Liar's Fire: A Cooper Brothers Novel

by Dee Burks

“If she could get some cash out of it, yeah, but there’s nothing to get.”

  “Nothing? No insurance?”

  “Not that I know of.”

  “And I suppose all the paperwork you had went up in the fire?”

  Tyler sat up straighter. “No. It’s all at Serena’s. I cleaned out the office like you told me to.”

  “Great. Maybe we can find something.”

  Tyler flipped open his cell phone. By now, Serena had to be wondering where he was.

  She picked up on the first ring. “Tyler? Are you all right?” Her voice sounded worried and tired.

  “Yeah. How’s Justin?”

  “He’s fine. They should release him later this morning. Are you sure you’re all right?”

  “Jeff’s here. We’re heading to the house.”

  “Great. We should be there soon.”

  Tyler said goodbye and hung up. She didn’t seem the least bit surprised that Jeff had arrived. He glanced at his brother. “Did Serena call you?”

  “No. She threatened me.” He grinned. “That’s some lady you got there.”

  Tyler nodded, the smile fading from his face. He loved Serena, but had nothing to offer, not even a way to support himself. She was quite a lady.

  And one he’d never forget.

  Chapter 31

  Serena glanced over at her son as they drove out of the hospital parking lot. “You still with me?”

  Justin turned droopy eyes toward her. “Yeah. That stuff they gave me hasn’t worn off yet.”

  They drove in silence a minute. Serena had thought about what she wanted to say to him all night. “I’m sorry I got so upset about the college thing.”

  Justin smiled. “I guess I kind of dropped it on you, didn’t I. It’s not that big a deal anyway.”

  “Yes it is. If this is what you want, then that’s fine with me.”

  “Really?”

  She could tell he tried to temper his excitement, but failed. His heart was set on it. “Really.”

  “That’s awesome.” He grinned. “I should have a near death experience more often.”

  “Don’t even think about it.” Serena felt the tension between them slip away, back into the comfortable relationship she’d always had with her son.

  “I have a little confession to make.” Justin squirmed a little. “I planted those condoms.”

  “You what?” Serena glared at the road. “Why would you do that?”

  “See if you were paying attention, I guess.” He shrugged. “And you were.”

  “How did you know I found them?”

  “One day a couple of weeks ago, I was talking to Debbie at the restaurant, and Tyler pulled me aside and gave me this big responsibility speech. When I went home, I noticed the box had been put in the drawer backwards from how I had it. It didn’t take much to figure out.”

  A weight lifted from Serena’s shoulders. Tyler knew she’d chickened out numerous times about having this discussion with Justin. But Tyler treated him like his own son, and this time she was grateful for his concern and intervention. “So there is no girlfriend?”

  “Not yet, but I’m hopeful. You gotta be prepared you know.” He gave a wide yawn and scooted down in the seat to doze. “Mom?”

  “Yes.”

  “Thanks.”

  She smiled. “You can go back to bed as soon as we get home, Romeo.”

  They rode in silence a while. Finally Serena cleared her throat. “There’s something else.”

  Justin glanced over at her. “What?”

  “That whole ‘whose my dad’ thing.”

  His brows arched in attention.

  “Well,” she took a deep breath. “The real reason I haven’t told you who he is, is because I don’t exactly know.”

  “What does that mean?”

  “I was pretty wild when I was your age, and I did a lot of things that I’m not real proud of—and more that I don’t even remember.”

  Justin chuckled, “Now that’s funny, my mom, the Wonder Ho.”

  “Well, yeah, sort of.” She smiled.

  “No sweat, Mom, no one is perfect.”

  “No we’re not,” she reached over and squeezed his hand, “but I think it turned out well.”

  “Me too.”

  The relief of letting go of that burden flooded through her. Justin hadn’t even cared, yet she’d stewed about what he might think for years. It seemed so silly now. Home beckoned like paradise. Serena’s neck still hurt from the few hours’ sleep gained sitting in the hospital chair. A long hot bath, maybe a short nap, and she’d be good to go. The fact that Jeff had shown up relieved some of the stress. He’d know what to do to help Tyler.

  She clicked off a list in her mind as she drove. There would be meetings to schedule at work Monday. They’d have to decide on a statement concerning “Lone Star Love Affair.” Hopefully Nolea already had some ideas. Serena would definitely have to talk to Uncle Frank. They couldn’t ignore the “Lone Star Farce” accusation, but they could put a positive spin on it. After all, what started as a farce had actually turned into a real love affair. Maybe a little dose of the truth was in order.

  The conversation with Macy whirled through her thoughts. Serena struggled with the knowledge that she had been wrong about Arlene all these years. The cross she’d clung to as a symbol of her mother’s abandonment had, in truth, been the most precious object Arlene possessed. The only thing left of the love she’d shared with Serena’s father. No matter what differences the two women had, the cross bound them together in their love for him and the deep loss they had endured in different but equally devastating ways.

  Serena thought about her mother, the things she’d said to her in anger, the years they’d missed. Tears sprang to her eyes. In a few weeks when things settled down, she’d set aside some time to talk to Arlene. Maybe come to an understanding if it wasn’t too late. She added that to her mental list.

  Serena parked in her drive and climbed out, frowning at the sleek Mercedes that sat in front of the house.

  “Who’s here?” Justin asked.

  “I’m not sure.” Tyler had said he’d be at the house. Where was the Jeep?

  She went in and stopped short at the sight of a man sitting at her table leafing through piles of invoices. “Excuse me? Can I help you with something?”

  The man looked up. Serena thought he seemed familiar. “I’m Jeff.” He stood and walked to her with an outstretched hand. “Jeff Cooper.”

  He could be Tyler’s reverse twin. Jeff’s dark hair and eyes seemed the only difference between the two.

  “Thanks for getting here so quickly.” She shook his hand, taking note of the expensive watch and high quality shirt. He looked like a guy who drove a Mercedes. “Where’s Tyler?”

  “He’s cleaning up.”

  She nodded and headed down the hallway, leaving Jeff and Justin to make their own introductions.

  Tyler sat on the bed, his hair still wet from the shower. He struggled to bandage his hands.

  “Need some help, cowboy?” she asked.

  “If you don’t mind.” He gave her a small smile as she took the roll of tape from him and unwrapped what he’d started.

  She knelt in front of him and looked at his hands, still red and raw from the burns. “Are you all right? You look tired.” And he did. Both eyes wore smudges of exhaustion underneath.

  He nodded. “Nothing that won’t heal. How’s Justin?”

  “He’s fine.” She noticed he avoided looking at her. Serena sensed his withdrawal. The devastation and loss of his business had to be heartwrenching.

  “How did it go with the police?” she asked as she rewrapped.

  “Interesting. Thanks for calling Jeff.”

  Serena could tell from his tone that he didn’t want to talk about the fire, and she knew this wasn’t the time to push for information. She wanted to say something reassuring, make Tyler feel more than utter hopelessness, but she couldn’t think of one positive thing.

 
“Why is Jeff going through your old records?” she asked.

  “He’s looking for an insurance invoice or payment. I told him it was a long shot. I don’t remember one.”

  Serena frowned. “Me neither, I wish we’d had time to get all that organized.”

  “Me, too.” He yawned.

  “Why don’t you lay down for a while, and I’ll help Jeff?”

  “Thanks.”

  She could hear the exhaustion creep into his voice; he seemed beyond thinking or worrying. She finished wrapping and laid the bandages aside. Tyler took her hand and cupped it inside both of his bandaged ones. He looked into her eyes. “You know I love you, right?”

  “I love you, too,” she whispered. His expression conveyed a sadness that pierced her heart. “Tyler, what’s wrong?”

  A knock sounded at the door.

  “Come in,” he said, once again avoiding her gaze, shutting her out.

  Justin pushed through the door, frowning at the bandages on Tyler’s palms. “You okay?”

  “Your mom fixed me up.” Tyler raised both hands. “Look, ready-made catcher’s mitts.”

  Justin and Tyler both laughed. The boy stared at the floor, his face coloring a bit. “I just wanted to say . . . you know,” he glanced at Tyler, “thanks.”

  “No problem. Glad you’re okay.”

  “Me, too.” Justin waved a goodbye, pulling the door closed.

  Serena gave Tyler a soft kiss. “Get some sleep.”

  He murmured an agreement and scooted back on the bed. She left the room quietly and stood outside the door for a minute. Taking a deep breath, she tried to calm her panic. She’d wanted him to say he loved her, but something wasn’t right. She believed he meant it and knew their relationship had developed into a deep, almost palpable bond. So much so, that she sensed his emotional distance no matter how small it may be. Why would he choose now to confirm his love for her, yet pull away at the same time?

  Maybe he was afraid she’d leave him now that everything he owned lay in a heap of ashes. Serena hoped that was not the case. Surely he knew she’d never walk away just because of this. She loved him, not what he had or didn’t have.

  Tyler had been through hell in the last 24 hours; they all had. He needed time to adjust and absorb all that had happened, and so did she. Maybe that was it.

  Hopefully he’d be ready to talk once he’d slept. If the fire had taught her anything, it was to hold on tight. She wasn’t about to let him go.

  Jeff gave a frustrated sigh as Serena entered the kitchen. “I can’t make heads or tails of this. Where’s a good accountant when you need one?”

  Serena glanced at the piles. “I haven’t made much progress either.” They needed help. “But I think I know someone who might be able to get it in order pretty quickly.”

  “Would you mind asking them?” Jeff turned a hopeful expression to her. “Chelsie called a minute ago. She heard about the fire this morning.”

  “Is she okay?”

  “She’s pretty upset. I told her I’d stop by her house for a few minutes this morning, but I didn’t tell her anything else.” He stood to leave.

  “What else is there?”

  Jeff lowered his voice. “They suspect arson, but they don’t know for sure yet. Tyler’s their prime suspect.”

  “How could they think that?” Her voice inched up a notch. “He wasn’t even there.”

  “Business partner blackmailing him, finances in ruin, his only alibi is a pretend girlfriend.” Jeff arched a brow at her in the exact same way that Tyler always did. “I need to get the story on that when I get back.”

  “You will,” she promised.

  A minute later, Jeff’s Mercedes pulled away, and she stood staring at the piles. Only one person could do this. Serena glanced at her phone. She’d planned to think things through, come up with what she really wanted to say, and gradually work up her nerve. But this was for Tyler, and time was running out. She picked up her phone and dialed.

  “Hello?” Arlene’s voice paused. “Hello?”

  Serena hesitated a moment, the emotion and guilt of the past threatening to overwhelm her. She cleared her throat, “Mom. I need your help.”

  Chapter 32

  As promised, Arlene arrived at Serena’s within 10 minutes. Serena held open the door for her and allowed the woman to catch her breath.

  How do I start this? Serena wondered. Arlene had been the enemy in her mind for almost 20 years, and now Serena wasn’t sure exactly how to climb the walls she’d erected in her heart. Arlene looked around the room and gave Serena a small smile. Was she just as nervous?

  “Thanks for coming.” Serena led the way to the kitchen giving herself time to think.

  She watched Arlene, who clutched her purse to her side as if expecting to be asked to leave at any moment. The last time they’d spoken wasn’t a pleasant memory. Serena feared the damage she’d inflicted might be insurmountable. Her mother might reject any attempt to reconcile, and Serena couldn’t blame her. She had literally kicked Arlene to the curb the other night.

  Maybe she should open with the problem at hand instead of the past. “Tyler’s financial information for the restaurant has to be put in some kind of order, by today if possible. The police think the fire is suspicious, and they have questioned him.”

  Arlene set her purse on the table. “Today? Oh my.”

  “I’m sorry for the short notice, but Tyler really needs the help.” Serena knew Arlene had a soft spot for him. “I’d hoped that maybe we could set aside our own issues for today and work on it together.”

  “Do you think that’s possible?”

  Was she asking or telling? Did Arlene want to come to an understanding or was she setting boundaries? Serena’s stomach churned. What if she’d really pushed Arlene too far? What if she’d lost the chance to try again? “I’d thought about calling you next week to invite you to lunch or something.”

  Arlene stared at her.

  Serena stammered. “If you’re interested. But if not, that’s okay, too.” And no less than she deserved.

  Arlene beamed. “I’d love to do lunch.”

  Relief escaped Serena in a rush of air. “Good. I know Tyler really appreciates you helping me get this done today too.”

  “I’m not doing this for Tyler; I’m doing it for you.”

  Serena’s emotions whirled again. At this rate, she’d be a blubbering fool in no time.

  “We can do it.” Arlene touched Serena’s arm. “Together.”

  The gesture sent a warm charge through Serena. She had gotten used to taking on the world. Doing things herself or doing without. But for once, it felt good to have an ally.

  “We also need to try and find some kind of reference to insurance or a premium payment or something.” She flipped through one of the piles.

  “Of course.” Arlene took her reading glasses out of her purse and slid them on, a determined gleam in her eyes. “Now, first things first. I’ll gather the invoices up in order, and you can start entering them into the computer.”

  Serena got her laptop and then followed Arlene’s instructions as they went along. The women worked in tandem for more than two hours, putting a large dent in the stacks.

  Arlene paused a moment, rubbing her eyes underneath the glasses.

  “Would you like a break?” Serena offered. ”A cup of coffee or tea maybe?”

  “Only if you’re having one.”

  Serena closed the laptop and stretched. “Definitely.” Within a few minutes, the coffee pot dripped into the waiting carafe. Strong hazelnut aroma wafted through the kitchen. An awkward silence nestled itself between them once again. Had it always been this bad? She had chosen to ignore it before, but now she was very aware of the fact they had nothing to talk about, nothing to share. Serena gathered two cups from the shelf as she searched for something to say, a question to ask, anything to break the quiet. “So, what are your plans once Macy’s radiation is finished?”

  “I don’t know. It�
�s not like she needs me around now, except to hear someone tell her how fabulous she looks every day.”

  Serena smiled. “She came by the hospital to see Justin.”

  “So did I.”

  Serena stopped in mid-pour. “You did? When?”

  “You were sleeping.”

  “Why didn’t you wake me?” She set a steaming cup in front of her mother. “I’m sure Justin would have been glad to see you.”

  “I didn’t want to intrude. I’ve never wanted to intrude.”

  Guilt twinged Serena’s conscience. How many other visits had Justin missed? Serena chose not to have a relationship with her mother, but Justin hadn’t been given the option of choosing not to have a grandmother.

  “I’m sorry about what I said the other night.” Serena expelled a breath full of years of pentup emotion. “And that I let things go on like this for so long. I’m sure you would have liked to see Justin grow up.”

  “Oh, but I did. I watched from a distance.” She cast a knowing glance at Serena’s confusion. “I went to his little league games and school plays. Do you remember the year he played a leaf? Must have been first or second grade.”

  “Second, he twirled until he fell off the stage.” Serena laughed. “I had no idea you were there.”

  “I know. Macy kept me up to date. As long as I stayed in the shadows, you didn’t get upset.”

  Serena stirred her coffee, guilt pressing in on her shoulders.

  “I hope you’re not upset at me now?” Arlene peered at her.

  “No.” She blinked at her mother, trying but failing to hold back her tears. “I just feel horrible that I forced you to sneak around like a criminal to see your grandson.”

  “Don’t fret over it, honey.” Arlene’s eyes glistened as she rubbed Serena’s arm. “It’s done and in the past. And I consider myself very lucky. I watched you grow too. Into a beautiful, smart, talented woman. You have done for yourself what I couldn’t seem to do while you were at home, no matter how hard I tried. You’ve become everything I ever hoped you’d be. I’m so proud of you.”

  Emotions tumbled inside Serena. The words seemed so easy for Arlene to say; why were they so hard for her to hear? She had wanted to be angry when Arlene sent her away. She needed to have a reason to fight the world and prove herself to everyone. But some small part of her heart knew the truth. She’d let her mother down. Pride demanded she turn her back on Arlene and everything she represented. It had taken almost 20 years for Serena to prove to herself that she could be the person her mother had always wanted her to be.