She tapped one of the lines. “This shows a deposit seven years ago to Eric’s account in late August. I met him at the beginning of the semester. In September of that year.”

Her finger skipped down a line. “The next deposit is November. Right before I got pregnant.” Down another line. “And here’s a third in January. A big one. Right before I had to drop out of school and Eric disappeared.”

She shook her head, mouth bent in a grimace. “It looks like my father paid Eric to date me. Maybe even get me pregnant.”

Bridget sucked in a breath. “That can’t be right. What kind of a father would do that?”

“Mine,” Ivy answered. “He never wanted me to go to college. He told me it would only lead to no good. Honestly, I think he only let me go to get me out of the house.” She tapped the last line. “Then it appears he paid Eric to go away. Just like he’s paying Eric now to try to get his grandson back.”

Bridget’s brow crinkled. “Would he really do that?”

Ivy nodded. “My father is an awful man.”

“Why wouldn’t he try to get Eric to marry you? An alpha’s nephew isn’t so bad.”

Sam answered Bridget. “Not good enough. Not for my father. And this wasn’t about getting Ivy married off, it was about our father making a point. Our father is more than awful. He’s…he’s—”

Hank put his hand on Ivy’s back. “When we went up to get Charlie, Clemens had him locked in the shed in the back yard.”

Birdie’s eyes beamed gold. “I’d kill that man myself if I had the chance. Anyone who could hurt that sweet child…” Emotion strangled off the last of her words.

Bridget took Birdie’s hand as Titus sat back and stared at the paperwork Ivy was holding. “Why would Eric do this?”

“He’s got a gambling habit,” Birdie volunteered. “Turn to the next page. You’ll see the payouts to the casinos and a man I’m guessing is a bookie. The man can’t keep hold of a dollar longer than a fish can breathe air.”

Titus nodded. “That would do it. He was probably thrilled when Clemens called. Would explain how he got here so fast.”

Ivy looked at Hank. “Can you use this against my father?”

He shook his head. “Not without more substantial proof. Right now it’s just your father giving Prescott money. And while despicable, paying someone to date your daughter and maybe get her pregnant isn’t a crime.”

She looked at Sam. “Tell me the truth. Did you know about any of this?”

He shook his head. “No, I swear on my life.”

“Thank you. I believe you.” Ivy turned back to Hank. “He can’t get away with this.”

He didn’t know if she meant Clemens or Prescott. “Neither of them is going to get away with anything. Starting with Prescott tonight.”

Bridget spoke quietly. “Does Charlie know about Prescott?

“He knows his biological father isn’t in the picture, but he doesn’t know it’s Eric or that Eric is here.” Ivy cleared her throat. “And I’d like it to stay that way, except I know Charlie has to be there tonight since he’s the subject of the challenge. I’m hoping he’ll fall asleep in the car and miss the actual fight.”

They all nodded in agreement.

Hank reached over and patted Birdie’s arm. “Thank you for finding us this new information.”

“You’re welcome.” She stood, her posture rigid. She clearly was not over what had been done to Charlie. Hank knew Birdie well enough to know she’d carry that grudge against Clemens until the day he died. As they all would. “I’ll be with Charlie if anyone needs me.”

“Would you be willing to sit with him in the car tonight?” Hank asked. “Keep an eye on him while we’re dealing with the challenge.”

“I’d be happy to.” With a little nod, she left.

“She’s going to stuff that boy full of sweets to make herself feel better,” Titus said, looking at Bridget and Hank. “Remember after Uncle John died?”

Bridget’s gaze was distant but her smile was warm with the memory of their late uncle’s passing. “She baked non-stop. Cakes, pies, cookies, you name it. The Shop & Save ran out of sugar.”

Ivy was still staring at the paperwork. Hank gently took the file out of her hands and closed it. “This is all going to be over very soon.”

Ivy nodded, silent and pensive. He hurt for her. To find out that her father had paid someone to sabotage her life…he couldn’t imagine what that felt like.

He leaned in. “Why don’t you go see Charlie? We’re almost done.”

“I think I will.” She stood, her fingertips still touching the table as she looked at Titus and Bridget. “Thank you for helping us with this.”

Titus smiled. “We’re family now. That’s what we do.”

Ivy returned his smile, then glanced at Sam, but said nothing more as she left.

Hank looked at Sam. “You should go check on your sister.”

He leaned back in his chair. “I take it you have more to talk about but you don’t want me here.”

Hank gave him points for being perceptive. “I don’t trust you yet.”

“I’m on your side in this. A hundred percent. Give me a chance. Let me earn that trust.”

“This is Charlie’s life. And your sister’s sense of well-being.”