Page 36 of Deadly Scandals

I didn’t want to be heartless. These poor kids’ mother was in the hospital. But I didn’t know the first thing about children. And if I wasn’t going to get seriously involved with their dad, I needed to exit stage left. I didn’t want to confuse them.

Mitch flipped the pancakes, and my heart skipped a beat when I saw that they had chocolate chips in them and were made in the shape of Mickey Mouse. I knew with his work schedule that there was no way he would be able to see his kids regularly, which was sad. He clearly enjoyed being a father.

He had been with me when his ex-wife overdosed. Was I his alibi? Just like I had been Grant’s alibi the night of Tiffany’s murder? Maybe Mitch had killed Paul and had sent someone to drug his wife so he would get custody of his kids. He did have a key to this place. He could’ve made a copy. Ugh, that seemed like a far reach, but nothing surprised me when it came to these SEALs. They were trained killers, after all. And he clearly hated his ex-wife. Was Mitch a sociopath?

Or was I just crazy? It was possible Mitch was completely innocent and wrapped up in this mess.

I abandoned my plan to flee. I needed to spend as much time here as possible to gather clues about April and her involvement with Paul. For now, I would play the part of Mitch’s fuck buddy.

He plated the pancakes, and I walked over to the refrigerator to grab the syrup.

“How’s April?”

Mitch shook his head. “No change. I called my lawyer. I have joint legal custody, so I’m going to take the kids home with me until she recovers. Well, if she recovers. I haven’t told them yet. I was going to take them to the hospital after breakfast, but I don’t want them to see her like that.”

I gulped. That was awful. “I’m sorry to hear that. I hope she gets better. The kids need their mother.”

“Yeah, this whole situation is so fucked up.” He turned to his son. “Sam, pancakes are ready.”

“Yay! I love pancakes.”

We all devoured the pancakes, which were surprisingly delicious. Fluffy, light, buttery, and not even a tad bit soggy. Mitch clutched my thigh under the table, and I did my best not to swoon, but I was so pathetic that I couldn’t control myself.

Samuel took a break from shoveling food into his mouth. Melted chocolate was smeared all over his face. “These are the best pancakes ever. I love you, Daddy.”

Mitch smiled. “I love you too, little man. But these aren’t the best Mickey Mouse pancakes ever. Do you guys know where they make the best Mickey Mouse pancakes ever?”

Sienna’s brown eyes widened. “Disneyland?”

“Yup. And guess what? We are going there tomorrow!”

The kids burst into screams, giggles, and hugs. “We’re going to Disneyland!” Sienna said. “Disneyland, Sam! Can you believe it? I’m going to meet Princess Ariel! Thank you, Daddy!”

I shot Mitch a look. “Disneyland? Their mother just overdosed. Do you think Disneyland is a good idea right now?”

“Yup. It will distract them and get them out to California. Even if April pulls through, I’m going to fight for custody.” He kissed my hand. “Will you come with us? I could really use another pair of eyes on them. They are a handful.”

He wanted me to go to Disneyland with him?

Ashley, you have slept with a prime suspect in a murder investigation, jeopardizing your career and the investigation! Tell her what she’s won. A trip to Disneyland!

No, absolutely not. That was completely out of the question.

“I have to go back to work. I’m in the middle of the investigation into Paul’s murder. You know that.”

“Yeah? Well, I also know that it’s been classified as a suicide.”

What?I clutched my phone and checked the news.

Decorated Navy SEAL Paul Thompson Commits Suicide on Naval Special Warfare Base. I skimmed the article, which went on to say that “anonymous authorities” had told the reporters the ruling was expected to come today.

Were they kidding? It had only been twenty-four hours.

I stood up from the table. “Excuse me. I need to make a call.”

I walked out to the backyard and called Craig. He still didn’t pick up. Where was he?

I quickly placed a call to my supervisor, Darrell Meeks. Luckily, it was a Saturday, so at least I wasn’t a no-show at work.