Page 160 of Salvage Him
I dialed the main office number for Phillip's office in New York. The phone went to voicemail. I hung up and dialed his cell. It was one number off fromPaul's.
"Hello," Phillip’s deep voiceanswered.
"Phillip." I cleared my throat and tried to sound normal. "It's BrooklynMcIntyre."
"Brooke. Howareyou?"
"I'm . . . I'm calling because I wasn't sure if anyone told you." Ihesitated.
"Told mewhat,dear?"
"Paul got in a car accident a few days ago, and he passed away." I blinked the tears out ofmyeyes.
Harrison gave mealook.
I bit my lip and nodded. I was okay; it sounded weird saying itoutloud.
"Oh, my God," Phillip said. "I'm so sorry. So, sosorry."
"Thank you." I waited, but he didn't speak. "When's the last time you talkedwithPaul?"
"Oh, Brooklyn,” he said in a strange tone. "Youdidn'tknow."
"Knowwhat?"
"Paul and I ended our partnership when you guys moved to Dallas. It's been almostayear."
"What? Why?" My headthrobbed.
"He stole money from the company. He paid it all back—that's why I didn't take any legal action—but I figured it was all he had left, and that's why he moved you guys to Texas. Plus, he couldn't do business in New York anymore. He'd burned too manybridges."
The pain medicine had worn off, and my skin felt hot andclammy.
"Please send me the funeral information. I'd like to be there. We were friends for fifteen years. Only the last year was bad between us, so it's the least I can do."Phillipsaid.
"I will." I handed Seth the phone, and he hungitup.
I looked into each of their faces. My lipsquivered.
"Guys," Justin said. "Why don't we let Brooklyn get some rest? We'll come back later." Justin touched Harrison'sshoulder.
Harrison nodded, and Seth, Professor Stewart, and Abbie followedJustinout.
I turned my head to the side. Tears streamed downmyface.
"Baby." Harrison touched my cheek. "What didhesay?"
"He said Paul took some money from the business." I sucked in a breath. "They severed their partnership. Paul paid it back, but he couldn't do business in New York, so he movedushere."
"Hey, shh." Harrison pulled my face to him. "It'sokay."
"It was a lie. All of it was a lie." I hiccuped and groaned as the pain in myribshit.
"I know, baby." Harrison caressed my face. "Shh. You're going to hurtyourself."
"I'm so stupid. I can't believe I didn't know. I mean how could I not know? Who moves to Dallas." I gasped. "I'm sorry. I didn'tmeanthat."
"It's okay." He chuckled. "I know what youmeant."
