Page 7 of Griffin

I don’t know anything.

“I need to pick Melody up from school, and it’s over an hour away.”

I rub my eyes, picking up the wheelbarrow handles and pushing the heavy load across the yard.

Kevin follows me, taking it out of my hands.

“Go. I’ll speak to Langley. Are you okay to drive?”

Kevin knows the situation between Angelica and me, and he knows it now means Melody is in my care full-time.

Something I’d only dreamt of in my wildest dreams, but not in these circumstances.

I make my way to my truck, wondering if I have to break the news to Melody.

Jesus, I don’t have a clue how to do that. Fuck, I barely see the kid.

I swallow, reaching for my sat nav to punch in the school address. I know it isn’t far from Angelica’s house, which is in the big city, but that was it.

I’m right — the sat nav shows Melody’s school is a few blocks away from Angelica’s house.

Do I need to get Melody’s things?

Oh, man, this is hard.

The drive is quicker than usual, but my heart sinks when I pull up to the school.

I’m still late.

Melody waits by the door with a tall, thin woman who gives me a faint smile.

“I’m sorry,” I say, my eyes falling on Melody beside her.

“Daddy.”

Her tone isn’t even curious.

I hold out my hands, and she walks over, letting me pick her up and hold her close. She smells of candy and detergent.

“Hey, sweetheart.”

The teacher pauses, then touches my arm.

“I’m very sorry, Mr. Mason.”

I nod, then indicate to my daughter. “Does she … ”

The teacher shakes her head.

“I’m afraid not. Do you need anything? You are welcome to come inside, and I can be there if you wish. It may help.”

I hesitate, then realize this woman probably knows my daughter better than I do.

“Would you mind?” I whisper, hating that I’m not familiar enough to care for my little girl when she’s lost her mother.

The teacher smiles, and she’s almost pretty. Almost.

“Of course. Melody, Let’s show Daddy your paintings.”

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