Page 9 of Two Hearts' Accidental Heroes

Dad sighed heavily. “Hopefully, we’ll be back on our feet in a year or so, when Eric is due to begin college.”

“I don’t understand,” Brian admitted, looking grim. “I never saw any trouble between you and Mom. And the Mitchums have always seemed to get along really well too.”

“We didn’t want to worry you boys. I just never expected it to happen like this. I thought your mom was going to explain everything to all of you first.”

Finally, Dad looked Brian straight in the eyes. “Are you serious about trying to make it as an Army Ranger?”

“Of course, I am. But I can’t leave all of you at a time like this,” Brian answered.

“Yes, you can,” Eric said firmly. “I’ll be around for another year to help out. It’s what you’ve always wanted, so you should go for it.”

“I agree,” Dad muttered. “I’ve also been thinking we should relocate to Chicago, our company home base, even though I hate to take you guys away from your friends. But who knows how many people in town invested in this scheme with Aaron? Your friends could turn against you, so I think it would be better to live somewhere else for a while until this blows over.” Dad hung his head. “I know it’s going to be hard on you guys.”

Brian looked at Dad with concern. “What about you, Dad?”

“I’ll get along. I’ll still have my advertising job, which luckily, I love. And I’ll still have all of you to keep me busy. Let’s not discuss your mother, because I can’t even imagine what’s going on or what’s going to happen to her, so we can’t worry. But I’m here for you.”

“When are you thinking about relocating?” Eric asked.

“We might have to do it as soon as next week,” Dad answered. “We’ll have to get you enrolled in school, which starts fairly soon. Although not quite as soon in the Chicago area as it does here.”

Rick finally spoke, sounding forlorn. “Where will we live?”

Dad’s expression softened. “There’s a company apartment where we can stay rent free for a while until we find something permanent.”

Brian heaved a sigh, standing. “I guess I’d better get to work.”

Dad nodded his agreement. “No one knows anything now about the money. But the FBI has gotten involved. Jake Loughlin, the owner of the Dragonfly Pointe Inn, is my friend and a former special agent, and he’s going to do whatever he can to help us out.”

“Okay. I’m glad Mr. Loughlin knows,” Brian muttered, appearing slightly shell shocked as he headed toward the door.

“He said to go on as usual, as long as we possibly can,” Dad said.

“Alright,” Brian answered, walking outside through the doorway, holding open the screen door momentarily so they could hear what he had to say. “I should be home from work early this afternoon.”

“I’m sorry, boys,” Dad said, as Brian closed the door behind him.

“I guess I’ll get ready for practice then, if we’re trying to keep going as usual,” Rick said.

Eric nodded. “I’ll drop you off and pick you up later, once you’re finished.”

Dad sighed. “I know you don’t want to leave town without saying something to Anya, but you’re probably not going to have a choice, Eric.”

“I guess I’ll just try and spend as much time with her as I can,” Eric said. “Nothing is for sure yet, right?”

“No. Not yet,” Dad agreed.

“Still…” Eric hung his head.

“I know how much you two mean to each other. You’ve been together since you were both kids.” Dad stood, patting Eric on the back. “Remember. If it’s meant to be, there’s nothing that will prevent you from having a second chance someday, when all of this is over.”

Eric nodded, turning and heading toward the staircase. “I’m going to go shower.”

“Okay,” Rick replied. “I’ll be ready to go in about a half hour, then.”

“You did well, son,” Dad said. “I think that this is probably going to be hardest on Eric.”

Rick grimaced. “I’m not so sure, Dad. Did you know that Brian just started dating Ashley Mitchum?”

---