“Good. Glad that’s settled. Now, for work. I’m setting up a shoot in Vietnam. I’m aiming for four weeks from now. How does that sound?”
“Seriously?”
“Yes. We’ll go to the Red River Delta Biosphere Reserve to shoot some birds, mainly threatened species. I’m interested in the Japanese paradise flycatcher, among others. They migrate in the spring so that’s why we need to make this in a hurry.”
This was amazing, much more than I’d expected. “I would love to go. You name the day and I’m ready.”
“We need visas and I’m assuming you have a valid passport.”
“Yes on the passport, but I’ve never had a visa.”
“Then let’s get started on it.”
This was the chance of a lifetime. I’d actually get to see him at work in the field, something I’d only dreamed of. We talked more about the trip, the cities we’d visit and where we’d stay. This was his fourth trip there and he loved the country.
“The food is different but good. We’ll take some protein bars just in case you don’t like it. I always find they come in handy when traveling to different countries.”
“Will your wife go?”
He chuckled. “Not this time. She’s traveled with me some, and she’s been there twice so she’s not interested. I tried to talk her into it, but nothing doing.”
“Tell her thank you from me.”
I was still walking on clouds when we got back to the office. Nothing would take me out of this happy mood.
Until my phone rang and I saw it was my mom. She never called. My first inclination was to let it go to voicemail, but I answered.
“Tristian, this is your mother.”
Duh, like I didn’t know. Before I could respond, she added, “You need to come home. Your father and Stanton were involved in an accident.”
“An accident?”
“Isn’t that what I said?”
“Yes, ma’am. Are they okay?”
“Tristian, if they were okay, I wouldn’t be calling you. Come home this instant.”
She hung up. Nothing else. I had no idea if they were even alive.
“Is everything all right?” Beck’s voice came from over my shoulder.
“Um, sorry. No, it’s not. I have to go home. My father and brother were in an accident.”
“That’s terrible. Go. I hope they’re okay. Just keep me informed.”
Shaking my head, I said, “Yeah.” Then I glanced up and added, “I’ll call as soon as I know something.”
“By the way, where is home?”
“It’s here. My family lives up in Sandy Springs.”
“Good. At least they’re not far.”
I got into my car and headed north to my family’s home. It wasn’t something I looked forward to.
Chapter Six
English
Looking around, I noticed Tristian was gone. “Did you talk to him? Where is he?”
“He got a phone call and left. Apparently his father and brother were in some kind of an accident. He’s supposed to call and let me know the situation.”
My palm pressed against my chest. “Oh, God, that’s horrible. I hope they’re okay.” Now I felt awful for calling him an ass. I didn’t like the guy, but that didn’t mean I wanted bad things to happen to him.
“Don’t.”
“Don’t what?”
“I know what you’re thinking. You called him out for his rude behavior. Now you’re feeling bad about it.”
“Dad, stop reading my mind.”
He chuckled. “If only I had that skillset. It would’ve helped immensely raising you kids. I just know you and that expression you’re wearing explains it all.”
“Well, I do feel terrible now. He didn’t need that piled on his plate.”
Dad tipped my chin up. “Will this make you feel better, munchkin? I asked him to go to Vietnam with me.”
“You did? You must think very highly of him.”
“I have a good feeling about him. But I did tell him you’re the boss around here.”
That had my mouth curling into a grin. “You didn’t. I bet he didn’t take it well.”
“Actually, he was okay with it. I told him to kiss and make up.”
I punched Dad in the gut. “You better not have or I’ll strangle you.”
My dad thought he was so funny, but the last thing I wanted was anything to do with that twathead. He might be cool to my dad, but I wasn’t going to risk having another butthole in my life.
Anndddd… speak of the devil. Dad and I were in the hallway, which opened to the front of the office. We didn’t have a waiting room, per se, because our business didn’t lend itself to that. But the buzzer on the door rang and I glanced up to see Stuart amble in.
“Oh, for fuck’s sake,” Dad mumbled.
“Hey, is it okay to come in?” Stuart asked from down the hall.
“A little late to ask that, isn’t it?” Dad countered.
Stuart glanced around and smiled a bit sheepishly. “Uh, yeah, I suppose so.”
Being a bit more welcoming, I stepped forward to greet him. “What brings you this way?”
“Actually, I don’t work far from here. If you recall, the family business is downtown so I thought I’d drop by to see if you’ve given any more thought to my request.” Stuart was from a family of attorneys and they owned a law firm.
“Did you ever go to law school?” I asked.
“Sure did, which is another reason I’m back.”
Dad stood like a sentry, arms crossed, legs spread, with a scowl to ward away any evil spirits that might be lurking nearby. One thing about my father was he had serious protective instincts. Stuart’s intentions had better be on the up and up or he’d have Beckley Bridges to answer to.
“Why don’t you step into my office so we can discuss this further?”
I didn’t think it possible, but Dad’s scowl became a death glare. Whoa. He did not like this situation one bit.
We took seats, me in my big comfy chair and Stuart in the extra one I had in there, which was hardly ever used, except by Easton.
“So?” Stuart’s brows rose with his question.
“Supervised visits in a public place for one hour, two at the very most, starting with a couple of times a month. If she is to get to know you, it has to begin slowly. I’d also like to bring my mom along.”
“I can live with that. English, the ball’s in your court.”
“I know that. When would you like to start?”
“As soon as possible.”
Why did my head throb all of a sudden? I’d been perfectly fine before we began this conversation. Was this an omen? Rubbing my temples, I sighed. “School nights are out. It’s a rush to get everything done and then, before I know it, it’s bedtime. How about this weekend? Saturday?”
“Name the place and time and I’ll be there.”
“Buddy’s Pizza. It’s over near the mall.”
“I’ve seen it.”
“She loves that place because they have all sorts of games and toys she can win. We’ll let her play some and then eat.”