Page 45 of Concrete Evidence
“She’s scared about the future with no track record to compare it to. My guess is she’s afraid you’ll abandon her too. Trust will be hard for her.” She lifted her gaze to him. “And she’s frightened for you with good cause. Her newly found big brother and soon-to-be guardian works to solve violent crimes. Don’t be surprised if anger seeps in.”
Marc’s gaze penetrated her very soul. “You nailed it. I don’t know how to help but to spend time with her.” He shared his idea about counseling.
Avery thought of the responsibility involved in raising a teenage girl and her own issues at Tessa’s age. He barely knew his sister and was about to encounter her strengths and challenges. “How do you feel about it?”
“I’m all right. A little nervous.” Marc told her about their starting a home search and plans next Sunday to walk through a few houses in person instead of a virtual tour.
“Tessa sounds like a survivor,” Avery said. “I’d ask to see a pic, except with your investigation that might not be a good idea.”
He nodded. “Yes, for now. I have a question.”
She smiled to relax him. “I’m not surprised.”
“What would happen to the Brazos River Ranch and Elliott Commercial Construction in the event your grandfather is not available?”
Sour way to phrase Granddad’s potential future. “Everything reverts to me.”
“Not your dad?”
“Granddad wrote him out of the will years ago. He’s updated the document a few times in case the will is contested.” Marc no doubt must have talked to Mom and Dad. “What did my parents say about our family?”
“Neither said anything unexpected.”
Avery leaned closer across the table. “Marc?”
“Their comments mirrored yours.”
“They despise Granddad and believe I’ve been brainwashed.”
“Possibly.”
Avery had her answer. “My parents are selfish and greedy. I’m sure the conversation went along those lines.”
He lifted his phone from the table. “I want to give my partnerthe information you’ve told me.” When he finished, he set the phone beside his glass.
She laced her fingers together and rested them on the table. “Tell me about your meeting with Craig.”
“Cooperative. Appears capable. Cares about you. Believes you and the senator are together. He’s concerned both of you are in danger, but he has no idea why or who’s involved unless it stems from Liam Zachary’s death.”
“I got the same impression from his emails. I should be at the ranch.”
“But your grandfather wants you in Houston, out of potential harm.”
“Marc, anyone can be found. The guy on the motorcycle proved it.”
“Why make it easy for him?” His finger traced a circle on the top of her hand. Normally she’d pull back, but not this time. His touch communicated comfort, sincerity, and a strange eeriness that they’d met for a purpose.
“In the beginning, I ran to find peace.” She shook her head, mentally erecting a guarded wall not to expose too much of her thoughts. He confused her—she confused herself. “Now I want to do something—anything—to find out who killed Liam and why Granddad believes I need to be protected.”
“Leave it to the professionals.”
She slowly withdrew her hand from his touch. “I can’t. No point going there.” She took a drink of water to focus. “You had questions for me. Now is the time to ask them.”
He settled back, never taking his eyes off her face. “If you are in control of the ranch and business, what would be Craig’s role?”
“I hadn’t thought about it. I suppose he’d remain in his current position.” Curiosity crawled through her. “Why?”
“Do you two get along?”
