“That’s none of your business,” Roger said firmly.
“If you’re working on—”
“I’m not.” He didn’t need or want Brice reminding him to keep his mouth shut. He needed Brice to back the fuck off and let him do his job. Hendersons were tough and also a little paranoid, for good reason. But Roger wasn’t one of the people they had to worry about. At least not any more.
“Have you found anything else?”
“Yes, and I’ll be back in Boston tomorrow. We can talk then.”
“My office first thing.”
Roger didn’t answer to Brice. He looked through the glass doorway and saw Gia entering the waiting area again. He didn’t have time for Brice’s bullshit. “I’ll call you and let you know when.” He ended the call and put his phone in his back pocket as he went back inside. The guy who’d been smoking outside was with her.
He could see the stress on her face. He wanted to ask how her father was, but he wasn’t sure who the other guy was.
“Roger, this is my brother Gary. Gary this is my . . . friend, Roger.”
“I didn’t know you were with Gia.” Gary leaned over. “Do me a favor, don’t mention to my mother I was smoking out there. She’ll flip.”
“You were what?” Gia snapped. “Dad just suffered a massive heart attack and you’re smoking?”
“Looks like I’m not the one you need to worry about,” Roger said.
“Gia, don’t start. Mom already laid into me. Hell, I’ve been smoking longer than you’ve been alive,” Gary snarled.
“You should’ve quit a long time ago. Dad should’ve too,” Gia added.
Roger wanted to defuse the situation. They could argue about it later, when things were calmer. “Gia, how’s your father?”
She turned to him and said, “He had a heart attack. We won’t know the damage for a few days. They’ve admitted him and transferred him to the ICU.”
“I’m sorry,” he said, putting an arm around her.
Gia rested her head on his chest. “He still wasn’t conscious when I saw him.”
“Why don’t we get something to eat and wait? Maybe there’ll be more news when we come back.”
“I can’t leave my mother alone.”
Gary said, “A little late for that now don’t you think?”
Roger clenched his fist. Brother or not, he didn’t like anyone speaking to her like that. “Watch your words.”
Gary looked at him and said, “I’m not saying anything that isn’t true.”
Before Roger could respond Gia said, “I am hungry. There’s a little diner down the street. How about we get some breakfast?”
For Gia, he let it go. Taking her hand in his he said, “Breakfast sounds good.”
They walked to the diner, which seemed to do Gia some good. By the time they arrived, he could see some of her tension eased. The hostess seated them by the window and brought them menus.
“Specials are on the board. Just wave someone down when you’re ready to order.”
The woman needed training in customer service.
“Guess they’re all out of smiles,” Gia said.
Roger turned to her and laughed. “I just checked the board. It’s a Friday only special.”