"Because the police were looking for an easy scapegoat," he said bitterly. "Just because he had some problems when he was a kid, he became a person of interest."

"It never went further than someone's idea," I reminded him.

"I'm not so sure about that. Maybe they stopped looking for my father's killer because they thought he was involved."

I didn't know what to say. "Maybe my mother knows something about it," I finally said.

"I wish to hell she'd wake up."

"Me, too." I paused. "I liked Jeremy's theory about her being in witness protection. It makes sense how she could have changed her life so many times. But I guess that's just an idea, too." I got to my feet. "I'm going to wake my dad up. He needs to start talking."

I marched down the hall and into the living room. My father was beginning to stir.

"Dad," I said loudly.

He opened one eye, squinting at me. Then he closed his eyes and groaned.

"I know you probably have a massive hangover," I said. "But it's time to talk."

Kade came into the room with a mug of coffee. "Maybe this will help," he said.

My father opened his eyes again and struggled to get into a sitting position. When he'd managed that, Kade handed him the mug.

My dad took a sip, then said, "Who are you?"

"Kade Beckham," he replied.

My father looked at me. "Is he your boyfriend?"

"No. Drink some more coffee," I ordered.

He did what I suggested, probably because he was also trying to buy some time.

"I can leave you two alone," Kade offered.

"I'd rather you stay, if you don't mind," I said.

"I don't mind." Kade settled into a nearby armchair.

"I think we should talk alone, Brynn," my dad interjected.

"And I don't think it's up to you. Where have you been?" I asked, needing to leave out the part about him not being my father until after I had more information. "When did you know Mom was alive? Did you talk to her?"

"Slow down," he said, grimacing with pain. "My head is about to explode."

"I don't care about your head. I've been calling you for days. Everyone is worried about you. Vicky even flew here to find you."

"What?" he asked in surprise.

"It was last Wednesday, the day before Mom was shot. I know you must have heard about that."

"What did Vicky do? Did she confront your mother?"

"No. She claims she saw Mom with some other guy, not you, and she just left the city and went home. She felt stupid for thinking you and Mom were having some secret affair."

"Vicky knew she was alive? She thought we were having an affair?" he asked in bemusement.

"Yes. She saw Mom on the news, saving a man's life. I'm assuming you did, too?"