“Yes, Van. Tell me we’re on the same page.”
My forehead dropped to the cool window. “Lena, I’m struggling. I quit taking the pain meds, but I’m still…” It occurred to me that I was confiding something to Lena and earlier to Michael that I hadn’t told Julia.
“Well, I need Donovan Sherman to wake up. Shit is getting real.”
“We’re on the same page. Talk.”
“Abbott and Jones recently filed a preliminary injunction, effectively halting any transactions regarding the estate of Herman Wade.”
“Don’t tell me that I should have known that.”
“You should have. It was filed the Monday after you were shot. I understand if you didn’t. The problem is that I just learned of it today.”
“How did you learn?” I asked.
“We should talk in person.”
“Shit, Lena. I’m not up for traveling.”
“Then it’s your lucky day. I flew to Minneapolis last night. I’m on my way to Duluth.”
“You’re a few hours away? You didn’t think to call first?”
“This is me calling, Van. I know you want to get back to Sherman and Madison and kick me out. I don’t mind, but you can’t do that until I come clean with what I’ve been doing for the last two weeks.”
“What the fuck? What have you done in two weeks? I haven’t received anything out of the ordinary from my people.”
“I’ll tell you in person. How’s your heart?”
“Beating,” I replied, unsure what she wanted to know.
“Getting shot hasn’t put you into some cardiac problem, right?”
“No, but if you don’t tell me what you plan to tell me, it may.”
“I will tell you all. Plus, it’s high time I meet Julia. You both can hate me for a while, but once I tell you what Jeremy and I’ve uncovered, you’ll be thanking me.”
This wouldn’t be Lena’s first visit to Ashland.
“It’s been a while since you’ve been up this way. Do you still know your way?”
“I follow the lake.” She paused. “Yes. I have GPS.”
“There’s a security gate now. I’ll tell them to let you pass.” I hesitated. “Have you heard about Madison?”
“What about her?”
“No,” I corrected, “have you heard anythingnew? I only know she’s still being held, waiting for evaluation.”
“I’m paying for her representation.” Lena exhaled. “She’s my sister, Van. I wanted to tell you that in person too.”
I nodded. “I’m glad she’ll have more than court-appointed counsel.”
“Are you?”
“Yes. Best that money can buy.”
“This has nothing to do with you or Julia,” Lena continued. “I waited. When Lip never materialized, I decided to step in. I don’t know what’s best for her. I haven’t spoken to her in person. I can’t. I guess I don’t want to give up.”