Chapter 5 #3
Riley glanced toward the sky as a few big white puffy clouds waltzed across the sun, sending its rays cascading down toward earth like long legs moving with the music.
“I know the three of us don’t have a great relationship, but at least we try.
We always call on birthdays, holidays, and sometimes even send texts for no reason.
Hell, you and I even saw each other a few times when you traveled overseas.
I get that we have more problems than most families, but I do try with her, Grant. I really do. And I kept her secret.”
“You told the Boones.”
“Jesus, they already knew.”
“Not the point.” Grant riffled his fingers through his thick, curly hair.
“Mom has always been jealous of Brea. You spent more time in that house as a kid than at home with her. She felt like you didn’t like her.
I can’t say I didn’t have similar feelings.
Always being pitted against a kid a couple of years younger. ”
“You still have issues with Bryson.”
Grant lowered his chin. “He broke my sister’s heart. He’s the reason you took off to Alaska. He married someone who used to be your best friend. Why would I want to be kind to that man?”
When Grant put it in those terms, it was hard not to push past all the bullshit and accept his point of view on things. But he wasn’t working with all the information, and she wasn’t about to explain them. “I appreciate you having my back and sticking up for me with Mom.”
“She can be a lot.” He smiled. “However, I don’t agree with you regarding pushing an autopsy.”
“I don’t need your permission to call Doctor Gavin and ask him to do it.”
“No, I suppose you don’t. But I’m asking you not to make that call.”
“Can I ask you something?”
“Sure,” he said.
“Outside of Dad’s weirdness with doctors, why don’t you want it, because you all but accused Bryson of having something to do with Dad’s death?”
Grant let out a long breath. “I had to put blame somewhere, and Bryson is an easy target for me.”
“So, you don’t hold him responsible?”
“Not like you’re making it sound. I just don’t like that Dad was out there doing hard labor sometimes.”
Her brother was a lot of things, but he did have a heart. “How did he look that morning? Mom keeps saying he was sick. She said you and Erin saw it, knew it. But neither of you are really jumping on that bandwagon.”
“Look, Dad appeared tired that morning. I’ve said that all along, and I’ve wanted him to go to a doctor for a checkup.
He was getting up there in age. His hip bothered him sometimes.
He didn’t move quite as fast anymore. He wasn’t a spring chicken.
” Grant rubbed his chest. “Kelly wants me to go see a heart specialist. She’s been reading about this thing called a widow maker.
Everyone thinks that’s what killed Grandpa, and if it’s what got Dad, she’s all freaked out about me. ”
“Can’t hurt to see one.” It was impossible to miss the worry etched in the lines around her brother’s eyes. “But all the more reason to call the ME. I just don’t want this to be one more reason we don’t speak to each other.”
He reached out and placed a gentle hand on her shoulder. “I honestly want to put the past behind us. And it’s not that I don’t want to know, it’s Mom. It’s a delicate balance. We both know how she can get, and I’m the one who has to manage that.”
“I know. And I’m sorry she does that to you, but I need to make that call.”
“And I’ll avoid telling her.” He grinned.
“I’m looking forward to seeing my nieces and nephews. I haven’t even met Erin’s youngest, and that’s one of my biggest regrets in life.” She raised up on tiptoe and kissed her brother’s cheek.
“I’d better get back in there. Erin isn’t strong enough these days to handle Mom.”
“Is something going on with Erin?”
“That’s not my story to tell.” Grant glanced over his shoulder.
“You two were always as thick as thieves. You never gave up each other’s secrets.”
“And I wouldn’t break your confidence, either.” He hugged her, though it was a bit awkward. Grant had never been the kind of man to show affection through physical contact. Turning, he jogged back toward the house.
She climbed inside the vehicle and stared at the steering wheel with her heart still thumping wildly out of control. Searching through her text string with Bryson, she found the doctor’s number.
“Doctor Gavin’s office, how may I direct your call?” a woman asked.
“This Riley Callahan. Is Doctor Gavin available?”
“You’re in luck. He’s standing right in front of me. Hang on.”
A few seconds ticked by.
“Miss Callahan, this is Dr. Gavin. How can I help you?
“Um, yes. I wanted to speak with you about my father’s death,” she managed, fighting tears. “About Sean Callahan and formally requesting an autopsy.”
“Is this Erin?”
“No, this is his youngest daughter, Riley.”
“I see,” he said. “I was just about to call your brother. Considering everything, I feel it’s necessary to do an autopsy on your father.”
Her heart thumped so loudly, it was a wonder she could hear any other sounds. “Is there something that swayed your decision?”
“Not any one thing, but without you filling out proper documentation, I can’t discuss any of the details with you,” the doctor said. “Would you like me to call the rest of the family and inform them of my decision?”
“I appreciate that. Thank you.” No way was Riley going to inform anyone in her family about the autopsy.
She’d already rocked the boat enough as it was regarding that topic.
The doctor could deliver that news and while she was certain her mother would blame her, Riley at least felt like she stood a chance with her siblings.
“My pleasure. We’ll be in touch.” The line went dead.
Riley blew out a puff of air. She stared at her phone, shaking in her hand. All the emotions of the day hit her like a tornado. She didn’t want to call him. Didn’t want to need him.
But her fingers moved anyway.
He answered on the second ring. “Riley? Are you okay?”
“Oddly, I’m not horrible,” she whispered. “But I could use a friend. Are you busy?”
“I’m at the tasting room in town,” he said softly. “I can’t leave right at the moment.”
“Can I meet you there?”
“Of course.”
“Thank you.” She hung up before she cried again.
Then she shifted the truck into gear and headed into town. So many mistakes. Too many regrets blowing in the breeze. Her life had been good. She loved traveling and exploring. She’d been grateful for all the incredible opportunities she’d been given.
But they’d come at a cost. A big one. And now, it was time to pay up.