Fool's Paradise

By Angela Flowers

Fool's Paradise (Silver Linings Book 4)

On the outside, the Mitchell family appears as strong as it ever was, even though the family patriarch and youngest child are both behind bars. But when Lindsay Ellsworth receives a desperate phone call one night, she quickly learns the truth: the Mitchell family is a mess. Her need to help people prevents her from walking away. She has to help them.

Before she knows it, she finds herself smack in the middle of a turf war between the two most powerful families in Chicago. As power shifts, she doesn’t know who to trust; she only hopes to make it out alive.

Will she be able to help Evan save his family? And if they do survive, will she be able to overlook the truth of who they really are?

All his life, Evan Mitchell has been more than happy to sit back and let his older brother shoulder all of the responsibility that comes with the Mitchell name. Now his father and brothers are gone, leaving him in charge of protecting their family’s interests.
In addition, he finds himself having to deal with a woman snooping around his family. If Lindsay learns too much, she could get hurt. Or worse. He can’t let that happen.

Just when Evan thinks he has everything under control, betrayal hits and the battle for his family begins. No one is safe.

Does Evan have what it takes to keep everyone he cares about safe?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Angela Flowers
• Release date: Apr 20, 2019
• ISBN: 9780463403914

Angela Flowers

Angela Flowers lives in Virginia with her husband, two sons, and four dogs. When she isn’t writing or homeschooling her two boys, she enjoys reading, listening to music, watching TV and spending time with her family.

Book preview

Chapter 1

Evan was elbow deep in a stack of reports when his phone rang. When he saw an unfamiliar number on the screen, he considered not answering, but the slim possibility it could be his brother had him pressing accept.

Evan Mitchell.

Mr. Mitchell, this is Lindsay Ellsworth at Northwestern Memorial. Your sister was admitted to the hospital early this morning.

Heaving a heavy sigh, he said, I’ll be right there.

Rebecca had always overindulged in alcohol and drugs, but lately, it had gotten worse. When he’d come home from California a month ago, he’d noticed right away the girl was out of control, more so than usual. Their older brother Nick had brushed it off, claiming she needed time after everything that had happened. Then he’d disappeared, leaving him alone with their troubled sister.

He left the office and headed for the hospital.

Calling Nick would be a waste of time. He hadn’t answered his phone in days. Their mother was in no shape to deal with this right now. The stress of everything that had happened had taken its toll on her. She probably wouldn’t even recognize who he was if he did call because she was so heavily medicated.

When he got to Rebecca’s room, he paused outside the door and took in the sight of his younger sister lying in the bed. Her long blonde hair fanned out around her face, making her look almost angelic. Swallowing a snort, he reminded himself any innocence she’d held had been lost a long time ago.

His gaze shifted to the young man sitting beside her bed. Spencer Sexton had dated his sister several years ago, and they’d recently reconnected, much to Evan’s displeasure. In his opinion, their relationship was toxic.

Taking a breath, he gathered himself and stepped into the room.

What happened? he demanded. Why wasn’t I called immediately?

Spencer’s brown head snapped up, his green eyes narrowing as he said, She doesn’t want you here, Evan.

You have no right to make that decision.

"I have every right. You’re part of the reason she’s here in the first place."

The accusation didn’t surprise Evan, but that didn’t mean he had to accept this boy’s blatant insolence.

How dare you, he said calmly. She’s my baby sister.

No. Spencer got to his feet. "How dare you come in here acting like you give two shits about her."

Of course I care about her.

Then where have you been lately? Oh, that’s right. You ran off, leaving her and Nick to deal with everything, as usual.

It was Nick’s mess to begin with. He’s the one responsible for everything that happened.

Spencer scoffed. You really are clueless.

When are you going to realize you’re doing her more harm than good? The boy jolted in surprise at his question, but he wasn’t finished. You keep stringing her along, giving her hope where there shouldn’t be any. Maybe Rebecca would stop all this nonsense with the drugs and alcohol if you would stop running to her rescue all the damn time.

Recoiling from him, Spencer said, "Evan, she almost died. She wouldn’t be here right now if it wasn’t for me."

You’re right. If it wasn’t for you, she most certainly wouldn’t be in this hospital right now. My family wouldn’t be in the shape that it is if it wasn’t for you.

Keep telling yourself that, Evan. Spencer took a step forward. You—

Gentlemen, that is enough.

Evan turned to the petite brunette standing in the doorway. Her dark eyes pinned him in place with the weight of her disapproval.

Who are you? he demanded.

Lindsay Ellsworth. I’m the one who called you. When Spencer started to protest, she turned her critical eyes on him. He’s her brother, Spencer. He has a right to be here.

To Evan’s amazement, Spencer remained quiet even though he clearly didn’t want to. He clearly respected this woman, making Evan even more curious about her.

Who was she and how did Spencer know her?

He stepped forward and held out his hand. I’m afraid we haven’t been properly introduced. Evan Mitchell.

Taking his hand, she said, Nice to meet you.

Spencer? Rebecca mumbled as her eyes fluttered.

Hey, Spencer said softly as he gripped her hand.

Evan moved closer to her. Rebecca.

Her face scrunched into a scowl, and her body went rigid under the sheet. Evan? What—?

Shh, Spencer said calmly, you’re in the hospital, remember?

Rebecca, how could you let this happen? Evan asked.

Mr. Mitchell, Lindsay intervened, may I speak with you for a moment?

Once they were in the hallway, she said, What your sister needs right now is your support, not your criticism. We need to focus on her recovery right now.

His spine stiffened. Nor do I need yours. Regardless of what you read in the tabloids, you don’t know anything about me or my relationship with my sister.

I assure you, the past several minutes showed me more than enough. Your sister will be kept for several days for observation. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have an appointment.

Stunned, he watched her walk away.

Lindsay’s right.

He turned to find Spencer’s older brother Dylan standing beside him. Scowling, he asked, What are you doing here?

Dylan’s lips slanted in a smirk. Given my brother’s history with your family, do you think I’d let him come here alone?

He should be offended. After all, Spencer wasn’t completely innocent in everything that had happened. However, Evan couldn’t deny his family had done a number on the younger Sexton boy. Dylan, too.

Before he could respond, Dylan said quietly, Rebecca needs help, Evan. Then he ducked past him and entered Rebecca’s room.

He watched from the doorway as Rebecca smiled at Dylan as he approached her bedside. She hadn’t been that happy to see him. She hadn’t called him; she’d called them. The fucking Sexton brothers. His phone vibrated in his pocket, reminding him there was still a good chunk of the business day to get through. Since his presence obviously wasn’t needed here, he returned to the office.

Later that afternoon, Lindsay looked up and froze when she saw Spencer hovering in her doorway. Closing the file in front of her, she said, Spencer, come in.

He silently came into the room, pausing beside the chair in front of her desk to run a shaky hand through his already messy hair before sinking into it with a shuddering sigh. He slumped forward and rested his elbows on his knees.

While she waited for him to speak, she took note of his wrinkled clothes, shadowed eyes, rigid muscles, and drooping shoulders. Seeing him like this reminded her of the day they first met at the hospital. His brother and his best friend had both been recovering from gunshot wounds they’d received during a shoot-out brought about by his drug and gambling habits. Stifled with guilt, he’d stumbled into her support group.

When he finally spoke, his voice was unsteady. Seeing Becca in that bed …

I’m sure it brought back some terrible memories for you.

I can’t stop caring, even after everything.

Rebecca and her family were there for you during one of the toughest times of your life. It’s perfectly understandable for you to care about them. To want to help them, especially Rebecca. You can’t turn off your feelings just because you two aren’t together anymore.

He nodded. I’m not sure I’m strong enough to be the person she needs me to be.

You’re here, aren’t you? That shows a lot of strength, I think.

I went to a bar, he said, cringing. I ordered a whiskey. He paused and swallowed hard. I didn’t drink it, but I thought about it.

She stood and walked around the desk to sit beside him. Taking his hand, she gently squeezed. It took a lot of self-control to refrain from taking a drink. You’ve really come a long way in your recovery. I’m proud of you.

He blew out a breath. Thanks. It’s just … I’m scared I’ll get pulled back in, you know?

You have people on your side to help you try to keep that from happening. Dylan. Amber. Your friends. Let them be there for you. Talk to them. Don’t shut them out.

And Becca?

She’s your friend, too. And whether or not she’s ready to admit it, she needs help.

He raised his troubled eyes to meet hers. You’re saying I should help her?

She gave him a small smile. I’m saying I believe you’re strong enough to help her if you choose to do so.

He rolled his eyes. Do you ever give anyone a straight answer?

Chuckling, she said, It depends on the question.

He stood up. I guess I should get back to the hospital. Dylan is sitting with Becca and being in that hospital isn’t easy for him.

So many of Dylan’s loved ones had occupied beds in that particular hospital. His parents, one of his best friends, his brother, even Dylan himself had all been patients there at one point. He and Spencer had been the only ones lucky enough to walk out. Their parents and Claudia hadn’t.

They said their goodbyes, and she returned to her work but found herself too distracted to get any work done. After a couple of hours, she finally gave up. Since she had a group session at the hospital in a little over an hour, she decided a little detour by Rebecca’s room couldn’t hurt.

When she arrived at Rebecca’s room, Spencer was sitting in a nearby chair watching the young woman sleep. The protective expression on his face pulled at her heart. Damn this family and the hold they had over him. She lightly rapped her knuckles against the door frame.

Lindsay, Spencer said as he slowly stood up. What’s up?

May I have a few minutes alone with Rebecca?

He glanced at Rebecca, whose eyes were now open and watching Lindsay closely. Uh, sure. I need to make a phone call anyway.

Once he was gone, Rebecca said, You were here earlier.

I’m the one who found you and called 9-1-1.

Rebecca’s eyebrows furrowed. Spencer called you.

Lindsay nodded. He called me, told me he thought you were in trouble, and I went to the apartment. By the time I got there, you were unresponsive.

Don’t get me wrong, I appreciate your help, but this doesn’t mean I’m going to discuss my life or my problems with you.

I understand. She was used to such resistance, but that wasn’t why she was here anyway. She glanced at the closed door before continuing, Honestly, I’m here to talk about Spencer.

Rebecca shook her head. I’m not talking about him with you, either.

He went to a bar today and ordered a drink. Thankfully, he didn’t drink it.

Swallowing hard, Rebecca shifted in her bed. That’s not my fault.

I’m not blaming you.

Aren’t you?

No. Spencer makes his own choices. I’m only telling you because I believe you really care about him.

I do. Rebecca’s eyes filled with tears. He’s the only one I can depend on these days.

What about your family?

A bitter laugh burst past the woman’s lips as she wiped at her eyes. Right. Do you see any of them here?

Evan was here.

Rebecca tensed. Yes, well, we aren’t exactly getting along right now.

I got that impression. If you’d let me, I’d be more than happy to help you.

Rolling her eyes, Rebecca snorted. Look, I don’t need your help, okay? Thank you for what you’ve done, but I’d really just like it if you would go.

Lindsay pulled a card from her pocket. Here. Just in case you change your mind.

After staring at the card for a few seconds, Rebecca snatched it and nodded.

Chapter 2

After leaving the hospital, Evan returned to work but his thoughts kept going back to his sister. How could she have been so careless? Things had just begun to settle after the whole embezzlement fiasco. Now everyone would be speculating about the overdose, questioning the united, stable front he and Nick had been working to establish.

At Nick’s request, he’d returned home to help maintain the image that their family was still strong even though their patriarch was behind bars. Together, they put on a unified front for their clients and the public.

It was no one’s business that they barely spoke behind closed doors.

He still couldn’t believe his brother was responsible for having their father imprisoned. It was a move so bold, no one had seen it coming, not even Matthew himself. The problem was Matthew wouldn’t stay behind bars for long. Then what?

The power struggle between father and son had peaked when Matthew suddenly returned from Paris and tried to reassert himself as not only head of the family, but Mitchell Investments as well. Had Matthew really expected Nick to step back and give up all that power just because he wanted him to?

The phone rang, wrenching him from his thoughts. Within seconds his brain shifted to strictly business. An hour and a half later, he finally hung up and let his head fall back against the chair as he rubbed his forehead above his eyes where a dull throb had formed.

Mr. Mitchell?

He opened his eyes to find Kylie, his personal assistant, standing in the doorway. Yes?

Your eleven-thirty is waiting for you in the conference room.

I’ll be right there. He began to gather his notes when his cell phone vibrated in his pocket. The sight of Nick’s name on the screen made his gut clench. Finally. Where are you?

Is Rebecca okay?

Yes. Although he knew he was wasting his time, he said, I’m sure she would benefit from a visit from her oldest brother.

Nick grunted. I need you to go to the apartment and retrieve an envelope dated one week from today from the safe. Chris will be there waiting with the car to take you to the delivery point.

I can’t believe you, he said, not bothering to hide his frustration. You leave town, ignore all of my calls, and now you expect me to do you a favor?

Look, Evan, just do this for me. This meeting has to happen tonight, and I’m not there.

Before he could respond, Nick disconnected the call. Shaking his head, Evan scooped up his notes for the meeting and headed for the conference room.

At the end of the workday, he begrudgingly headed home. When he arrived at the apartment, he found Chris, his brother’s personal bodyguard, already waiting for him. The fact that Chris was accompanying him on this mission put him on edge. The burly man rarely left Nick’s side.

Stamping down his nerves, he entered the apartment and went to the safe in Nick’s bedroom.

This is ridiculous, he muttered as he retrieved the thick envelope. Turning it over in his hand, he noted that it was tightly sealed. Of course.

He locked the safe and made his way downstairs to the awaiting car. As he slid into the backseat, he met Chris’s gaze in the rearview mirror and inquired about where they were going. Chris answered with a subtle shake of his head.

Evan sighed and looked at the envelope in his lap. It was obviously full of cash, so he figured he was paying someone off for something. Knowing his brother, he was probably better off not knowing details, but considering it was his ass on the line, it would be nice to know just how dangerous this situation really was.

What’s going on with my brother, Chris?

The burly man grunted and turned the volume up on the radio. Evan gave up and rested his head on the headrest. They drove for almost an hour in silence.

When they finally pulled up in front of a coffee shop, Chris said, She’s waiting inside.

She?

Chris nodded, and Evan tucked the envelope into his jacket pocket before climbing out of the car.

It was common practice for men like his brother to ‘keep’ women for sex and/or companionship. He knew for a fact that Nick kept a handful of professionals he used as dates to business functions and such. Although knowing this was that type of payoff made him relax, it also annoyed him. Tending to his brother’s mistress wasn’t his responsibility.

Clenching his jaw, he went into the coffee shop and a woman seated in the corner locked eyes with him. She was dressed in a simple navy skirt suit, and her sandy blonde hair curled around her shoulders. Her face was elegant with high cheekbones, a pointed chin, perky nose, and almond-shaped eyes. Even though she’d had plenty of work done, he could see his woman was too old for Nick.

Maybe he wasn’t paying off a mistress after all.

The woman’s red lips turned up in a confident smile.

Hello, Evan, she cooed as he approached her table.

The familiar way she said his name caused the hairs along his arms to stand on end. And her voice slipped into the back of his mind, the part reserved for his childhood memories.

I’m sorry, he said. Have we met?

"You were probably too young to remember but we met once. I’m friends with your father."

That’s why her voice was familiar. She was one of his father’s mistresses.

His throat tightened, and he tried to swallow around a knot of disgust. What was Nick doing paying off their father’s mistress?

I’m sorry for making you come here on such short notice, but you can’t blame me for being worried after hearing about your brother’s sudden leave of absence, she explained. I needed to make sure our agreement would still be honored while he is away.

Feeling sick, he reached into his jacket. The woman’s eyes tracked his movements as he set the envelope on the table. Her tongue passed over her lips as he slid it in her direction.

Thank you, she said as she looked at him. I knew you looked more like your mother, but the resemblance now that you’re grown is uncanny. And yet Nicholas and Rebecca are spitting images of your father. Genetics are fascinating, don’t you think?

How dare she talk about his mother.

Don’t, he croaked as he stumbled for the door. She called after him, saying she would be in touch.

Once outside, he leaned against the brick wall. Gulping air and trying to keep himself from vomiting, he closed his eyes as the long-forgotten memory rushed back to him.

"Tell your mother I was called into work," their father’s baritone rumbled through the air.

"What if I tell her the truth instead?" Nick snarled.

There was a shuffling of feet, followed by a grunt and their father growling, Watch yourself, boy.

More scuffling, this time followed by a loud thump.

Evan cringed. He’d learned to recognize the sound of his brother’s body hitting the floor a long time ago.

"I am your father, and you will show me respect," Matthew hissed.

At the sound of approaching footsteps, Evan flattened himself against the wall and prayed the shadows would hide him as his father rushed out of the room. Thankfully, Matthew didn’t see him.

Once his heartbeat slowed, he turned the corner and found Nick kneeling on the floor. Crouching beside him, he asked if he was okay.

Shaking his head, Nick wiped his face. I’m fine.

Nick had refused to tell him where their father had been going, but he eventually figured it out over the years. Over the years Nick had tried his best to keep their father’s affairs hidden from all of them, especially their mother. Evan had no idea when he’d started covering for Matthew’s indiscretions, but he was twelve at the time of this particular memory.

Had he been paying this woman all this time?

Evan wasn’t naïve; he knew his father had mistresses. But he’d had no idea Nick was covering them up for him. What kind of person asked that of their child? Matthew Mitchell was such a bastard.

You okay?

He looked up to find Chris staring at him with a concerned frown on his face. How long has my brother been paying her? Evan asked him.

The man’s face hardened. A while.

How long?

He was awarded another one of the man’s infamous grunts before the bodyguard turned back to the waiting car.

Evan pushed away from the wall and followed him to the car. This didn’t make sense. Why would Nick pay off Matthew’s mistress? Was it because Matthew’s money was tied up because of the embezzlement charges? But Chris said he’d been paying her for a while. Their father had only been in prison a few months. Maybe she was blackmailing him somehow.

Were there more of them? And why hadn’t Nick said anything? And after all these years, why suddenly bring Evan in on it?

Regardless of what Nick said, Evan knew he could have made arrangements to be here himself. He also knew that his older brother rarely did anything without reason. So, what was the purpose of this errand? To show how much of an asshole their father really was? To somehow validate Nick’s decision to have their father arrested?

Shaking his head, he climbed into the back of the car, and thumbed a quick text to Nick, telling him it was done. He briefly considered asking him why he was paying this woman but decided against it. It’s not like Nick would respond to his message anyway.

Against her better judgment, Lindsay knocked on the door to Nick Mitchell’s apartment. Spencer and Dylan were on a plane back to Virginia, so technically she had no reason for being here, but she felt compelled to check on Rebecca. After being released yesterday, the young woman shouldn’t be alone. Although she claimed her overdose was an accident and not a suicide attempt, the chances of her ending up back in the hospital again were extremely high right now.

The door opened and Rebecca stared at her with wide cornflower blue eyes. What are you doing here?

Good morning.

Spencer isn’t here. He and Dylan went home.

I know. I wanted to stop by and make sure you’re doing okay. Lindsay held up a cup of coffee. I brought you a latte.

Eyes wary, the blonde took the outstretched cup and nodded. Uh, thanks.

Wondering if