“This is Zander King. I received Mr. Elstor’s letter and wanted to inquire about Kyle King’s funeral services.”
“Please hold, Mr. King. Mr. Elstor will be right with you.”
A moment later, the on-hold music was interrupted by a different man’s voice. “Hello, Mr. King. Sheldon Elstor, here. Can you make it this Friday?”
“I’ll be there. I’m calling to offer financial assistance for any outstanding debts my father had.”
“He’s taken care of all the arrangements.”
Zander paused. He thought his father was struggling financially. “Was there a funeral service?”
“No. Your father’s body awaits cremation.”
“How did he die?” Zander felt like an idiot for having to ask the lawyer such a basic question.
“He had a stroke.”
His head hurt and he raked his fingers across his forehead.That’s rough.“I’m sorry to hear that. Thanks for contacting me. See you Friday.”
He hung up and stared at the steady stream of emails cluttering his inbox. Work was his go-to, but he was confident he couldn’t stay focused today. Then, he remembered the text from his dad.I love you, son.Regardless of how his dad had treated him, it pained him to know that this was the end. That thread of hope he’d clung to had been permanently severed.His throat tightened and tears blurred his vision.
His assistant sailed in with a mug and set it in front of him. “I rearranged your schedule Friday.”
He cleared his throat, swallowing down the grief. “That was fast. Where’s Wildflower Springs?”
“About seven miles southeast of Starry Cove.” Pausing, she fidgeted with her glasses. “I’m sorry for your loss.”
“Thank you,” he said, before sipping the hot coffee.
“I’ll make arrangements for you to stay the night in Starry Cove,” she continued.
He chuffed out a laugh, feeling both guilty and relieved for the momentary joy. “Where? There aren’t any hotels in the area.”
“The Starry Cove B&B, of course.” She couldn’t hide her smile, though he doubted she was trying. Subtlety was not her strong suit. “I know you and Kent consider it a dead deal, but you didn’t remove the pushpin.”
They eyed the large map of Virginia taped to his wall. He and Kent had marked their current projects and prospective opportunities with colored tacks. She was right. He hadn’t removed the bright red pin.
“Looks like I’ll be headed to Starry Cove after all.”
