Homecoming (Downeast #1)

Chapter 10

Chapter

Ten

Kendra and her family lived in a restored farmhouse in Trenton, just north of Mount Desert Island. Kara had seen photos of the renovation but was looking forward to seeing it in person for the first time since the project had been completed more than three years ago. In another life, her sister might’ve followed her keen interest in architecture and interior design into a different career.

But in this life, she worked as their dad’s executive assistant at Ballard Boat Works and kept things running smoothly for the entire company.

That was the role Kendra had always played in their family—the organizer, the peacemaker, the surrogate mother and chauffeur.

“How long does it take to get used to the smell of dead fish?” Dan asked as he drove Buster’s truck to Kendra’s with the windows down.

Kara laughed. “I’m smell blind to it, so I can’t say, but it probably takes a while for you flatlanders to become accustomed.”

“It’s incredibly disgusting.”

“It’s the smell of home.”

“Yummy. So give me the backstory on Kendra again. You were close to her growing up, right?”

“As much as we could be with eight years between us, but more so now that we’re both adults. I spent far more time with her growing up than I did with my mother, so for a time, she was just another authority figure. Now she’s a friend. We refer to her as Switzerland because she tries to keep an open line of communication with all of us, even though she and Kellen, the second-oldest and the chief strategy officer, have had a lot of arguments over the company’s direction. They didn’t speak for a couple of years.”

“Don’t they work together?”

“In offices across the hall from each other.”

“That must’ve been interesting.”

“It was terrible, and only because Kendra finally said enough is enough did they start speaking again. From what I hear, though, there’s a lot of tension between them to this day, and in some ways, my dad fosters that as he tries to figure out which one of them he’s going to put in charge when he retires.”

“That sounds awful.”

“It is, but Kendra goes out of her way to try to keep it peaceful now that they’ve sort of kissed and made up.”

“Sounds like the eldest child. You could be describing my oldest sister, Barb. Very similar.”

“With hindsight, I can see that Kendra was instrumental to me getting through school and childhood, but at the time, I resented having to do what she told me to.”

“I feel that. Barb was bossy with me and Dylan. We mostly ignored her.”

“Kendra is the kindest person you’ll ever meet. She’d get so hurt when we were mean to her, so that ruined our fun somewhat.”

“What’d she have to say about what Kelly did?”

“Other than the shit with Kellen at work, it’s the only time I’ve ever known her to be on the outs with any of us. I guess they’ve patched things up since then, but Kendra has told Kelly that she doesn’t approve of what she did or how I was treated.”

“That’s something, anyway.”

“I don’t expect others to hold a grudge forever on my behalf.”

“Just so you know… I always will.”

“Well, you have to.”

Dan laughed as he pulled into Kendra’s driveway. “Trust me, it’s no problem.” He took in the large white house with black-framed windows, a huge front porch and festive window boxes full of pumpkins and fall color. “Beautiful house.”

“Yes, it is. Kendra designed and decorated it.”

“Amazing.”

Two barefoot young girls came running out of the house.

Kara got out of the truck to greet her nieces with hugs and kisses. “You guys are huge!”

“You knew that, Aunt Kara,” Luna, the eleven-year-old, said. “You’ve seen pictures.”

“I still didn’t realize how tall you’d gotten.”

Luna had the same reddish-blonde hair and golden-brown eyes that Kendra and Kara had, while nine-year-old Aurora had her father’s dark hair and eyes.

Both girls hugged her a second time, which tugged at Kara’s heart. Staying gone had kept her away from the nieces she’d been close to while living in Maine.

“You guys know my husband, Dan,” Kara said, keeping her arms around the girls.

“He’s cute,” Aurora said with a giggle.

“He’s okay.”

Smiling, Dan said, “It’s very nice to finally meet you ladies in person.”

“Mom says you’re famous,” Luna said.

“Not that famous.”

“Don’t tell him he’s famous,” Kara said. “It goes right to his head.”

The girls laughed and led the way to the porch, where Kendra waited to greet them with hugs.

“The house is a showstopper,” Kara said, oddly emotional to see her eldest sibling for the first time in years.

“Aw, thanks. We like it.”

“This is Dan, as you know.”

Kendra shook his hand. “Nice to finally meet you in person.”

“Likewise. Your girls are even more adorable than they are on FaceTime.”

“We’ve decided to keep them if they get inside right now and finish setting the table.”

The girls ran into the house, the screen door slamming behind them.

“How’d you do that?” Kara asked her sister.

“Do what?”

“Make them hop to with just a certain look and tone.”

“It’s built in. You’ll see. It’ll be there when you need it.”

“I sure hope so. I fear I’m going to let this little one get away with murder.”

“We most certainly will not be doing that,” Dan said.

“Poor choice of words in light of current events,” Kara said as Kendra led them inside.

“Nah, it was funny,” Kendra said.

“Oh, Ken, it’s gorgeous.” Kara had seen it through photos and FaceTime, but none of that had done justice to her sister’s talent for putting together a warm, cozy space. “I love it all, but the fireplace is incredible.”

The stonework around the fireplace extended all the way to the ceiling, making it the focal point of the large, open-concept first floor.

“Come see the kitchen. It’s my favorite part.”

The gourmet kitchen ran the length of the far wall and was fronted by the largest island Kara had ever seen. “It’s stunning. I can see why it’s your favorite part.”

“Can you design and decorate a house for us?” Dan asked. “When we’re ready, that is.”

“I’d love to,” Kendra said, seeming pleased by the request.

“It’s her favorite thing,” Luna said. “She’s obsessed with decorating.”

“You and your sister are my favorite things,” Kendra said. “I’m obsessed with raising you to be decent human beings, which is harder than it seems.”

“Kids are not things , Mother,” Luna replied.

“We’re all things occupying space in the universe,” Kendra said. “God save me from the preteen know-it-all.”

“Great says you were just like me at my age,” Luna said.

“Great?” Dan asked.

“That’s what they call Bertha,” Kendra said.

“Oh, I love that. It’s so fitting.”

“Isn’t it? She must be thrilled to have you guys staying with her.”

“She is.” Kara dipped a carrot stick in the bowl of ranch dressing that Kendra had put out for her, knowing how much she loved it. “She’s got a crush on my husband.”

“I’ve got one on her, too, so that works out well,” Dan said.

“She sings your praises because you’ve made our Kara so happy.”

Dan smiled at Kara. “Works both ways. She saved me from myself.”

“I do that every day. It’s a big job.”

Kendra laughed as she opened a Sam Adams for Dan and put a glass of ice water in front of Kara. “I wasn’t sure what to expect with your fancy reputation preceding you.”

“No way. You’ve gotten to know me through FaceTime and stuff.”

“It’s not the same as being in person.”

“No, it isn’t,” Dan said. “I’m glad we finally got to fix that, even if the reason we’re here isn’t the greatest.”

After they finished setting the table, the girls surrounded Kara once again. When she noticed Aurora looking at her pregnant belly, Kara said, “You want to feel the baby? He or she is usually busy this time of day.”

“Can I?”

“Of course. Put your hand right here.” Kara laid the child’s hand flat against the right side, where she usually felt the strongest kicks. “It might take a second.”

“Oh! I feel it! That’s so cool. And creepy that you have a whole person in there.”

“I know, right?”

“Can I try?” Luna asked.

“Absolutely.”

Both girls got to feel some strong kicks that delighted them.

“I can’t believe that’s our cousin in there,” Luna said.

“Pretty cool, right?” Kara asked.

“Yeah, it is,” Luna said. “How come you don’t know if it’s a boy or a girl? Don’t most people find that out and do those stupid gender-reveal things? We went to one last year for the neighbors. They shot off a cannon that exploded in pink.”

“Dan made a good point when he said so few things in life are a surprise, and it’d be fun to find out when he or she arrives.”

“I wouldn’t be able to stand waiting,” Aurora said.

Kendra laughed. “Because you have no patience.”

“Mom says she was born without patience,” Luna said.

“Always in a rush, our Aurora is.”

“I got stuff to do.”

“I’m impatient, too,” Dan said. “I want what I want when I want it.”

“See, Mom? He’s like me, and he’s famous.”

“She’s going to be a lawyer,” Kendra said. “I swear.”

Dan gave Aurora a fist bump. “That’s the way to be.”

“What are you going to name the baby?” Luna asked.

“Dylan. That was Dan’s late brother’s name.”

“He died?” Aurora asked, wide-eyed.

“That’s what late means, dummy,” Luna retorted.

“No name-calling in this house, Luna. We’re very sorry you lost your brother, Dan. I love that you’re going to name the baby after him.”

“That was all Kara’s idea, and I love it.”

“Can Dylan be a name for a boy or a girl?”

“Yep,” Dan said. “It’s versatile that way.”

“That’s cool,” Luna said.

“She doesn’t give that compliment to just anyone,” Kendra said with a smile for her daughter. “Congratulations, guys. Your baby’s name has the Luna seal of approval.”

“We’re very honored,” Kara said.

“You should be,” Luna replied, grinning.

“Daddy’s home,” a male voice called from the mudroom. Hugo came into the kitchen, looking hopeful. “They used to come running.” He was tall, with dark hair and blue eyes. He wore a dress shirt with a fleece vest over it.

“Five years ago,” Luna said.

Hugo kissed the tops of his daughters’ heads. “And yet, I still hope. Every night.”

He hugged and kissed Kara. “So good to see you, sis.”

“You, too, bro. It’s been too long.”

“Way too long.” He extended a hand to Dan. “Nice to meet you in person.”

“Same, man. Your house is gorgeous.”

“That’s all thanks to my beautiful, talented wife.” He kissed Kendra’s cheek and peeked into a pot on the stove. “Oh yum. Mama made my favorite beef stew.”

“How was your day, dear?”

“Outstanding. We got a big new order that’ll keep us busy for the next few months.”

Hugo owned an apparel company that provided branded clothing and merchandise to yachts, sailing teams and marine-related companies, including BBW.

“That’s great, hon. Congratulations.”

“Thanks.”

“Glad to hear the business is doing well, Hugo,” Kara said.

He opened a Sam Adams for himself and put a new one on the counter in front of Dan. “We’re having our best year ever. Took a minute to get it off the ground, but it’s finally cruising.”

“You’ve worked so hard,” Kara said. “You deserve all the success.”

“Aw, thanks. It’s been fun to build it from nothing and see it take off. Don’t look now, but we’re in the running to provide sweatshirts to the US Olympic Team.”

“Come on!” Kendra said. “When did that happen?”

“A couple of weeks ago. I didn’t want to say anything until I knew more.”

“That’s very cool,” Dan said. “Congrats.”

“Thanks. We’re excited and nervous, too. It’s a big order. We’ll be hiring more people to make it happen, which is always scary.”

“You’ve got this, Daddy,” Aurora said.

“Thanks, pumpkin. How do you feel about coming to work for me?”

“As soon as I finish third grade,” she said with a giggle.

To Dan and Kara, Hugo said, “I was thinking on the way home that you two can use my Jeep while you’re in town, if you’d like. I’ve got a company truck these days and have been thinking about selling the Jeep. I never use it, and it’s all yours if it’d help you out.”

Kara looked at Dan. “The Jeep is way nicer than Buster’s truck and doesn’t smell like dead fish.”

“I’m sold,” Dan said. “We were planning to rent a car if it turned out we’re staying awhile.”

Hugo went to a hook by the back door and brought them the keys. “No sense paying for a car when I’ve got one that’s not being used. Keep it as long as you need it.”

“Thank you, Hugo,” Kara said. “You’re the best.”

“Yes, thanks,” Dan added. “We appreciate it.”

“I’ll drive Buster’s stinky truck home,” Kara said with a smile for Dan. “You can have the smell-free Jeep.”

“Oh thank you, Jesus.”

“Poor Dan can’t stand the smell of dead fish,” Kara told her sister and brother-in-law.

“Whereas it barely registers with us,” Kendra said.

“That’s what I said, too! Smell blind.”

Kendra served up the stew, and they migrated to the dining room table that the girls had set. When the girls finished their meal, Kendra sent them to finish their homework and take showers. As soon as they’d left the room, Kendra zeroed in on Dan. “What happened in court today?”

Dan gave her a thorough analysis, including Matt’s fumbling attempt to represent Keith.

“I can’t believe Keith was stupid enough to turn you away,” Kendra said.

“You can’t?” Kara asked. “It’s just like him to think he knows better than everyone about everything.”

“Yeah, that’s true. His own arrogance is going to be the end of him. I just hope he doesn’t take the rest of us down with him.”

“What do you mean?” Dan asked.

“We had two big orders cancel since they were arrested, worth about two-point-two million in revenue.”

“Oh my God,” Kara said. “Dad must be having a meltdown.”

“He’s very upset about all of it.”

“Kirby said the victim was standing on the sidewalk when they drove off, after offering her a ride home,” Dan said.

“Then how can they charge them?” Kendra asked.

“They have an eyewitness that puts them with her close to the time of death. Tomorrow, I’m going to work on finding a good local private investigator who can help me figure out what really happened. Do you guys know anyone?”

“A guy I went to high school with does that,” Hugo said. “Mostly for divorce cases, but he’s got a reputation for being fair and thorough.”

“I’d love to have his help if he’s up for it.”

“I’ll text him.”

“I’m so scared for Kirby,” Kendra said. “Whatever happened sure as hell had nothing to do with him.”

“I know,” Kara said. “I’ve been saying the same thing. I can’t bear to think about him sitting in jail when all he did was come when Keith called him.”

“Which is way more than Keith deserved after the way he’s treated Kirby all his life.”

“No kidding.”

“How has he treated Kirby?” Dan asked.

“He’s never missed a chance to take a shot at him,” Kendra said, “to poke at him, to belittle him. Keith is a fucking bully. He always has been, but he took perverse pleasure in picking on Kirby for some unknown reason.”

“It was because Kirby didn’t fight back,” Kara said. “He couldn’t be bothered with Keith or his bullshit, so he just ignored him, which made Keith more determined to get to Kirby. It was sick.”

“What did your parents say about it?” Dan asked.

The sisters laughed.

“They acted like it wasn’t happening right in front of them,” Kendra said. “I got in Keith’s face about it more than they did. Not that it did any good.”

“So if Keith was a dick to Kirby, why would Kirby pick him up after a night out?”

“That’s who Kirby is,” Kendra said with a sigh. “He’s the one who comes when no one else will because that’s what he does. Keith knew if he called Kirby, Kirby would come. So of course he took full advantage of him.”

“Is it okay to say I really, really admire Kirby, and I’d like to punch Keith in the face?” Dan asked.

Kendra raised her wineglass in a toast to Dan. “Welcome to our world.”