The Baby Bet: His Secret Son

“Goodbye,” Kara said softly, then replaced the receiver slowly.

“You were talking to Andrew Malone?”

Kara spun around to see her brother, Richard, frowning at her.

“Yes, Richard, I was,” she said. “He called to check on Uncle Robert. He’s been extremely concerned that—”

“That we’ll sue the pants off him probably,” Richard said. “Some fancy lawyer would no doubt find a way to file a suit of some kind against Malone for what he did to Uncle Robert.”

“Richard, Andrew is sincerely sorry for what happened at that party.”

“Andrew? It’s Andrew now? Jeez, Kara, how can you be so cozy with the guy? He nearly killed our uncle, for crying out loud.”

“Richard, that’s not fair. It wasn’t Andrew’s intention to hurt Uncle Robert. Andrew simply wanted…” Kara paused. “Well, I don’t know exactly what the purpose of that confrontation was, but it certainly wasn’t to cause Uncle Robert any physical harm.”

“You’re defending what Malone did?” Richard said, his frown deepening. “Are you aware that reporters were at that party? Have you seen the newspapers? They’re having a field day with this. The secret son of highly respected, powerful and wealthy Robert MacAllister crashes family party and…That’s just an example of what is in the papers. The press have picked up Malone’s lie and are running with it.”

“Richard, what Andrew said is true. He is Uncle Robert’s son. When you look at Andrew up close, you can see the same MacAllister eyes that all of you have. His features, too, are Uncle Robert’s. There’s no denying the truth, and you’re going to have to accept it.”

“Just how ‘up close’ to Malone have you been, little sister?” Richard said, folding his arms over his chest. “If that guy is making a move on you, there is going to be hell to pay, believe me. He better stay away from you, or he’ll hear from me—personally.”

“Oh, Richard, stop it,” Kara said. “I’m not sixteen years old anymore. I don’t need you and Jack defending me against everyone walking around in a pair of pants. I’m all grown up, remember?”

“Okay, you’re all grown up,” Richard said, nodding. “So, all-grown-up sister, where is your family loyalty? You’re standing there pleading Andrew’s case, saying he didn’t mean to cause Uncle Robert any harm. What’s next? Guess who’s coming to dinner?”

“Who served you a nasty pill for breakfast?”

Kara turned to find Brenda Henderson glaring at Richard.

“Hi, Brenda,” Kara said. “Are you here to collect Mr. Congeniality—I hope?”

“Cute,” Richard said, glowering at Kara, then directing his attention to Brenda. “What are you doing here?”