Page 11 of Concrete Evidence
A deadline to respond on a proposal for a dam repair demanded her attention. The specs were before her, and she simply needed to type in the figures for the TCEQ—Texas Commission on Environmental Quality. If awarded the contract, Elliott Commercial Construction would complete the design and perform the work. Transferring information from Granddad’s copious notes to the computer screen andgoing through the checklist of required documents should have been a no-brainer.Shouldranked as Granddad’s number one word to eliminate from her vocabulary.
The conversation with him from earlier this morning repeated in her mind with no more clarity than before. She prided herself in relying on facts, not half-truths. His vague comments and responses burrowed into her heart.
He neither denied nor admitted to killing the man.
He neither denied nor admitted to knowledge of the motorcycle in the cemetery. But he did appear surprised.
Without knowing the timing of the bike’s arrival and departure, the number of men tramping around the cemetery fell into the unknown zone. Avery drew in a ragged breath. Did Granddad mean a clear head to avoid an arrest? For the serious trouble stalking him? Why did she need protection?
The best solution simmered in truth, and Granddad avoided it like a stubborn mule. So she wrestled with how to proceed. Take a stand and demand the truth? Ignoring it hit the impossible list. Granddad had instilled values since she tossed aside a baby bottle. Even her faith swung in the balance when the man who’d shown her Jesus could have committed the unthinkable. All of it was entwined in her love for him.
Granddad’s hearty laughter rang out. When she was a little girl, he had reminded her of Santa Claus. Once she reached her preteen years, his laughter had chased away whatever worried her. At school some of the girls had given her a rough time because of his political position and outspoken mannerisms. They were brutal to the point of bullying her. After a few of them ganged up on her in a bathroom, using verbal barbs to tear her to pieces, she called Granddad to pick her up.
He refused—instructed her to face those girls with the heart and courage of an Elliott. If she didn’t stand up for herself now, she’d never make it in the world. She had no choice but to stay.
The days and weeks ahead dredged up a lot of emotion, but she overcame the bullies. One thing she’d never told Granddad—she’d blackened a girl’s eye for saying he only cared about himself and power. Strange to recall those times now. The girl who’d led the bullying was now her best friend.
Avery glanced at the closed door of his office. After Mr. Benton left the ranch, she’d corner Granddad and demand to know every detail of yesterday.
At twelve thirty, the men exited. “Frank and I are heading to lunch, and then I’m driving on to Austin. You need anything before I leave?”
If Granddad could read her mind, he’d not leave. “I’m good.”
“Feeling okay?”
Nope, misery had swept in like a twister. “I think so. When can I expect to see your handsome face back in the office?”
Mr. Benton chuckled. “Senator, you hold that pretty granddaughter of yours in the palm of your hand.”
“Hope so. She keeps me on the straight and narrow.” He nodded at Avery. “Tell Mia not to hold dinner. I have no idea when I’ll be back.”
“Okay. Call me when you’re on the road to Austin. I have a few questions to finalize a proposal.”
“Sure thing. Hunker down and keep the wolves away.”
Avery heard his code phrase for families protect those they love. Was he shielding her or himself?
By ten that night, Granddad hadn’t called or returned home. Throughout the afternoon and evening, her attempts to contact him via text had failed, and her repeated calls went straight to voice mail. Had he turned off his phone? He hadn’t recorded the appointment in Austin on his calendar either, indicating a last-minute decision.
Her cell phone rang, a number she didn’t recognize. Granddad might have called her from a different phone, so she answered.
“Avery, yesterday’s unfortunate incident sure made a mess of things,” a distorted voice said.
“Who is this?”
“A messenger. Listen up. Do exactly as the senator tells you or your life is worth nothing.”
“What are you talking about?”
“One word about this call to anyone and your grandfather is dead.” The call ended in a click.
A flood of fear rushed over her. She shoved aside the nausea and grasped strength.
I’m stronger than this. I will not give in to panic.
Avery closed her eyes and prayed for strength and logic.
The dizziness subsided. Her stomach calmed. Breathing returned.
