Page 31 of Out of the Gold

My nerves skitter to a halt. “What’s wrong?”

“It’s your brother. An unknown assailant attacked him, and he’s in the hospital out in the Hamptons. I’m out on tour in Arkansas and can’t get to him. Sara wanted to go, but, as you know, their relationship’s almost non-existent.”

My hand covers my mouth. His use of mom’s proper name shows how off-kilter he is. “Oh, no. Will King—is he—”

“The doctor said he’s going to be fine.”

The air surges out of my body. Like my mom, I don’t have much of a relationship with my half-brother, but I know the distance between my dad and his firstborn has only brought him pain. “I’m glad.”

“Your mother and I sent him flowers. We included your name on the card.”

“Thanks. I’m sorry you can’t get out to see him.”

“Yeah. I talked with my agent about canceling the tour and rescheduling, but it would be a nightmare. Especially since it’s a shortened tour already.”

I trace his sad features. “I’m sure King will understand.”

“I don’t know. We’ve been going through a very rough patch lately.”

“If I know you, you’ll figure out a way to make things right with him.”

“Thanks, Princess.” His amber eyes—identical to mine—survey my surroundings. “Where are you?”

“Oh. Well, today was a rare day off and a bunch of us went to Positano to explore. It’s a beautiful town.”

He smiles. “Yes. Your mother and I liked it there. Basically, we liked everywhere in Italy.”

We both laugh. “I was just about to explore the cathedral here.”

“Then I’ll let you go. Enjoy.”

“Thanks, Daddy. And I appreciate your telling me about King. Please keep me posted.”

“Will do, Princess.” The screen goes blank.

I turn and lean on the railing, not really seeing the houses in front of me, or the beach slightly below. My mind floats back to the few times King visited while I was growing up.

“Hey, Melody!” Chase jogs up to me.

Startled, I clear my head. “Oh. Chase?”

“We’re getting ready to head back to the ferry. Sophia yelled, but you didn’t hear her, so I volunteered to get you.”

“I was lost in my own thoughts,” I muse. I turn and glance at the cathedral. “Do you think I have time to pop my head in there?”

Chase bites his lip. “I’m sure you have a few minutes.”

“Okay, thanks.” Leaving him standing on the walkway, I hotfoot it to the door. Inside, beauty and serenity sink into my soul. I walk around the perimeter, amazed at the craftsmanship that went into the creation of the marble frescos, statues, and reliefs.

The altar is a marvel of intricately carved wood and shiny gold leaf. Behind, the stained-glass windows enhance the reverence within. I wander over to one of the tables filled with lit red candles and pick up a long match. Striking it, I light one for King.

“Dear Lord, please be with King as he heals after his attack. Please let the cops catch who did this to him. And please help Daddy to reconcile him into our family. Amen.”

A tenor voice repeats, “Amen.”

Clutching my heart, I whirl around. Chase stands behind me. “I didn’t realize you came inside.”

His eyes are filled with questions. “I gave you a couple of minutes, but when you didn’t come back out, I came in to find you.” Shaking his head, he looks around. “It’s ethereal in here.”

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