Page 52 of Finding Silence
With the help of Phil’s lawyer, my daughter was able to put together a compelling picture, illustrating the scope of Grace’s deceit. She had been stealing money from Phil for years, living well above her means. Greed and jealousy motivated her, and fear of discovery ultimately propelled her into violence.
I’m on my way into town, at Phil’s urging.
Earlier today she clued in to the fact I haven’t been to any of our Thursday poker nights since she was attacked, and insisted I join my friends for tonight’s game. When I invited her to come, she laughed and told me I wouldn’t want her there unless I was ready to lose my shirt. It’s a challenge I’d love to take her up on at some point, but for tonight she wanted to stay home and catch up on some TV baking show. I can’t say I’m sad to miss that, although I’ve become a big fan of some of Phil’s kitchen creations. A little too big, maybe; my jeans are getting tight.
“The prodigal son returns,” Clem calls out when I walk into The Kerrigan.
“Finally, he comes up for air,” Keith Jespers—back from his cruise—adds his jab.
“Have you seen the woman he’s shacked up with?” Buck, of course, has to put his two cents’ worth in.
All three of them are hanging at the bar with Jacob.
“Yeah, yeah, yeah.”
I wave them off, but I do it grinning.
“Is that a smile, or gas?” Jacob decides to join the fun at my expense.
“Leave the man alone, Dad,” Dana, who appears to be slinging beers tonight, scolds her father.
Ignoring the men, I focus on Dana.
“How come you’re working tonight?”
“Mom’s in Coeur d’Alene visiting her sister,” she shares before asking, “Can I get you a drink?”
“Unsweetened ice tea would be good.”
“Coming right up.”
When she hands me my drink, I thank her and follow the guys into the back room.
“For all the ribbing…” Jacob starts when he takes the seat beside me, clapping me on the shoulder. “Glad for you, my friend.”
I nod in his direction, a bit uneasy with the attention.
“Hear, hear,” Buck cheers, lifting his glass. “You’re a lucky bastard, Brant. You hit the jackpot.”
“I know it,” I confirm.
“You should’ve brought her,” Clem suggests, as he shuffles a new deck of cards. “Maybe she’d like to sit in for a couple of hands.”
“If she doesn’t know how to play, I’m more than happy to teach her,” Buck offers magnanimously.
Now that would be something to look forward to; bringing Phil in as a ringer. I’d enjoy watching her wipe the floor with these guys.
But either way, I look forward to introducing her to the rest of Silence.
“I’ll see if she can make it next week.”
I can barely keep the grin off my face.
Savvy
* * *
The moment my foot crosses the threshold the scent hits me; roasted coffee and warm sugar with a hint of cinnamon.
