Billionaires and Baby Rattles(30)

“Hey, your stepbitch is on TV,” Robin said.

Ethan turned to look and brought the bowl with the eggs he was mixing to the center kitchen block. Something had to be up when his stepmother made early-morning news.

“Turn it up,” Ethan said.

Robin did as he asked, and they both watched the TV screen with rapt interest.

“A follow-up to the story where Lurlene Purdy Tremaine accused her stepson Easton of assault. This morning, the charges were dropped against Ethan Tremaine, and new charges were filed against Lurlene Purdy. They include filing a false police report, check fraud, and theft. There is also an outstanding warrant in her hometown for drug possession charges. It seems Ms. Purdy’s past came catching up to her in a big way. Ms. Purdy is now on the run from the law. The lawyer for Ethan Tremaine made a brief announcement stating that he was glad his client was vindicated and can now move on with his life and the upcoming birth of his child. We can’t wait to see those first baby pictures.”

“Never,” Ethan muttered.

The vultures would circle until they fell to the ground dead before he let any part of their child’s life become public news. He knew he couldn’t stop a picture being snapped when they were out one day or on vacation. But he would be damned if he made it easy for the newshounds who took great pleasure in sensationalizing his life.

“I think this calls for mimosas.” Robin laughed. “Ms. Creepy Ho is on the run.”

“I think you’re right. You grab the champagne, and I’ll get the orange juice. Mya can have chocolate milk.” Ethan grinned. “She’s got her comeuppance.”

Robin looked at him like he was crazy. “Dude, never use that word again.”

“It’s a valid word,” Ethan argued.

“For Mary Poppins,” Robin retorted.

The debate was just about to get heated when Ethan heard the loud chime of the doorbell. No one ever used it, which had Robin looking around like he was about be attacked. Ethan wondered what the hell was going on as well. The doorbell chimed again, the old-fashioned sound echoing through the mansion. No one should be at the door. In fact, you had to get past the front gate first. Then it was either use the intercom and announce yourself or Ethan used the security camera to see who it was.

“Jesus, that noise is creeptastic. Is Lurch going to come out of the hallway now?” Robin said, holding on to his chest.

“No one should be at the door,” Ethan said grimly.

“You don’t think that Lurlene would…” Robin let the words stop there.

“She wouldn’t dare…would she?” Ethan couldn’t believe that one woman could be that crazy.

They both moved at the same time heading toward the massive carved wooden doors. Ethan planned on changing them to something with frosted glass so more light would be in the foyer. The doorbell was pressed once more, and he pulled the door open. Ethan was shocked but somewhat not surprised that Lurlene was there. Her face was filled with dark streaks from the mascara she was wearing, and she was disheveled from her fake blonde hair down to her Prada shoes.

She threw herself into Ethan’s arms. “Please help me! If I meant anything to you, help me!”

Ethan pushed her away. “Since you never meant anything to me, the answer is no. Call the cops, Robin, and tell them a known fugitive is on my doorstep.”

“Gladly.” He pulled his cell phone from his pocket.

She shook her head vigorously. “No, no, no, please! I was your stepmother!”

Ethan began to tick off the list of her indiscretions on his fingers. “A stepmother who said I beat her up, who tried to screw my brother and myself on too many occasions to count. Who tried to get a man to lay claim to a child he didn’t want, who drove my father crazy till he died trying to get away from your ass.” Ethan looked at her dispassionately. “If I said I had pity for you, it would be a lie. You made this bed. Now lie in it.”

“The cops are on their way,” Robin said. “How did she get in here anyway?”

“Stolen remote probably,” Ethan answered. “We’ll get that changed today as well.”

“I also made a little call to a certain entertainment news line.” Robin grinned. “I want her send-off to be in style, with cameras running.”

Lurlene looked from Ethan to Robin. Ethan could see her calculating in her mind if she could get away.

“What’s going on down here?” Mya asked from the top of the stairs. She caught sight of Lurlene. “What the hell is she doing here?”

“Honey, go back to bed. Robin and I have this handled. We’re putting out the trash,” Ethan called and then turned to Robin. “If she tries to run, trip her and sit on her.”