22. Two Truths and a Lie
CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO
Dalton
Two Truths and a Lie
“Y our shift ends at four?” Wes asked, looking up at the clock on the wall in his office inside the local sheriff’s department.
“No, technically I’m on call until six, but I worked late yesterday and it’s been quiet. I thought you had the day off?”
Wes just shrugged. “Paperwork is endless so a day off is the best day to get caught up.”
“You sure now is a good time?” Dalton asked.
Wes stood to close his office door and Dalton was reminded of how much bigger than him his brother was. At six foot two Dalton was not considered a small guy, but next to Wes and Levi, who each stood another two inches taller and with even wider shoulders to match, he wasn’t the biggest Hart brother. A fact that, in this case, could work against him if Wes decided to pummel him for never telling him the truth about their parents.
“So, what do you really want to talk about, because I’m pretty sure you don’t want to hear the details about the property taxes on the pier or the family land,” Wes said, sitting back behind his desk.
“I do if you need to talk it through and want help figuring it out. I know I’ve been AWOL and that I left you with everything to manage and I’m sorry.” Dalton paused in his pacing to look his brother in the eyes.
“Okay, I appreciate your offer. We do need a sustainable plan, so I’ve asked the accountant to run the numbers and look at the option of selling off some of the land to cover the estate.”
Dalton nodded.
“It’ll cut each of our inheritances down, but in order to salvage the main house, Levi’s house, and the pier, we’re likely looking at selling a big chunk.”
Dalton sat in one of the chairs across from Wes’s desk and leaned forward with his elbows on his knees. “It sounds like we don’t have much choice, so I agree. I’m sorry you’ve had the burden of this all these years.” He looked Wes in the eyes.
“So now that that’s settled, what’s really going on? Missy Shaw seems to be settled in nicely with Gran. I stopped over there yesterday and found Gran sitting in the art studio while Missy painted.”
Dalton’s mouth was dry, but he forced a smile. At least his gran hadn’t run Missy off.
“They’re like two peas in a pod and seem to both be convinced the other one needs them. I’m not sure how you learned that Jedi mind trick, but it worked.”
“Well, I think they both do need each other, I just suggested they each keep that to themselves to save the other’s pride,” Dalton admitted.
Wes nodded and a subtle smile broke his usually grumpy demeanor.
“So,” Wes said.
It was the first time Dalton had seen him truly smile since he’d been home. And now he was about to ruin all that.
“So I wanted to run the idea of me staying long-term in Sandy Point with you. I know you expected me to leave, but what if I don’t?”
“Obviously I want you to stay. It’s been a huge help having you help out with Gran. I’m starting to feel like I actually have some real downtime between planning for the summer influx of tourists and the Summer Solstice.”
“I can’t believe the town still has that big party each year.”
“Some things don’t change, they just get bigger. Now it’s a full-on event with food vendors, artists, bands. And it brings in a lot of money for the town.”
“Cool.”
“When you say you might stay long-term, do you mean for a year or two, or that you would put down roots and make this your home again?”
“I guess I’m not sure; I wasn’t sure if I’d be welcome or what was here for me. If I stay, you could reconsider your plans.”
“I think I’d need some time to think about it.”
“Alright, well, I just wanted to make sure the blood wasn’t so bad that you wouldn’t want me to stay,” Dalton said.
Wes stood and came around to lean on the front of his desk. “Dalton, you’re my brother, I never wanted you to feel like you couldn’t come home. If I could have it my way, you and Levi would both move home and we’d all grow old together.”
Dalton nodded. “Too bad Levi doesn’t have a house anymore.”
Wes smiled again. “I’ll let you two fight that out.”
Dalton left the sheriff’s office feeling more hopeful, but guilty that he hadn’t been able to divulge his reasons for staying away. He knew he’d have to eventually, but it could wait a little longer. Maybe it was best to see how things worked out for his grandmother and with Brooke first. Then he could decide.