Page 20 of Concrete Evidence
He stepped forward and reached out his hand. “I’m Marc.”
“I know who you are.” She peered at Tessa. “Has he upset you?”
“No, Gram. We’ve been talking, and everything’s fine.” Tessa told her about the yearbook.
“He hasn’t persuaded you to give him your share of your father’s estate?”
“Not at all. He told me about applying for Social Security benefits.” Tessa took her grandmother’s hand.
The source of the woman’s angst centered on the fifteen-year-old before him. “Mrs. Litton, the last thing on my mind is to cheat my sister of her inheritance.”
The woman pressed her lips together. “I’m going to say this in front of my granddaughter. Promise me you’ll do whatever it takes to make sure social services don’t place her in a foster home.”
Tessa gasped and covered her mouth. “Gram, that’s inappropriate. You’ve embarrassed me.”
“It’s okay,” Marc said to Tessa. “Your grandmother loves you and is rightfully concerned about your welfare.” How could he reassure a dying woman and confused teen about an uncertain future? But he could do whatever possible to ensure Tessa’s future held more promise than death and abandonment.
“She has no family but me,” Mrs. Litton said. “Have you thought about Tessa’s life when I’m gone? She has her whole life in front of her—college, a career. I know Abbott and your mother wanted to put their marriage back together, but your mother isn’t real family. Not like you.”
“Yes, ma’am. I drove here to meet my sister, to see if we could establish a relationship. I promise you I will do everything possible to stay active in her life.”
“How?” the weak woman said.
His insides plunged to the bottom of an emotional pit. “I promise she will not be placed in a foster home.”
“Thank you. I’ve arranged for my lawyer to draw up legal guardian papers.”
Did he even have a choice? Before he responded, Mrs. Litton waved him away. “I’m very tired. The papers should be ready tomorrow, and the attorney’s office will contact you. Their card is on my nightstand.”
He took the card and wished her well.
Back in the living room, Marc ordered pizza from Tessa’s favorite restaurant. She apologized for her grandmother’s request.
“It’s okay. We’ll get this figured out. She has your best interest in mind, and I sincerely doubt if she leaves this earth before she’s assured your future is secure. When does school start?”
“Little over two weeks.” She glanced down the hall. “I have no idea how long she has. But I won’t be a burden to you, and if it doesn’t work out between us, I won’t complain about where I live.”
“I gave both of you my word.” How he’d keep his promise was worse than investigating a violent crime with no leads. “We were talking earlier. Got a topic?”
“Fresh out.”
“What do you want most in the world?”
She blinked. Silence wrapped a blanket over them. Finally she spoke. “You live in Houston... in an apartment.”
He must have asked an off-limits question. “Yes. Two bedrooms.”
“One for you and one for an office.”
He eyed her. “That’s not for you to worry about.”
She held up a finger. “A girlfriend?”
“Not at the moment.”
“As long as you have your kid sister living with you in a two-bedroom apartment, your love life is going to be perfect.” She rolled her eyes.
He chuckled at her sarcasm. “Is there anything you haven’t thought about?”
