Page 84 of Destiny
“What are you doing down here on a weekday anyway?” I ask.
“Just some paperwork for Rory’s holiday concert. You’ll be there, right?”
“Yes, of course. I wouldn’t miss it.”
“Good, because we have a special guest coming.”
“Oh? Who?”
“We’re keeping it under wraps. But believe me, you don’t want to miss it.”
Normally I would press Brock for details, but my mind is elsewhere right now.
“You want to stop in the bar for a drink?”
“No, thank you.” I don’t want to see Brendan, and Brendan will be at the bar.
“If it makes a difference, Brendan’s not there.”
I pop my eyes open. “What?”
“Yeah, apparently he’s taking a few days off. Doing something with his dad. He’s got Johnny and Laney working double shifts, and he brought in temps.”
“Why would he take time off during the same time I’m taking time off?”
“Hell if I know. It’s weirder that you don’t know. Can I tempt you with a libation now?”
“Yeah, sure.” I grab Brock’s arm. “Let’s go have that drink.”
It’s early yet, just after four, so the bar isn’t overly busy. I order a mineral water while Brock has a bourbon.
“Where’s Rory?”
“She’s back at the cinema, working with Jesse on the sound and lighting for the concert.”
“Boy, I guess that’s only a week away, isn’t it?”
“Yeah, I had to pull some strings. Jenny at the cinema wanted to start her holiday film fest on that day, but I talked her out of it.”
“Using your usual charm.”
“If you say so, cuz.”
“I’m wondering…” I fiddle with my bracelets. “What haven’t you told me about the stuff happening on our property?”
Brock shifts his gaze to the wooden bar. “I’ve told you pretty much everything. I mean, you knoweverythingnow, right?”
“I know about my father. About his biological mother. About Pat Lamone. About…everything.”
“Lamone’s an ass.”
“I agree with you, but I found out something about his birth that’s kind of sad.”
“What’s that?”
“He’s the product of rape. Lauren Wingdam was raped by three men and left pregnant.”
Brock widens his eyes. “Wow. I guess that explains why she couldn’t keep him.”