Page 95 of The Addendum

“I’m telling Mom you swore,” Heather mumbled.

“I’ll pay you five bucks to keep it to yourself.”

She sniffled. “Five bucks worked when I was a kid, Daddy. I need twenty.”

I winked. “Done.” Then I walked away, calling over my shoulder, “Don’t come to the house until you’ve settled this.”

“What’s up with him?” Heather asked.

“I think he got a pep talk from Maddox. He keeps talking about rank.”

“Ah. As if he outranks us. Whatever.”

I was laughing as I headed home.

It felt good to smile.

28

RICHARD

I knocked on the open door, waiting until Luc looked up, his expression saying it all. He was shocked to see me, and he wasn’t sure he liked it.

I smiled, trying to hide my nerves. “Hey, Luc.”

He stood, rounding his desk. He accepted my proffered hand, shaking it. “Richard.” He scratched his head. “Was, ah, I expecting you?”

I clapped him on the shoulder. “No, and relax. I come in peace.”

He blew out a huff of air, and I chuckled. “I have dropped by when I’m in town before, Luc. I was at a meeting close by and thought I’d come see your new digs.” I looked around. “Nice.”

“Yeah, it is. How you’d get by the security desk?”

“I said I was your soon-to-be father-in-law, was in town, and wanted to surprise you.” I winked.

“What the hell?” he replied.

I laughed. “Teasing. I asked a couple of guys who looked like they belonged to you. They told me where your office was, and I rode up in the elevator with them.”

“Guess I’m firing some kids today.”

I shook my head. “You wouldn’t do that. When I asked, I happened to flash a picture of us at the golf tournament. Told them we were related.”

“Golf tournament? Is that what you call that debacle?” he asked, amused.

“I call it memories. Good ones.”

He crossed his arms. “Why are you here, Richard? It’s not to talk golf or see my office.”

I paused. “How is she?” I asked, not bothering to pretend.

“I can’t talk about her with you. I thought you’d figured that out.”

“I’m not asking for state secrets, Luc. I’m worried. I know she won’t talk to me, so I have to ask you. Is Ashley okay?”

He pursed his lips, then indicated the chair in front of his desk. I sat across from him. He sat down, crossed his ankle over his knee, and studied me.

“I feel as if I should be asking you that question. You look…weary.”