“Brenton, I’m just a few towns from there,” I told him, remembering how I had seen the bar during my depressing fast food dinner last night. “I can go check it out.”
“Helen, Amber could be dangerous. Maybe you should wait until the police show up.”
“I’ll just go scope it out. It’s a public place. She wouldn’t dare try anything there. Besides, how dangerous can she really be?”
“Just please be careful. I’ll be there as soon as I can.”
“I will,” I promised him and then hung up.
I didn’t waste a second before jumping into my car and setting out towards Rita’s. I was only a fifteen minute drive and Brenton had to be over an hour out. If I was right about their location, who knew how long they’d be there? The chances were slim to none, but I had to try, for Brenton and for Candace.
As soon as I hopped into my car, my phone rang. I checked the number.
“What now?” I muttered to myself.
“Amazing timing, Wally,” I answered the phone sarcastically. I had a short drive ahead of me, but I figured maybe I could chase away some nerves by talking to someone.
“Miss Washington. I wanted to update you about Dudley’s house. I just received an offer from a third party.”
“Oh, okay. Thanks for letting me know.”
I was slightly confused, but appreciative that Wally was keeping me up to date. Having moved out, I didn’t think the house or it’s sale concerned me anymore.
“But why are you telling me?” I asked Wally, speeding slightly to get to Rita’s.
“Well, we had discussed your family, Miss Washington. I told you there was a clause in Dudley’s will that barred them from purchasing the home.”
“Yes…”
“I just got an offer from one Carter Waters. Then, he asked me if he could sell the house to the Washington’s upon his purchase.”
My breath faltered. Of course. Of course my abusive ex was their loophole. And of course he gave his plan away to Dudley’s lawyer. Carter was never all that smart.So much for this phone call chasing away my nerves,I thought to myself.
“You can’t! It’s prohibited!”
“My sale is prohibited, but whatever happens after I’ve sold the house is no longer up to me or Dudley. I just wanted to notify you, Miss Washington. I’m very sorry.”
“I can’t believe this! Could you hold off just a few more days, Wally? Maybe I can sort something out.”
“I can still give you a few days Miss Washington, but soon my hands will be tied. Your month-long period specified in the will is almost up. You have until the end of next week, but then I must start looking for a buyer.”
“Ok, got it. Thank you, Wally.”
“Have a good evening, Miss Washington.”