Dad’s okay. Just to be sure, I turn off the alarm and call the hospital for an update. Once I’m assured he’s still doing well and resting comfortably, and that Mom is in the room with him, sleeping in the recliner, my heart beats a little more normally. I resist the urge to text Mom. She needs to sleep while she can.
I need to go to the office. For now, I’m the acting city attorney.
An acting city attorney who’s going to finagle a gas leak or code violation at Murphy’s Bar…
Fuck me. How did I get to this point?
What is my family involved in?
And why?
Think of something nice, Don. Let your mind go to a better place, for God’s sake.
Callie, of course.
She, her sister, and her mother left me a delicious meal of beef stroganoff, homemade egg noodles, and sugar snap peas last night. Apparently they showed up and took over for Darla so she could have her day off.
Amazing neighbors, especially after all they’ve been through.
The meal was wonderful and rivaled Darla’s cooking. I tasted love in every mouthful.
God, that sounds hokey. But it’s no less true.
I’m not in love with Callie Pike. Not really. Of course, how would I know if I were? I’ve never been in love.
All I know is that she’s crept into me like no other woman ever has.
And the fact that she came over here and took care of me…
Yeah, yeah, her mother and sister were here too. It wasn’t just Callie. I need to remember that before I go all head over heels for her.
That’s not my style, anyway.
The hot shower helps. Eases away some of my tension, thank God. Once I’m suited up and ready for work, I head to the kitchen.
“Morning, Mr. Donny.”
“Hi, Darla. Coffee?”
“Coming up. You want eggs and bacon this morning?”
“I’m not really hungry.”
“I understand, but you have to eat.”
“You’re right. Just some scrambled eggs. Maybe a piece of Maureen’s sourdough toasted.”
She nods and bustles around, getting to work on my breakfast. “Any news?” she asks.
“I just talked to the hospital when I woke up. He’s resting comfortably. Mom, of course, stayed with him instead of going to the suite Dale booked for her.”
“I’d expect nothing less,” Darla says.
“Me neither.”
Dale doesn’t get our mother like I do. No way will she leave Dad’s side, even if it’s best for her.
I eat the breakfast Darla prepares. Maureen’s sourdough is nearly as good as Ava’s. I can still taste, even though I’m not particularly hungry.
Last night’s dinner was also delicious. I wouldn’t mind trying it when I’m not worried sick. And I’m not just talking about Dad, though he’s the major part of my worry. I’m worried about what secrets my family is hiding.
And what the consequences might be.
My father is a good person. The best. So are his brothers. So are Aunt Marj and all the spouses.
So I wonder… How much of what I uncover will be a surprise to them as well?
But…
People wear masks all the time. As an attorney, I’ve seen my share of good people go bad.
But not my family. Not the Steels.
Not possible.
“I’m heading into the office,” I tell Darla.
“What time would you like your dinner?” she asks.
“The usual time is fine. No reason to change your schedule to suit me. If something comes up and I won’t be home, I’ll give you a call.”
She nods. “Have a good day.” She smiles weakly.
I smile in return. Weakly as well. “I will. I’ll try, anyway.”
It’s seven thirty, and I’m not the first to arrive. The building opens at seven for early court appointments, and when I walk upstairs to the city attorney’s office, I find Callie sitting in the waiting area, dressed in black pants and pumps, a white blouse, and a pink cardigan.
I smile. “You’re early.”
“I wanted to make a good impression on my first day. How’s your dad?”
“He’s good. I called the hospital this morning. Mom won’t be in for a few days.”
“I figured.”
“So I guess I’m your boss.” Normally my voice would have a teasing tone at those words. Not today. I’m too worried and tense. “Did Mom show you where you’d be working?”
“Not really.”
“Okay. We’ll set something up.” I pull out the key to the office that Mary vacated. “Come with me.”
She walks with me to the office. I unlock the door and walk in. It’s a corner office, not quite as big as Mom’s. I flip the light switch. “Have a seat.”
“When do the others come in?” she asks.
I can’t help a chuckle. “I don’t have a clue. It’s my first day too.”
“Right.” She smiles. “I just thought your mom might have…”
I sigh. “I’m sure she would have if she’d foreseen the current circumstances.”
Callie blushes. “I’m sorry.”
“Hey, it’s okay. We’ve all had our share of unforeseen circumstances lately.”
“I’m so glad your dad’s doing well.”