Page 82 of The Mastermind

I’m in my dad’s arms. I see glimpses of him as my consciousness fades in and out. I smell a strong odor of gasoline again.

“You’re okay, baby. You’re safe now. I love you. Remember that,” Dad says in a very low voice. His arms are shaky as he places me on the ground.

Then he drops away. I turn to him and see his body shaking uncontrollably. Parts of his face are red, and flames are eating his clothes. The odor of burning clothes fills my throat and chokes me.

“Daddy. . .” I try to push myself up to help him, but pain holds me in place. I can’t breathe, and my mind fogs as I pass out.

My body trembled as I disconnected from my meditative state and flipped my eyes open. My neck was soaked from my tears. I hadn’t had the courage to face their deaths until now. I had been too afraid. The massive release drained me of energy, making room for more healing.

I inhaled and exhaled, just trying to calm my racing heart. I didn’t need to know who the anonymous figure was today. I didn’t have the energy and didn’t want to force it.

Besides grieving for my dad and Mochi today, I discovered that the fire wasn’t my crutch. It was guilt. Guilt made me stop doing stuff I used to love because I didn’t believe that I deserved it. Why should I get to enjoy my life while those I loved were scattered in the ocean? Dad and Mochi’s bodies had been cremated and brought to the ocean because my dad loved the waters. I imagined them exploring together.

I thanked Dr. Finnegan and made an appointment for next month. On my way out to meet Remi, I turned on my cell phone and noticed a text from Mom.

Wonton noodles on Friday instead of Saturday? Okay? Uncle Derek can’t come on Sat.

I replied with a yes. Remi wouldn’t mind having it a day early.

CHAPTERFORTY

REMINGTON

“Where are we going?”Audri asked, looking at me with suspicion.

“We’re going on a tour of a new beginning.” I led her out of my office at Starke Vision and down the elevator.

“And where exactly is this new beginning?”

“In the garage.”

“Fancy.” Her laughter echoed as we exited the elevator on the garage level, which was underground.

“I can’t say I’ve ever experienced or wanted a garage tour of my workplace. Never considered it to be ‘date’ material, either.” She bumped her shoulder into me. “My boyfriend is so innovative.” Her curious eyes surveyed the parked cars. She knew me well enough to know I wouldn’t have brought her down here if there wasn’t anything worth looking at.

We ambled to an area maintenance had roped off with caution tape and orange cones.

Audri arched an elegant eyebrow. “What’s going on here?”

I tucked my hand into the pockets of my slacks. “I’m renovating the garage. I’m hoping the city will approve my plan to fix it up ASAP.”

“Why?” She flicked an inquisitive look at me.” It’s been like this forever. Do you need more parking spaces?”

“Exactly. Just because it’s always been like this doesn’t mean it didn’t need repairs. It desperately needs a makeover, but the previous owners didn’t want to shell out the money for it. I’m changing that.”

Audri glanced around the gray surrounding, probably not seeing why I’d want to change something that wasn’t broken.

I walked over to the wall with water damage.

“Look at the cracked concrete. The water stains are a sign that the foundation is weak and needs repair. They need to figure out where the water is leaking from and patch it up. And these rusty support beams? They could give out anytime. There are other areas worse than these. If I’m keeping this business, then every part needs to be updated. Both building and business have to last.”

“From what I understand, you sell all the companies you buy. I was waiting for you to inform me who my new boss would be, but I guess it’s going to be you.” She placed a hand on my cheek. “What makes this one unique? Why are you keeping Starke Vision?”

I brought her hand to my lips. She didn’t see that she had transformed me.

“This location, this business, this building, and the people who work here have defined something for me.You’rethe reason I’m not selling it.”

Her face formed into a serious expression.

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