Page 105 of Concrete Evidence
Right on cue, her cell phone rang—Granddad. “Yes, sir.”
“Where are you?”
“Parked in front of Mom and Dad’s.”
He groaned. “Why? Never mind, I know the answer.”
“I’m a grown woman, and I need to confront them on a few things. Where is Craig? If he’s dead, where’s his body? If he’s alive, is he behind the murders and crimes?”
“Trained people are handling those questions.” His voice softened. “I’m afraid for you.”
She dug deep for courage. “I’ve discovered a few things about myself since the Monday I mistook you bending over a body for something inconceivable. I made a commitment to learn the truth. Your love and support have made me a survivor. Now I have to stand up for what I believe is right and face the consequences for my mistakes.”
“You have big heartache, and I helped cause it. Because I wantedto protect you, always have. I interfered with your decisions, fought your battles, told you what to believe. When trouble hit, you weren’t prepared. I’m sorry. Along the years, you grew up, and all I could see was the little girl who ached for someone to love her.”
Avery swallowed the lump in her throat. “You showed me love when Mom and Dad told me I had no place in their lives. My indecision over so many things was my choice. I wanted you to take care of me. My education and position at the ranch and company masked my insecurity. My grad work and living away from home helped, but as a grown woman, I failed you.”
“I was the adult first, so let me take the blame where it’s due. I saw a difference the moment I laid eyes on you yesterday. You exhibited a strength I’d not seen before, and I’m proud of you. Please forgive this foolish old man.”
“There’s nothing to forgive. I love you. I’ll always treasure you.”
“But it doesn’t stop me from being afraid. What you’re doing right now isn’t wise. Come on back home. Marc and Roden found proof to nail at least one of the crimes on Jake Drendle. He’s also in line for the threats.”
“Has Jake offered who’s behind it?”
“Not yet. Marc thinks Jake will open up. He won’t make it living in jail conditions with his OCD.”
“Really great news. Doesn’t change why I’m at Mom and Dad’s. I’ll call you on the way home.” Avery dropped the phone into her shoulder bag and stretched her neck. Her stomach churned, the age-old response to stress. She prayed it faded fast.
Lightning streaked the sky.
Thunder cracked.
Weather forecasters expected to receive up to two inches of rain per hour in the Lago de Cobre Dam area. That could mean up to four feet in twenty-four hours.
Tomorrow’s rainfall forecast claimed more of the same.
Flood management officials had issued a stage2 flash flood warning.
Stepping from her battered car, she counted the steps to the front door. There was immaculate landscape, and any other time she’d take greater note of the flowers and bushes. Willing her heart to slow, she rang the doorbell.
The door opened and Dad eyed her from head to foot. His hair had grayed, and he looked so much like Granddad that the resemblance startled her.
“What brings you here? I’m busy.”
“Good to see you too, Dad. Is Mom around? I’d like to talk to both of you.”
“She’s getting her nails done. Whatever you have to say, I’ll relay to her.” He glanced behind him. “I suppose you want to come in?”
“No. We can talk right here.”
“Good, ’cause you’re not welcome in my home.” His eyes held anger, and she softened. Dad lived with misery, self-imposed but still misery.
“First thing on my list is to find out if you’ve heard or seen Craig.”
“Nope. Told the FBI agents the same thing. I guess you and the senator might avoid arrest if you can nail Craig with the murders and faulty dam?”
Dad’s resentment added jealousy to his vendetta. “The killer has been arrested. My concern is Craig.”
