Page 72 of Wrecked
“I’m not sure. He lived out of town.”
They grew quiet while they served drinks.
During a lull, Liliana moseyed back over. “Death is hard. I’ve lost people I cared about. I wish I could say something to help, but grief is real and everyone works through it differently.”
“He left behind a wife and young children.”
“Hopefully, he’s in a better place,” Liliana said. “It’s the family that has to go on without him. That’s hard because they feel lost… until they find their way. Maybe they’ll figure out a way to honor him so they can keep his memory alive.”
Addison offered a rueful smile. “Thanks for saying that.”
She needed to call Becky. Normally good with words, she knew there was nothing she could say to make this better for her or her children.
She’d been a mess when her mom had abandoned them. This was different. Her mom had chosen to leave. Ronald had been taken from his family. A jolt of pain stabbed her chest. She couldn’t begin to imagine their shock and grief.
“I’ve got to make a call.” Addison glanced around. “Can you handle—”
“Absolutely,” Liliana replied. “Take your time.”
Alone in her office, Addison called Becky Jenning. She had no idea what she would say, but it didn’t matter. Nothing could bring Ronald back. Her heart was breaking for his family.
“Hello?” answered a woman.
“Becky?”
“No, this is her mom. Who’s calling?”
“Addison Skye.”
“Can you hold on?”
Addison paced in her small office. A moment later, “Addison, it’s Becky.”
“Becky, I’m so sorry.”
“Thanks for calling. I was told he died in a car explosion. Do you know anything more?”
The pit in Addison’s stomach grew larger. “I don’t. I was told the same thing.”
“Is it related to a job? Was it random? Were others killed? I need answers. I’ve got to have some kind of closure.” Becky choked back a sob.
Addison couldn’t share what Henry and Anita had told her. “I don’t work at the CIA anymore, but I’ll see what I can find out. They’ll have answers once they complete their investigation.”
“That could take months.”
“I know. When’s the funeral?”
“I don’t have his body,” Becky said. “I’m not even sure there is a body. We’re doing something small with family. Ohgod, Addison, this is killing me.” She started crying.
The anger Addison kept in check jumped to the forefront. She felt helpless. If anything, her call had made things worse.
“Hello, this is Becky’s mom. Becky had to step away.”
“I’m so sorry,” Addison said. “Tell her I’ll get her some answers.” Addison hung up. She just stood there, staring at nothing, wondering how she’d get information from an organization that kept everything under lock and key.
Knock-knock.
“Addison, it’s Liliana.”
