Page 6 of Griffin

“Angelica didn’t make it.”

Angelica didn’t make it?

Angelica isdead?

Images of her laughing fill my mind, and my hand clamps over my mouth, forcing down the nausea that’s threatening to come up.

I didn’t like the woman, not since we had broken up, but I didn’t want herdead.

She’s the mother of my child.

Kevin lowers his tools from across the site, his eyes locking onto mine. We’ve been friends for longer than I can remember, and he’s marching toward me with the determined look of a best friend that knows I’m struggling.

He lifts his head at me questioningly, and I shake my head, unable to form the words.

“Melody is at school. Are you able to pick her up? I can’t right now,” Martha continues.

My mouth dries, but somehow I find my voice.

“Yeah. Uh, is it three-fifteen she finishes?”

How do I not fucking know what time my daughter finishes school? Because my controlling fucking ex wouldn’t let me pick her up from school. Ever.

Kevin cocks his head to the side, his eyes narrowing as Martha says,“Yes, Griffin, three-fifteen.”

I stare around me.

Dust fills the air, and shouts and laughter boom from the other laborers. Men I spend over forty-five hours a week with. Men that are more family than any flesh and blood I’ve got.

How the fuck can I look after a five-year-old full-time?

“I’ll be there.” I don’t even think about it.

“She’ll need to live with you. I’ll visit … and, uh, she can come here. Okay?” Martha chokes on her words.

What choice do I have? Melody is my baby girl.

“Of course, I’m so sorry, Martha.”

“Thank you. I’ve sent you an email with all the relevant details; the school address, doctor’s address, that kind of thing. So if you need anything, just call. My number should’ve come up.”

“Yeah. Thanks.”

I hang up, shaking my head.

“Griffin.” Kevin peers down at me. “What’s up?”

“Angelica’s dead.”

The words sound foreign on my tongue, but they’re true.

Kevin stares at me, his mouth falling open.

“What? How?”

His hand claps onto my shoulder, and I grip it, nodding.

“An accident?”

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