Page 72 of Concrete Evidence
“I need to unpack,” Mom said. “I think it will be a short evening for me.”
“Whenever you’re ready for time alone, feel free to escape to your room,” Avery said. “No schedules here. Marc and I are going to inspect a dam in the morning. Craig will be here, and deputies will be in place. You and Tessa are welcome to come along.”
“I’d rather play it by ear.” Mom needed sleep as her weakened voice indicated.
“I’m not sure.” Tessa lifted a tray of dirty dishes. “If I’m up, I’ll join you.”
“Right,” Marc said. “I won’t hold my breath. I remember how much I slept at your age.”
“What about a walk through the stables when we’ve finished here?” Tessa said. “I’d like to see the horses.”
Avery tossed them an amused look. “Go ahead.”
“You’re not coming?” Tessa said.
“I’ll walk with you to the office, and you can stop for me on your way back. I need to check in on business things. If you have questions, the hands are close by. We’ll have plenty of time to tour the stables and ride.”
“I’ve never ridden.”
“Now you have a teacher. We’ll begin tomorrow afternoon if you like. I’ll make a cowgirl out of you.”
Tessa’s face brightened. “And how to shoot too?”
“Only if your brother is available to supervise.” Avery slid her gaze to Marc.
“Right. But you don’t need me for riding lessons. I know zilch about horses except to admire them.”
“Got it,” Tessa said. “I can go with you and Marc in the morning if you need me.”
“Sweetie, sleep in. My guess is you’d be bored.”
Marc smiled at the interaction. He wanted to believe tonight’s conversation paved the way for Tessa to get along fine with Avery and Mom.
“Thank you so much for letting me stay here with you and Mrs. Wilkins,” Tessa said. “This house is incredible.” She walked the tray into the kitchen and Mom followed.
“Mom, have a good night’s rest, and don’t forget your pain meds.”
“Who’s the matriarch here?” Mom tossed him a mom-frown. “Oh, all of you, except Marc, call me Donita.” Mom and Tessa disappeared into the house.
Marc stared after them, relief easing his stress. “Thanks for helping me make Tessa fully aware of why she’s here. I thought for sure we were headed for dramatics.”
“She’s a sweetheart. From the teens I’ve been around at church, she’s typical. I work with high school girls, even do summer camp.”
“Now I understand how well you relate to her.”
Avery tilted her head. “When I came to live with Granddad at age eleven, I experienced the power of unconditional love and faith. I believe in paying it forward.”
Another reason he liked this woman. “You’ve got compassion tattooed on your heart.”
She blinked. “How kind. If you only knew my struggles in allowing you and Craig to manage me. I’ve given stubbornness a run for its money.”
“I’m not immune to what’s happened either. I’m in the same zone. My emotions have gone from resenting my father’s choices to investigating his murder. And discovering he wasn’t the man I remember.”
Avery glanced at the doorway. “I hope you’ll help me prove Granddad’s innocence.”
“You’re not walking a thousand feet from this house without me.”
“Marc, please, I have a business and a ranch to run... and people to question.”
