“They’ve always been one step ahead of me. You too. Remember when we were about nine and made a very bad decision to try jumping our bikes over the ditch behind the vacant lot down the street? I never did figure out how Dad got wind of that and showed up in the nick of time.”
“I guess parents have a sixth sense that alerts them when their offspring are in danger.”
At least most of them did.
His stomach knotted.
“I hear you. The folks okay?”
“As far as I could tell. I wish they lived closer, but I get why they moved to a warmer climate after Dad retired. Florida seems to suit them.”
“I agree. Tell me howyou’redoing.”
“Hanging in.” He rolled down his window and rested his elbow on the edge.
“You working today?”
“No. One of the perks of being the boss is that I don’t usually have to clock in on Sunday unless we have a hot case.”
“What’s on your agenda for the rest of the day?”
“Nothing special.”
“Why don’t you meet up with a friend for coffee? Or dinner?”
“I’m not in a socializing mood.”
A beat ticked by, and when his brother continued, his tone was more somber. “I don’t like you being by yourself on such a hard day. You’re not sitting at home with the shades drawn, are you?”
Brad drew a deep breath of the fresh air wafting in the window. “No. I’m outside.” Close enough. “It’s sunny here. The heat’s let up a little.”
“I’m glad to hear that. You doing any gardening these days? You used to enjoy digging in the dirt, making things grow.”
Yeah, he had. Once upon a time.
He glanced at the bouquet on the seat beside him. “Not much. The gardens are pretty ragged, but I do plan to deal with a few flowers today.”
“That would be good for you and for them.” Several seconds passed. “I wish I could have been there today.”
“It’s a long commute from upstate New York.”
“Tell me about it. But you know I’m there in spirit, right?”
Brad’s throat clogged. “I know, and I appreciate it.”
“Do me a favor. Stay outside in the sun. Go somewhere quiet and peaceful. Maybe take a walk or drop in on someone you know. Would you do that?”
He gave the scene out the window a sweep.
It didn’t get much more peaceful and quiet than this large green expanse dotted with headstones. And he was about to visit people he knew.
“I can do that.”
“Good. I’ll call again in a week or two.”
“Sounds great. Tell everyone I said hi—and thanks for remembering.”
“Always. Love ya, bro.” Brian’s voice choked as he ended the call.
