Chapter 3
The view he’d see from the back deck tomorrow morning would be of the nearby mountains. When he visited during the summers as a child and teenager, and in recent years on leave, he would enjoy the vista while sitting with his grandfather.
The house was silent and dark when Tyler arrived, not even the porch light burning. Pulling out the key his grandfather had given to him years ago, he opened the screen door, smiling at the familiar creak before unlocking the front door.
He stepped inside, flipping on a lamp near the entrance.
Warm light spilled into the room, illuminating the neat but aged furnishings.
The house was solidly built, carrying the quiet dignity of the past. His grandfather had never seen a need to chase trends or modernize, so there was no open floor plan.
Tyler secured the door behind him before walking into the living room.
His grandmother’s rocker was still tucked neatly in the corner just as she’d left it, even though she’d died almost six years ago.
Tyler’s throat tightened painfully at the vivid memory of her, seated comfortably by the window, knitting needles softly clicking as she crafted scarves and blankets.
Beside her, he and his grandfather would wage friendly battles over checkerboards or intricate chess matches.
His parents would sit on the sofa, and laughter mingled with the low murmurs of a family evening.
Those family vacations back in Montana were some of his most cherished memories.
Swallowing the emotion welling in his chest, Tyler placed his bags gently onto the floor and moved farther into the house.
He passed through the old-fashioned dining room, where the massive oak table was still polished to a warm shine beneath the light, and entered the spacious kitchen that stretched generously along the back of the house.
This room was his grandfather’s one indulgence, modernized years ago for his grandmother with a sturdy butcher-block island in the center, and new appliances that stood in stark contrast to the rustic charm of the handmade wooden cabinets.
He heard bleating from outside and remembered the goats Gramps had. Goats and chickens. I wonder who’s been taking care of them. He hurried outside, hoping they hadn’t been starving.
He pushed through the back screen door, the hinges creaking in protest, and jogged toward the old wooden fence that surrounded the small pen next to the small barn.
The goats trotted forward eagerly, their curious eyes wide and hopeful.
Relief swept through him as he saw the water trough still held enough to keep them going, and scattered remnants of grain suggested someone had tossed feed over at least once recently.
A glance toward the coop reassured him further. Even though slightly disheveled, the chickens scratched contentedly around the dusty enclosure. Someone had definitely stepped in to help, and he'd need to figure out who deserved his gratitude.
Back inside, he opened the refrigerator door, relief flooding him at seeing it well-stocked. His grandfather had been taking care of himself, though the subtle pang returned at the acknowledgment that the older man likely wouldn’t be returning home to finish any of this food himself.
Tyler made a simple sandwich and heated a bowl of canned soup. Though he typically possessed a robust appetite, his stomach was too knotted to manage more tonight. The long flight, coupled with the emotional strain of seeing his grandfather in such a fragile condition, robbed him of his hunger.
After rinsing and carefully drying his dishes, he glanced out through the kitchen window into the quiet darkness of the backyard. He saw lights glowing softly from the neighbor’s house in the distance, across the gentle slope of grass and low, sparse trees.
Tyler flicked the kitchen light off and strolled toward the front of the house.
Retrieving his bags, he climbed the staircase to the second floor, pausing briefly to peer into his grandfather’s room.
Everything inside appeared untouched, waiting patiently for its owner’s return, a thought that twisted painfully in Tyler’s chest.
With a heavy sigh, he crossed the hall and entered the bedroom he’d always used.
The upper floor comprised three bedrooms and a large shared bathroom.
This room had forever been a place that held echoes of happier times.
Days from childhood vacations, filled with laughter and family, rushed back.
Later, brief visits after his parents’ tragic deaths and during military leaves were softer, quieter times, but still precious.
The hot spray of the shower washed away some tension from his aching muscles before Tyler climbed beneath the sheets. Exhaustion weighed heavily upon him, but for a while, sleep remained elusive as memories replayed vividly behind closed eyelids.
His phone suddenly vibrated loudly against the nightstand, startling him from his restless thoughts. The caller ID flashed an unfamiliar number, and Tyler’s pulse quickened, a spike of fear making him immediately reach for it.
“Hello?”
“Tyler?”
“Yes.”
“This is Marshall Higgins. I hate to call so late, but when I checked on your grandfather at the hospital, I was told you had arrived.”
Tyler recognized the name of his grandfather’s attorney and trusted friend. Marshall had guided their family gently and carefully through difficult transitions over the years.
“Yes, sir.” Tyler sat up, leaning heavily against the headboard, running a weary hand over his face.
Marshall continued softly, his voice conveying genuine sympathy and warmth.
“I know this isn’t the best time, Tyler, and I apologize for disturbing you at such an hour.
But I never want to leave things unfinished.
” The older man paused, his tone gentle yet firm.
“It’s my understanding that Charlie will pass soon, and I wanted first and foremost to express my condolences.
You know I consider him a friend, not just a client. ”
Marshall’s sincerity touched Tyler deeply, adding another layer to the heaviness he already felt pressing on his chest. “I know that, Mr. Higgins,” Tyler said quietly, emotion rasping slightly in his throat. “And thank you for your friendship with him over the years.”
The brief silence on the line carried understanding and shared grief, a moment of mutual respect stretching between them. Tyler sat quietly, waiting for Marshall to continue. Knowing more painful realities lay ahead, he was grateful he didn’t have to navigate this darkness alone.
Marshall cleared his throat softly before continuing.
“Well, it’s been an honor. I’m sure you remember that Charlie will leave everything to you when he dies.
That includes the old truck, the house, the few animals, and the land.
He also has an insurance policy covering his funeral expenses and leaving a comfortable nest egg for you. ”
Tyler shifted slightly in bed, hating the thought of discussing inheritances. “Sir, I have my own nest egg from the military.”
“I understand that, Tyler. But it’ll be yours nonetheless. What you choose to do with it, of course, is entirely up to you,” Marshall assured softly. “He also maintained a savings and a checking account in good standing.”
Tyler heaved a deep sigh, fatigue and grief mingling, pressing hard upon him. “I wish like hell we weren’t having to talk about this.”
“I completely understand, and I agree wholeheartedly,” Marshall replied gently. “But in my line of work, I’ve found it’s better to be prepared than to pretend nothing’s happening.”
“Thank you,” Tyler murmured, the familiar ache tightening deeper in his chest.
Marshall hesitated, the pause causing Tyler’s heartbeat to quicken slightly. “There’s one other thing I need to mention, and I genuinely hate having to bring it up.”
The muscles in Tyler’s chest tightened further, responding to the subtle change in Marshall’s tone. A protective tension sharpened his voice. “What is it?”
Marshall sighed audibly, clearly reluctant but determined. “There’s a development company interested in buying Charlie’s land, and from what I’ve gathered, the property owned by the neighbors too. Apparently, they have big plans to build condos there, capitalizing on that gorgeous mountain view.”
Tyler’s voice hardened instantly, protectiveness and anger flaring. “Over my fucking dead body,” he growled.
Marshall gave a dry chuckle of understanding.
“No surprise that Charlie felt precisely the same. He firmly turned them away every single time they came knocking. Now, the neighbors aren’t my clients, but according to Charlie, they also sent the developers packing.
I assume that the developers will approach you next.
You need to understand I’m not trying to tell you what to do.
When Charlie passes, that land becomes yours outright.
If you choose to sell to the developer, legally, you’re able to do so. ”
Tyler felt a sharp edge of suspicion creeping in. Marshall’s voice held a note he couldn’t quite decipher. “What are you not saying, Mr. Higgins?”
Marshall exhaled softly, choosing his words carefully.
“You may very well decide to sell everything and move forward. That’s your right, your business.
But the reality is, Charlie’s property is the largest parcel.
Your grandfather’s acreage is central and significant.
Selling to the developer would, frankly, leave those neighbors in a tough spot.
It would make their properties practically worthless as a home.
Again, Tyler, I’m not here to tell you what to do.
But Charlie had me do some digging into this particular developer.
My resources are limited, but personally, I found him unpleasant and more than a little unscrupulous.
Charlie wanted you to be aware of that fact, to do with as you see fit. ”
Tyler closed his eyes, jaw tightening in quiet anger and grief. He appreciated Marshall’s candor and felt a surge of respect and gratitude toward the man who’d looked out for his grandfather for so many years. “Thank you, Marshall. I truly appreciate it.”
Marshall paused again, compassion filling his words as he spoke.
“I’ll let you go for now, but please keep me updated on Charlie’s situation.
Also, don’t forget that Charlie was a proud member of the American Legion, as I’m sure you recall.
They’ll gladly assist with the funeral arrangements and hold a very honorable service.
The auxiliary traditionally prepares a lovely wake afterward, as well.
I’ll stop by with all the paperwork you’ll need when the time comes. ”
“Thank you again,” Tyler said, voice quiet, weariness thickening his words.
Marshall gently ended the call, leaving Tyler alone once more in the quiet shadows of the bedroom.
The weight of everything Marshall had conveyed pressed heavily upon him.
His grandfather’s impending death, the inheritance, the developers…
each thought tangled within him, stirring grief, frustration, and protectiveness all at once.
Tyler knew the unspoken truth beneath Marshall’s careful words. His beloved grandfather would soon pass, yet life would inevitably continue for those left behind.
Releasing another long, shaky breath, he switched off the bedside lamp, plunging the room into soft darkness.
He stretched out, fatigue deep within every bone, and wondered bleakly if sleep was even remotely possible.
Tina’s gentle advice to rest echoed softly in his thoughts.
But in the silence, memories haunted him, grief shadowed him, and uncertainty twisted heavily in his chest.
Sleep, if it came at all, would likely bring more restless dreams than comfort.