The Danforths made their money in construction and real estate. They had their hands in every structure in Oakland Ridge and even in some parts of Atlanta. When the Woods family needed the community center built, they went to the Danforths. Our families had always worked closely together. While my father and Mayor Danforth were cordial, Bash and I were not so much.
Bash has partied hard ever since we were in junior high school. He used his family name as an excuse to belittle the people around him, and despite his less-than-stellar personality, he was still popular in social spaces. He was known for throwing some of the best and wildest parties in town. Whenever someone wanted drugs, he was the guy to supply it. There were rumors that he even spiked a few girls’ drinks. But that never deterred people from fighting to be in his orbit. His father covered a lot of his discrepancies up, and I assume that is why he didn’t mind Bash’s absence at the table. This was most likely a common occurrence.
I tried to make small talk with him during the first ten minutes of the meal, but he seemed beyond disinterested. I figured he wanted to be here almost as much as I did, and left him alone.
Mayor Danforth produced a folder from his briefcase sitting on the floor and handed it to my father just as my phone startedto ring. Excusing myself and ignoring another admonishing look from my father, I got up from the table and walked out to the front of the restaurant, passing Sheriff Strauss on the way out.
“Yo, Park!”
Hearing Danny’s voice, I blew out a breath of relief. “Brother, I’ve been worried about you. What’s going on?”
“I’ve been laying low. Someone threatened Tio. They left a dead rat at his doorstep.”
“Damn.” I was worried something like this would happen. I already knew that telling Evelyn about this would send her running again. “Is he good?”
“He’s fine. I bought him a flight back home, one way. He wasn’t thrilled about being forced to leave, but I think he’ll enjoy the stay once he stops complaining.” He let out a dry laugh. “I looked into those two articles you sent me. A woman named Heather Grant was last seen leaving her shift at the rest stop diner with a tall blond male. She never showed up for her shift the next day. The mother reported her missing that night.”
“And the other?” I felt worn down. I didn’t think I could take any more bad news. Neither of us really spoke about what would happen if it took longer than a month to bring Charles to justice. After a few days, I was already feeling the effects of being back home. I felt off-kilter, like there was an itch under my skin that I just couldn’t scratch. Every time I walked into Gentry Co., it was like being transported to an alternate universe where I chose this life instead of New York. The pressure to be someone I wasn’t returned.
“This was a cold case. Rico Clemente went missing four and a half years ago. He told his roommate that he was going on a business trip, but Rico never got on his flight. His family presumed him dead a year ago. The body washed up between the pilings in Hudson River Park, and a couple of runners called it in. He was missing a few pieces, the M.E said that he’d been deadfor some time, preserved. Most likely frozen, kept on ice until the body was dumped.”
“Danny, I think this is a game for him. He’s not some amateur.”
“No—it doesn’t seem like he is. I know that was nothing but bad news, but I have a lead. Charles didn’t just disappear. He relocated to Miami and got himself a cushy new job in finance. I’m heading there now to find out if he had any known associates. Perhaps I can find whoever is helping him.”
“Be safe, brother. We can’t allow him to get to her. I’ve been carrying since I got here, and the guards at the estate are armed as well. We’ll do what we can here, and I’ll keep you updated. Take care of yourself.
“You too, Park. Don’t worry too much about me. I’ll try to check in next week.”
We hung up, and I felt my collectedness slipping, so I counted to ten before walking back into the restaurant.
My blood was boiling just thinking about what that man did to her and, clearly, so many others. I saw the scars, and I heard her screams through the walls at night. I didn’t know how to tell her this. She already behaved as if she’s all but given up. I wanted to give her a little hope.
When I was sure my mask was in place, I walked back into the restaurant and headed to where my father was seated.
Bash was back at the table, scrolling through his phone again while my father, the sheriff, and the mayor were all standing, exchanging handshakes. The mayor tapped Bash on the shoulder, and they both walked out, leaving the sheriff and my father as they spoke in hushed tones.
“Well, you know what they say, ‘Boys will be boys,’” Sheriff Strauss said with a hearty laugh as he pocketed the envelope the mayor gave my dad earlier.
“Don’t I know it,” my father agreed with another laugh before cutting his eyes to me, his universal signal to leave.
Once again, I was reminded of the short leash that I was on. I just wondered how much of it all I could take before I gave him the reaction he was hungry for.
Tonight is the charity gala,and I still haven’t told Evelyn about my conversation with Danny. If she knew that Eric was targeted, then she might try to leave again. The past two nights, she’s been hanging out with the twins in the pool house. I could tell this was the most she’s laughed in a long time. I knew I wouldn’t be able to convince her a second time now that she was lowering her guard. She was bound to ask if there was an update, and I didn’t want to lie to her.
I’ll tell her tonight.
Let’s just get through tonight.
I was straightening my tie when I heard Evelyn leaving her room. Before heading out to greet her, I give myself one last look in the mirror. I smoothed down the satin lapels on my black designer suit. My mother made sure I had something presentable to wear for this evening. For some reason, even though I’d never been one to be petty, my mother and father thought I would show up in sweatpants and a tee. With my hair freshly cut, my beard trimmed and lined up—I wasn’t too humble to admit that I looked damn good.
I wasn’t jazzed about going to this event, but I was happy that Evelyn decided to tag along with me for moral support.
When I reached the living area of the pool house, Evelyn was already standing there with her back toward me. She turned to face me at the sound of my approaching footsteps. My stepsfaltered, and the air whooshed from my lungs. I stood there, mesmerized. She looked stunning. Her curly ringlets were up atop her head, exposing her neck with soft curls framing her face. Evelyn didn’t need makeup, but I could tell whatever she had used made her skin glow, and her hazel eyes shine. My eyes dragged slowly down her full form, stopping at the high slit in her dress. The gown hugged every curve. I couldn’t help but wonder what she would feel like in my arms. She was so damn beautiful standing here with her scars on display. Her strength made me drawn to her in a way that I’ve never felt before.
I didn’t try to pretend I wasn't checking her out this time. I’m sure she caught the dopey look on my face whenever we spoke. I wanted her to know the effect she had on me and to know that I was captivated by her. Taking one last look at her, I met her eyes. A slight blush darkened her cheeks as she met my stare. It made me smirk, and for that, I earned one of her precious smiles.
My heart beat a little faster every time I heard her laugh or saw her smile. I knew they were rare, and it had me acting like a goofball around her just to get a chance to see another one.
