Page 74 of Roaring Fork Rockstar

“You’re right.” I turned away from a passing doctor. “Could be nothing, but given everything with the trust and this charity specifically being named in my codicil…”

“You think we should find out who the founder was.”

“Exactly. At least it might give us a clue as to who the trustee is.”

“Makes sense. I’ll call Decker Ashford and ask for his help.”

“Worth a shot,” I said. “After meeting Echo, learning about the charity’s history… I’m convinced more than ever that it’s a lead. Maybe ask Bridger what he knows.”

“You got it.” I could hear Buck moving around. “What else?”

“I tried calling Ben Rice, but couldn’t reach him. It’s urgent that I get in touch with him. Really urgent.”

“You want me to head over to the Flying R and see if I can track him down?” Buck offered. “I’ve been meaning to talk to him anyway.”

“About what?”

“Flynn suggested organizing a benefit concert to help with Luna’s medical expenses. I figured if we could get Ben to support it, he might be able to bring in a few big names, even if CB Rice can’t participate due to the tour.”

A lump formed in my throat at the thought of my family rallying for Luna and Keltie. “That would be amazing,” I managed.

“Flynn’s thinking maybe have it at the amphitheater.”

The idea of using music to help Luna’s situation felt right. “I can’t tell you how much this means to me, Buck. The family supporting my girls this way.” I choked up again and brushed a tear away.

“Your girls,” Buck repeated. “I like hearing you call them that.”

“It’s what they are, man. I love, err, care about them.”

“You were right the first time.”

“Hey, thanks for all this, Buck.”

“Sure thing. I’m happy to do whatever I can to help.”

After hanging up, I wandered toward the small visitor’s lounge at the end of the hall. It was midafternoon, and thankfully, Luna had been handling her first treatment well so far, with just some drowsiness from the medication.

I hadn’t set out to become so involved in their lives. When I first met Luna at the Goat, I’d felt that strange connection, that sense that something was wrong, but I never imagined being here, in a pediatric oncology ward, watching a four-year-old fight for her life.

The coffee tasted as bad as it looked. I dumped most of it in the trash and headed toward Luna’s room, pausing at the nurses’ station.

“Can you point me in the direction of the cafeteria?” I asked the nurse checking charts.

She smiled. “Second floor. Take a left off the elevator. The coffee there is actually drinkable, unlike the stuff in the lounge.”

“Thanks,” I said gratefully. “Can I bring anything back for the staff?”

She looked surprised by the offer. “We’re fine, but that’s kind of you. Luna’s a special little girl. We’re all pulling for her.”

“She is that,” I agreed.

I rode the elevator down to the cafeteria, which was busier than I expected. Hospital staff in various colored scrubs sat amongst visitors. I grabbed a tray, a turkey sandwich, a fruit cup, and a bottled water for Keltie, along with a decent-looking coffee. When I raised my head after inserting my credit card in the machine, I caught a man studying me from where he stood at another register, paying for his purchase. “Do I know you?” I asked.

“Don’t think so,” he said, holding out his hand for the change the cashier was giving him. He walked away but glanced over his shoulder. “Best of luck to you and your family.”

“Huh,” I muttered, although it wasn’t that strange of a thing to say, considering we were in a children’s hospital.

On my way out, I noticed a gift shop adjacent to the cafeteria. Through the window, I spotted a display of stuffed animals, including a unicorn that looked remarkably similar to Sparkles, except this one was pink.

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