choked out another "No, Daddy."

"Then why did you do that?"

Rowan squirmed, misery written all over him. "Because I thought I was too much trouble. That you would get sick of me."

Gabriel gazed at the huge eyes brimming with tears. "So, you broke your promise?" Rowan looked aghast, but then his face crumpled.

"Yes, Daddy. Yes I did." And Gabriel drew him into his arms, held him tight, and let Rowan cry his heart out.

When Rowan lay sprawled in Gabriel's arms, Gabriel kissed all the tears from his face and rocked him gently. "I know trust takes time to develop. Sometimes Doms make the mistake of thinking they're entitled to it because of what they are." He huffed, "We're a conceited lot." A small smile curved the corners of Rowan's lips. "So, I'm going to start every day with the same words, in the same way, and promise you that you will always be my baby boy because I love you very much."

Rowan's eyes grew even bigger. "Daddy?"

Gabriel chuckled. "You're supposed to say you love me and I will always be your Daddy. Oof." The air rushed out of Gabriel's lungs because Rowan practically launched himself at him, peppering him with kisses and crying promises and squirming in a most delightful manner. That was a good sign because Gabriel had every intention of spoiling the heck out of Rowan all evening. He kissed Rowan back, hugged him, then smiled. "Now, do you think you can run the bath baby boy while I call for pizza?"

Rowan nodded quickly and scrambled up and went to the bathroom. Gabriel groaned, adjusted himself, then went to get his phone, but it started ringing just as he reached it. He'd expected the call. "Sir?"

"I think you can call me Philip," Rowan's dad said dryly. "The detectives just left. How's Rowan?"

"Relieved. In shock." Gabriel paused. "I imagine you feel the same."

Philip sighed. "I don't know where to begin in making up for this mess with Rowan."

"Rowan doesn't blame you," Gabriel said honestly. "I can put him on the phone, or how about you come out with us on Saturday? I'm taking Rowan out to look for a dog we want to adopt."

"Really?" Philip said with interest. "That's a coincidence because I was honestly wondering about the same thing. Now that I've cut back on work, I need some exercise. Hilary has a house-cat, and apparently she's okay with her son's dogs."

They arranged to meet for brunch tomorrow and Gabriel put in the order for pizza, then grabbed some water and returned to the bathroom, stripping as he went. Rowan eeped as Gabriel touched his shoulder with the cold bottle and sat forward in the bath so Gabriel could climb in behind him. "Thank you, Daddy," Rowan said and unscrewed the cap and obediently drank some. Gabriel took the bottle off him, drank some himself, then reached down and put it on the floor, before grabbing Rowan and pulling him back into his body.

Rowan squirmed a little to get comfy and Gabriel smiled to himself because he knew what his naughty boy was doing, especially when he reached around and found Rowan's cock plumping up nicely. Gabriel gave it some attention and Rowan groaned in response. "You know, when we eventually build a house, I've always wanted a hot tub outside."

Rowan gasped because just at that moment, Gabriel grazed his nail over the slit in Rowan's tip. "What do you think about that idea?" Gabriel teased.

"Yes, Daddy." But the words ended on a breathless squeak. Gabriel's own cock was also very interested in getting a little friction as Rowan squirmed again, but he was enjoying all the noises Rowan was making too much at the moment to care.

"Daddy loves your sounds." Rowan was so responsive, and a whole world of possibilities unfurled in Gabriel's mind. He bet Rowan would adore sensory play, and the Dom in him loved the thought of edging Rowan, teasing him, then showing him the beauty of being a very good boy. Gabriel pressed a kiss to Rowan's neck, then decided to suck up a mark and reached his other hand around to play with Rowan's nipple.

The cry was adorable. Rowan loved touch, needed to receive it as much as Gabriel needed to give it. "Daddy," Rowan's cry was a little desperate, and Gabriel knew he was driving him higher. His boy responded beautifully to all the different sensations.

"Do you want to come, baby boy?" Rowan moaned and his yes was barely decipherable. "Can you wait one more minute? For Daddy? I promise it will be extra, especially good if you do."

Rowan mumbled something that Gabriel took as agreement and Gabriel cupped Rowan's sac and tugged it a little before rolling it in his hands, then sliding his hand up Rowan's cock.

"Daddy," Rowan cried a little more desperately, and because he had to be careful never to push Rowan too far, he whispered, "Good boy. Come for Daddy."

His baby boy's cries were honestly the best thing he'd ever heard.