Chapter 50
CHAPTER FIFTY
Courtney thought they were through with the police visit, but the officers weren’t budging, so apparently not.
“Just one minute.” Vivian Johnson held up a finger and then pulled out a phone. “Can anyone identify this man?” She walked in front of the sectional, holding it in front of each household member in turn.
“That’s Antonio,” Martha said.
“Dana’s boyfriend. Antonio.”
“Antonio Camero.”
And so on down the line. When she finished showing the picture to the family members, she stopped and turned to Dana, as if wanting to know more.
“Why do you ask?” Dana had her hands on her hips.
Officer Johnson met her question with another question. “And where would Antonio be right now?”
Finally, one she knew. Courtney jumped in to answer. “He moved out recently. Didn’t leave a note or forwarding address.”
Dana nodded sadly. “Believe me, this was expected. Our relationship just ran its course. It happens.” She tapped her heart with her fingertips. “My schedule makes it hard to maintain a relationship.”
Officer Johnson tucked the phone back into her pocket. “Have you ever heard him go by the name Anthony Bruno?”
They all exchanged puzzled looks. Courtney had never really known him by any name. Their most recent exchange in the garage was the longest conversation she’d ever had with the man.
“Anyone?” the police officer prompted.
The word “no” went all the way down the line.
“Hmmm.” Officer Johnson sounded dubious. “Do you have a phone number for him?”
“Of course.” Dana smiled. “Could you give it to them please, Courtney?”
The officer looked impressed when she rattled off the digits. She had a good memory for numbers. Actually, she had a good memory for everything.
Officer Holloway jotted down the number on his notepad and then said, “If you hear from him, could you let us know? We’d like to talk to him.”
They all assured him they would, but personally, Courtney doubted they’d ever hear from Antonio again. Once Dana was done with someone, she was really done. Her guess was that it was the same for him.
As Brayden and Charlie escorted the officers out of the room, Courtney overheard one of the twins whisper to the other, “Antonio? What’s the deal? He said he was Ian Broderick, right?”
After the cops left, Dana directed her attention back to the newcomers. “I’d like to thank all of you for being here today.” She picked up the cloth bag from the floor next to the sofa and pulled out a stack of bundled bills, which she began to hand out to Nolan and his cousins. “You get some money, and you get some money, and you get some money.” She was Oprah doling out cash.
One of the twins said, “Hey! We were supposed to get more than this.” His eyes narrowed. “At least I think so. How much is this?”
“It’s ten grand and that’s all you’re getting.” Dana’s voice was firm. “You screwed up so much, you’re lucky to be getting that.”
“Screwed up? How?” The twin who answered sounded indignant.
“You put me in the trunk, for one thing, and you didn’t call my brother’s cell, like you were supposed to.” Dana ticked off each point on her fingers. “And I was supposed to be returned home within twenty-four hours. Basically, you didn’t follow the directions at all.”
“We lost the directions.” Both of the brothers nodded their heads, as if this explained it.
“I don’t care,” Dana said. “Either take what I’m giving you or you get nothing at all.”
Nolan stood up and held the money out to her. “I can’t take this. I would feel guilty about it. Give it to a food pantry or a homeless shelter or something.”
“I’ll take it!” This came from Kristy. She stood up and went to grab the money.
Dana swatted her hand away and put the bundle back in the bag. “Courtney, make a note to make a donation in Nolan’s name.” She sat down and pulled out her phone. Now she was tapping on the screen, checking her missed texts and emails, no doubt. On to the next thing.
Courtney turned to Nolan. “What’s your last name?”
“Nelson.”
“Nolan Nelson. Got it.” The name had a smooth sound to it, and she liked that he wouldn’t take the money and suggested giving it to a charity instead. Contrary to what she’d believed, there were decent men out there after all.
Dana said to Nolan, “Give Courtney your phone number. You too, Olive. The rest of you can leave.”
“Not so fast.” Courtney jumped to her feet. “I have a few things to say.”
“Can it wait?” Ian asked, clearly annoyed.
Usually Ian intimidated her, but those days were gone. For the first time ever, it was the Courtney show. “No, it cannot. Sit down right now.”