Page 9 of All of Me

“Only with my grandad before he died,” Shae said quietly. “He was a carpenter and already retired when I was born, but he had a workshop out back and used to talk about different woods.”

Kenny straightened up. “I’ll get some ideas and some prices together for the kitchen. We can start on the fire damage as soon as tomorrow.” I followed him out to the truck, telling Shae I was just going to grab the case Pink had brought.

Kenny shook my hand. “There’s a lot of work needed. Not sticking my nose in, but if Shae is hanging around and wants to help, I can show him how to start on the floor. Save me time and save you money.”

I nodded. “I’ll talk to him.” I grabbed his case and went back inside. Shae wasn’t in the kitchen. He was in his room staring at the mess. The place reeked of smoke, and I bet the small amount of clothes Shae had brought with him would as well. “You can’t sleep in here. The couch is comfortable, and you can put your clothes in my room. There’s a washing machine in the pantry. I’m starving,” I added to stave off any protests and Shae’s belly grumbled in agreement. He followed me back into the kitchen.

We needed to talk. I didn’t want him killing himself because he felt like he owed me, and I repeated what Kenny had said.

His eyes widened. “I don’t have any experience, just what Grandad showed me, and he died when I was eleven.”

“If it’s something you’re interested in, Kenny’s happy to show you.” I wasn’t going to push, but there were a lot of firms that still took on apprentices, and if Kenny was impressed and he was serious about specializing, he might take Shae on, if Shae was at all interested. “I just want you to remember you’ve got to get well.”

Shae’s joy visibly dimmed at the reminder, and I cursed to myself. I wanted to hover, but I knew Shae well enough that if I suggested he lie down he would probably move back into his shitty apartment the same day. I had to pick my battles. “Like you said, I’m not your dad, but as a friend I want you healthy, so while this house is still standing because of what you did last night and I owe you, I don’t want you doing anything strenuous at least until you get a scan this week. Okay?”

“You don’t owe me anything,” Shae said stubbornly.

Shit, I’d never even said thank you. I was a complete bastard who, even if our ages weren’t the huge chasm they were, didn’t deserve someone like him. He’d singlehandedly saved my home, and I was hung up on his stubbornness. But I could see he was uncomfortable as it was.

“Then how about we call it even?” I said. “Go stick your clothes in the washer while I make some sandwiches.” I turned to the kitchen and by the time he returned, I’d made two ham subs, adding some of Moira’s homemade coleslaw because it was fantastic. Shae washed his hands and got two waters. My cell phone rang, and I knew from the ringtone it was Diesel. “You’re on speaker with Shae.”

“I just got a call from the cops to say Dodson was found dead in his cell.”

“Shit,” I swore. First-degree arson was twenty years, but he hadn’t confessed. It had been pretty damning, but surely for a young guy there was always hope. Then I had another thought. “Suicide, or do they think he had help?”

Rawlings was silent for a moment. “He was in a holding cell with a vagrant. The vagrant started having a fit, so it was bedlam. A retired sergeant took Dodson to another cell and when things had settled, the sergeant on duty went to check up on him, and he was dead. PM is tomorrow, but until they get the tox screensback, they won’t know if he took anything or died because of a heart attack.”

Rawlings paused and my stomach dropped. I knew. I fucking knew. “Retired Sergeant David Starr assisted and took Dodson to his cell,” he clarified. “He was apparently visiting colleagues. Danny’s going to access the cameras.”

“My father’s a mean bastard that drinks. I want him treated like any other suspect.”

Rawlings simply continued. I felt Shae move closer but he didn’t touch me. “What about the lawyer?”

“Employed by Dodson’s mom. His dad treated them both like shit. She has a list of ER visits as long as your arm for tripping, falling—”

“Falling onto her husband’s fist?” I spat out.

“Exactly,” Rawlings agreed. Anyway, it took the boy getting hurt one time too many, and they both ran. They lived in a women’s shelter for a while and then she moved in with her sister. Lee only lasted there a month. Left school. Disappeared for a time until his first arrest for possession when he was nineteen. He’s been in and out of jail for the past seven years. When he gets out he goes home to his mom, but it never lasts.”

I met Shae’s eyes and saw the storm in them. He knew how it felt to have a dad like that. We both did. Except my mom never stood up for me.

“So now what?” I asked.

“We need to find the second guy. I’ve got Danny on the computer seeing what, if any, CCTV there is around your place. He’ll narrow it down to possible routes from your location because there has to be a car somewhere, and then we might have to reach out to Gael from the Florida team. It cost me three nights at Disney for all of them the last time,” Rawlings grumbled.

I gaped in shock. “Gaelwent to Disney?” He was enhanced and so was their son. He hated being in the limelight for anything.

Rawlings grunted. “Private VIP tour and they did the large parks mainly in the hour they open early. Talon and Finn took their brood as well, and they all had a good time, apparently.”

“Let me know,” I said and rang off.

Shae frowned. “Why does Danny need help from Gael? I mean, he’s amazing on computers.”

“He is, but Gael can actually talk to them.” I huffed. “I don’t get it myself as I’ve enough problems working out how to use my phone, but I’ve seen him in action, and if there’s anything to see the cameras themselves will point Gael to the right place.” Shae seemed to think on that, and I wondered if he had met any of the Florida team after I left Pink’s.

“I liked your idea for the kitchen,” I said, changing the subject, knowing Shae would mention my dad.

Shae gazed at me for a moment, and I saw understanding behind those eyes. “I always loved spending time with Grandad.” We both heard the washing machine stop spinning, so Shae got up to swap his things into the dryer, and I forced myself not to run after him and do it myself, instead getting up to rinse the plates.

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