Special Agent Peters, a man in his mid-fifties, begins, “As I sure you are both aware, this whole situation’s been quite an ordeal. We know for sure he headed west; it seems there may not be any family left, other than a daughter, which we are still working with missing persons to find. We’ve exhausted every lead we had before about seventeen years ago on her, but there is nothing new. This girl has disappeared. She was only thirteen at the time, and to this day no one has even a hint of what happened to her.”
“Do you think the daughter could be helping him?” I ask.
“We don’t know as I said at the time she went missing, seventeen years ago, she was only thirteen. We don`t think she would have had the resources to go in hiding or to even plan it.” Cunningham replies.
Peters then jumps in, “However, we have come across a tidbit of information we needed to confirm before adding it to what we had. It seems some cover-up was done, a really good one, one which could only be pulled off when copious, and I mean copious amounts of green were thrown at it.” Reaching into her messenger bag, she pulls out another file, “Seems there was another daughter…a younger one.” I can see Chief, shifting in his seat…things suddenly got a little more interesting.
***
Arriving at my parents’ house shortly after six; after the day I’ve had, I’m looking forward to some time with everyone and some light conversation which doesn’t include stories of past indiscretions, hidden truths, and missing persons. Hearing chatter in the backyard, I enter through the side gate, leading to the rear of the house.
“Look who finally decided to show.” My mom walks by my brother, slapping Ewan on his back and grabbing me into a hug.
“Ignore your brother; you’re right on time.”
I return my mother’s embrace and then head to the patio table where my siblings are all seated, “Where’s Gracie?”
Thea looks to me with sad eyes in response, “Her father is in the hospital, he suffered a massive heart attack last night. It’s pretty serious.” Tears are now welling up in her eyes.
I understand, without her saying anything more. Grace’s father is the only one in her family that loves, and even cares for Grace. If anything happened to him, Grace would be left with no one, even though she has a Mother and Twin Sister.
“I’m sorry, Thea. Don’t you want to be with her?” I know Thea would be the only emotional support Grace has right now.
“I offered, but her mother said I wasn’t welcome.” Her jaw slightly clenched as she speaks the words. It is no secret that Grace’s Mother and sister do not like our family.
Kai leans over and pulls Thea into his side, “I’m sure she will call if she needs anything,”
Looking over to where my father is grilling the steaks, through the corner of my eye, I notice Ewan’s body has gone rigid, his expression hardened. I say nothing and quietly observe the way his body is revealing a truth about how he feels about Grace. Even if he never admits it, it’s there, and also something I was blind to.
“Dad, you need any help over there, old man? You know we prefer our meat moist and less like jerky.” Chuckles come from the table, and my attempt to bring the mood back around has worked.
“Listen here; I will have you know that I…”
“Was the County Pitmaster Champion, four years in a row,” We all shout out in unison, and a roar of laughter rises all around.
My father loves to tell us the story of a time when he regaled the townsfolk with his barbecuing expertise, even if it was over two decades ago.
“Yes, you are the man!” My mother, the forever-benevolent wife, murmurs as she walks by and smacks him on the butt. My father, quickly mimicking a bashful girl, brings his hand to his lips in the act of shock and embarrassment. The interaction they have with one another is so natural you start to believe, that maybe fate does have a plan to bring soulmates together now and then.
***
With Kai and Ewan heading out earlier for work, and my father retiring for the night to their room, Ben offered to clean up the yard, and I am helping my mother with tidy up in the kitchen.
“So, did you have that chat with Ewan?” My mother can be relentless when she has her mind set on something.
“Mom, I don’t think you have to worry so much about, Elise Matthews.”
Her brows furrowed, “How can you be so sure? I’m telling you that girl is determined to nail down one of you boys, and with you, Kai and Ben, having already given her the brush off, Ewan is her last chance.”
I look to my mother, with an expression of true conviction, “Mom he may be spending some time with Elise right now, but believe me when I tell you, I am pretty sure his intentions for the future are securely placed with a certain best friend, whose name, for the time being, shall remain unspoken.”
She brings her hands to mouth, eyes beaming with hope, “Oh Liam, do you really think so?”
I nod, “Things can always change, they are young, but yes, I think so…only time will tell.”
As if the weight of a thousand men has lifted from her shoulders, my mother is now flittering around the kitchen as she puts things back in place.
“Speaking of a future daughter-in-law, have you asked Gwen out again. She mentioned that you two had a date planned, but you had to cancel for work.” Her brow raised and hand on her hip. I had expected she would bring Gwen up some time tonight; I’m surprised it wasn’t earlier.
“Future daughter-in-law?” I shake my head not even going to try to figure out the inner workings of her mind. “No, I have not asked her out again, and before you say anything, yes I intend to. I’ve been so busy with work; there hasn’t been an opportunity.”
“Liam, that girl is not going to wait around for you to find an ‘opportunity.’ Ask her, even if it’s for a coffee. Good Lord Liam, you need to stake your claim.”
I can’t help but let out a laugh, “Mom, first coffee and Gwen; not a good idea! Well, not unless I have a yearning for first-degree burns and a trip to the dry cleaners, and second…Stake my claim? She’s not a piece of land.”
She brushes me off with a flick of her hand, “Please, you know what I mean. Liam, she’s a good girl, and you know she is perfect for you. Stop procrastinating and ask her out.” I know my mom’s right, and I should ask, soon.
“We have the camping trip this weekend. We will most likely be spending some time together; I promise, I will ask Gwen then.”
Her mouth curved in a full ear-to-ear smile, obviously satisfied with my plan. Now, here’s hoping that Gwen, will accept my invitation.
***
That night at home, I think more about Gwen and the camping trip, and start to get excited. This could be what we need, a secluded setting where we have no other choice but to get to know more about one another. My mother is right about one thing; Gwen is a good girl. A woman actually, one that got me curious about what could be.
As I am about to jump in the shower, my phone rings with a call from my mother.
“Hey Mom, miss me already.”
“Liam, honey, Grace’s father passed away.” I can hear the pain in her voice. “He suffered another massive heart attack, but didn’t make it this time.”
This is not good, poor Grace must be completely broken right now, “Is Thea with her?”
I can hear her take a deep breath to calm herself, “Yes, and your father and I are headed there now. Her mother and sister said they were not going up because there was no need to go, and of course, Grace is refusing to leave his side.”
I grab my clothes and get dressed, “I’ll meet you guys there. I know Kai won’t be able to get away, but I will see if Flynn can take over the rest of Ewan’s shift.”
“Thank you, love.”
She hangs up the phone, and I grab my keys and phone, to call Flynn. He lets me know he has no problem filling in. I then call Ewan.
“Hey, Liam, what’s up?” Ewan answers.
“Ewan, Grace’s father, passed away. Mom and Dad are already on
their way to Gary General, and I am leaving now. Flynn is willing to step in if you want to come with me.”
There is only silence for a moment, and then a whisper, “How’s Princess?” his voice filled with worry.
“She’s not dealing with it very well.” I know he was hoping for reassurance that she is ok, but this is all I could give him.
“I’m coming.” He hangs up the phone, and I head to the station to pick him up.
***
We get to the hospital in Gary and meet up with our parents in the waiting room. Thea must be with Grace; I know she will not leave Grace's side until she knows she’s Okay.
“How is she?” Ewan is the first to speak.
The whole drive here he was silent, I could see that he was fighting back his emotions; mostly anger-filled, after I told him that Grace’s Mom and Sister said they weren’t going up. My father pulls my mother into his arms, when she tries to reply, but can’t control the sobs.
“She’s not well, Son. That little girl is hurting, and those good for nothing mother and Sister of hers are only adding to her pain.” I can hear the contempt in my father’s voice when he mentions her Mom and Sister.
Ewan runs his hand down his face; it’s evident that he wants to find Grace, but not sure if it’s his place. I rest my hand on his shoulder, to tell him I would go with him, but Thea enters the room, her arm draped around Grace holding her up. Grace’s eyes are bloodshot and swollen, and her body is trembling. Without hesitation, Ewan walks over and picks Grace up, cradling her delicately, one arm around her back and one under her knees. He walks to the nearest chair and sits with her in his lap, stroking for hair and whispering ‘it will be ok Princess.’ She nuzzles her face into his neck, tears still streaming down her face. The more she cries, the more secure Ewan’s hold on her becomes. I turn to my mother and notice that her sobs have subsided as she looks to my brother while he comforts and starts to calm Grace with his words.
“She said she’s not going to have a funeral.” We all turn to Grace’s barely audible voice. “She said that her and my sister, have plans for the long weekend and they won’t cancel.” Ewan’s body goes rigid, and his eyes darken with pure rage.
My mother must notice, because she is instantly at their side, a hand resting on Grace’s shoulder. “You don’t worry about that, my love, we will make sure that he has a proper burial, whether they want one or not. We will honor his memory, I promise!” Grace looks to my mother, offering a smile of appreciation.
***
The rest of the week went by as expected. My mother helped Grace plan a small Memorial Service for her father, with quite a few of the people from town, showing up to pay their respects. It was no surprise her mother and sister, were not in attendance. The morning after his passing they boarded a plan for a getaway to the Caribbean.
Today we leave for the camping weekend; with everything at the station kind of at a standstill, it worked out well, and my brothers and I are now at my parents loading up the vehicles.
“Did you pack the tents, Ewan?” Kai asks with a snicker.
“You know, it was as much me, as it was all of you. I wasn’t the only one who forgot things.” Ewan tries to defend.
I look to the vehicles; it seems we have everything, “What about Gwen and Ati, do they have everything they’ll need?”
Kai slaps a hand on my shoulder, “No worries little man, I took care of her.” A suggestive smirk crawls over his face.
“Whatever, I was serious.” I sneer removing his hand; he knows those comments get me going.
“Yeah, I know, but I love the look on your face, when I imply there was more.”
Ben jumps in, thinking I’m about to put a beat down on Kai, “We took them out last week, and got them all set up. Man, those two girls love to shop, I am pretty sure, Gwen and Ati could outfit their own Outdoors Pro Shop.” He shakes his head remembering, as he closes up the SUV.
“Grace and Thea went to help Ati load up Gwen’s car, while she finishes up at the salon. They’ll be meeting us up there.” Kai adds, “It’s good Mom convinced Gracie to come, she shouldn’t be at home alone; this weekend will be good for her.” Nodding in agreement, I have a feeling this weekend is going to be good all around.
Chapter Eleven
-Gwen-
Finishing my last client for the evening, I realize, this will be my first time closed for the weekend since I took over the salon. Typically, it’s my busiest time. However, my clients didn’t seem to mind, they all were all happy to see I was getting away for a bit. I’m super excited for the weekend! I haven’t been camping for many years, the last time being with Papa, which was in a cabin with electricity and running water. Ben and Kai informed me, that was not camping, and they were going to give me an authentic camping experience.
I close up the shop, putting up a sign saying 'closed until Tuesday,' for any walk-ins that may come by. Ati, Thea, and Grace, already have the car loaded and are waiting in the parking lot. I left it with Ati this morning, so they could get everything ready to go as soon as I was done. Hopping in the passenger side of the car, the girls are giddy with excitement.
“Did you grab a bag of clothes for me to change into?” It’s about a four-hour drive; dress slacks and a button up aren’t the most comfortable road trip attire.
“Yep, in the back.” Ati motions behind her.
“Perfect. If you take the first little bit, I will take over once you start to get tired.” Ati nods her head. Grace passes me my bag, and I try to, as discreetly as possible, change in the front seat.
“So, are you super excited, Gwen?” Thea asks, giving me a friendly poke in the shoulder to grab my attention.
Turning in my seat, I face the back, “Actually, yes, I am. Kai was saying this will be the first year you all will be going as well.”
Thea’s face beams with delight, “Yeah, usually it’s a boy’s weekend, but this year they all decided it would be fun to have everyone come along.” Turning to Ati, “Did you ever get to go camping with that fancy boarding school, Ati?”
Ati lets out a chuckle, “The most roughing I ever did was when my friends and I would sneak out of the dorms, and hit the Favelas.”
“Favelas? As in Brazil?” Grace asks a little confused.
Realizing that Thea meant the boarding school in Gary, Ati shoots me a look of worry. I shrug as to indicate she can’t cover up that slip.
“Um, yeah. I was raised in Brazil until I was fourteen, at the International school there.” She says, keeping it brief, hoping it would save her from them asking anymore, but it only seemed to pique their curiosity further.
“You don’t have an accent or anything…can you speak their language?” Thea inquires.
Ati’s shoulders tense up, “Uh, the school I went too, teaches the curriculum in English and Portuguese, so I was able to work on my English while I went to school, and lived there.”
This is not going well, who knows where their questions will lead. I need to change the subject…fast. “So, this campsite, are there bears and stuff?”
Grace and Thea let out a laugh, “Probably!” Thea claims.
I turn in my seat quickly, “Really?”
“It’s all good; I’m pretty sure Li, will protect you.” That has all three of the girls in hysterics.
“Say something in Portuguese.” Thea directs to Ati.
Ati, lets out a breath, “Eu tenho uma boca grande, quero rastejar em um buraco e morrer.”
“What does that mean?” Grace asks,
Ati quickly replies, “I am so excited! This weekend is going to be fun.”
I look over at Ati, who is focusing on the road ahead. When Ati came to live with me, I decided I was going to fill her in on everything I had learned about my past and hers. One interesting thing we came to discover was we shared another mutual acquaintance. Aunt Agatha, or Agata Rodriguez. Aunt Agatha was born to a very wealthy family in Brazil and met Uncle Martin when he was working for the U.S. Embassy there
as an intern. It’s Aunt Agatha’s family who helped raise Ati. So, when Aunt Agatha would go to visit, she would spend time with her. One of the games Aunt Agatha used to play with me was to see how many languages I could learn; Naturally one being Portuguese. So, needless to say; Ati knows I am fully aware that is 'not' what she said; It went more like, ‘I have a big mouth, and I want to crawl into a hole and die.’
The rest of the drive was uneventful. Ati and I switched, so I could drive the last couple of hours, while she got some sleep along with the other two. We reached the secluded campsite at around nine at night, and everyone had already arrived a few hours before, so the tents were already set up. Thankfully, I had left my tent with Kai and Ben. Ati wanted a bigger tent, that way the girls could be with us, so it’s going to be a slumber party kind of weekend.
The girls jump out of the car and immediately gravitate toward the fire already going. Kai and Ben come over to help me offload the car.
“We thought you guys got lost,” Ben mentions as he reaches in the back for some of the bags.
“Those girls have bladders the size of peas; we ended up having to make a couple of pit stops,” I reply
Kai comes over and gives me a side hug, “Glad you’re finally here, now the weekend can officially start.
Liam makes his way over to help, “Hey you! How was the drive up?”
I look over to Liam, and he is, as always, gorgeous standing there in a fitted grey t-shirt and dark wash jeans that hug his thighs and butt perfectly.
“Hey, it was good. The girls kept things entertaining.” He lets out a soft chuckle and nods, as he grabs the last of the stuff from my car.
I shut the trunk, then grab my purse and make my way over. As I get closer, I notice Liam, side by side with his arm around a petite, and stunning redhead. I stop for a moment, and I take her in, as she looks up to him with warm eyes. Are they together? They can’t be, didn’t he recently break it off with Emily? Then again, he had asked me on a date, which never happened. Maybe he moved on. I don’t know what to do, how am I going to go through a whole weekend of watching them together? Then I remember my offer for him to come in the other night when he dropped me off; so now to my jealousy, let's add embarrassment. He probably thought I was trying to seduce him, and he already had a girlfriend…I am such a tool. I want to jump back in my car and go home.
Liam & Gwen - Entirely Yours: A Romance Novel (The Adair Series Book 1) Page 10