The helicopter dropped me off in Jacksonville. Marcus continued with the pilot back to South Carolina.
I booked a flight to Dallas for the next morning and arrived at my father’s house to find him having breakfast. I’d sent him a text warning him I was on my way.
His housekeeper entered the kitchen at the same time I did.
“Lucinda,” Ms. Mason greeted me. “It’s so good to see you. Can I make you anything for breakfast?”
“Just some fruit and toast, thank you.”
“Of course.” She nodded.
“You made it back quick,” my father observed. He was dressed for golf in khakis and a blue-and-white-striped polo. “Have you spoken to your mother lately? She’s sent me a few messages, looking for you.”
My mother attempted to be in my life, but mainly for the wrong reasons. It wouldn’t bother me so much if she wasn’t so damn obvious about it. My trust fund was immune to my dad’s financial issues. Since I’d turned eighteen and the child support had gone away, she was looking for another cash cow.
My dad still loved her, but he also hated her. I was starting to understand what that felt like.
“How was your trip?” He sipped his coffee.
“It was…” I didn’t know how to answer his questions. “I’m happy to be back.”
“Good.” He patted my hand and went back to his tablet.
Ms. Mason sat a plate in front of me. Two slices of sourdough toast covered in butter with a side of grape jelly sat alongside an assortment of my favorite fruits. I plucked a piece of pineapple off the corner of the plate and popped it in my mouth. The sweetness covered my tongue and my brain fired off all the things I’d miss about the last few days.
The things Zach had done, which should have clued me in something was off.
My favorite fruit served to me or waiting in my stateroom. The lime in my water instead of lemon like the other guests. The vanilla-scented candles in my room and in the playrooms.
“You okay, honey?” Dad put his tablet down and shifted in his chair to face me.
“Dad, I need you to tell me what happened with Zach.”
“Uncle Zach.” His voice rose. “Why are you asking about him? He’s no longer a part of our life.”
“Just tell me why he left.”
“Sweetheart.” He stood and handed his empty plate to Ms. Mason.
“Dad, please.” I stood. “I just need to know what happened.”
He turned back to me and must have seen the anguish on my face.
He inhaled and exhaled then turned back to Ms. Mason and nodded for her to leave.
She looked worried but didn’t say a word and left.
“Zach has always been reckless, making decisions that put himself and those around him in danger.” He sat back down. “The FBI had approached me and told me Zach was involved in a scheme stealing money from the company. It was several millions of dollars, but he did it to pay off a debt he owed.”
“What type of debt?”
“I’m not talking about a gambling debt. It was more dangerous than that.”
“I don’t understand.” I bit a piece of my toast.
“He owed a Columbian cartel money.”
The toast turned into glue in my mouth.
