Page 32 of Savage Peril

The Italian place had a welcoming atmosphere and was decorated in a trendy style. The chef changed the menu on a regular basis. Lori had eaten there on a few occasions, and she hoped that beet spaghetti was on the list for lunch. It tasted much better than it sounded, and her mouth watered as she recalled the amazing flavors.

The interior had low lighting from bulbs strung across the cork ceiling, and the walls were paneled in dark wood. A single daisy was in a tiny glass vase on each table, adding to the upbeat mood of the place. Sheldon had already found a table, so he waved her over. He had come from his office and wore a suit and tie.

Sheldon stood to hug Lori then sat across from her. “It’s good to see you. I trust that you’ve been doing well.”

Lori felt awkward sharing how she really felt. Growing up, her uncle had been a part of her life, but she wasn’t that close to him. After her mother had died, Sheldon had paid more attention to the relationship with her father, which had been a good thing.

Lori sometimes forgot that they were only half-brothers. Sheldon had the Italian looks of his father, in contrast to her father’s fair hair and blue eyes. But the relationship had been welcomed, and Lori had been glad that her father had close family.

Sheldon ordered a beer, but Lori stuck to iced tea. It wouldn’t do to return to the clinic with alcohol on her breath. While the pasta dishes were prepared, a basket of bread was served.

The restaurant was busy and appeared filled to capacity. “It’s good you got here early, or we might have had to wait.”

“I’ll have you back in time,” Sheldon said. For a few minutes, he talked about investments he had managed recently. Lori didn’t understand much about investment banking, but it was interesting.

“Am I boring you?” Sheldon said.

“Not at all; it’s just that I don’t have much to contribute. I’m not savvy about high finance.”

The meals were served, so there was a break in the conversation while they ate. Lori enjoyed her food, but the prospect of the upcoming discussion loomed over her.

“I’ve been doing all the talking,” Sheldon said. “Tell me what’s new with you.”

Lori tried to view her uncle as a father figure, to tell herself that he would understand, yet trepidation filled her heart. She was about to tell Sheldon that she intended to exhume the body of his younger brother—and worse, what her suspicions were.

“I have to tell you something, and I want you to let me finish before you ask questions.”

“That sounds serious,” Sheldon said.

Lori explained what she planned to do and why. She watched his expression for any sign of what he thought. At one point, Sheldon looked surprised, which she fully expected. But he gave her a chance to talk without interrupting.

When she was finished, Sheldon took a sip of his beer but didn’t say a word.

“I’m sorry,” Lori said. “If there was any other way…”

Sheldon’s expression softened. “Did you think I would react badly, because of my relationship with your father?”

“You would have every right.”

“I lost a brother,” Sheldon said. “I still grieve as you do. But my concern is for you, and the emotional turmoil that what you’re proposing will put you through.” He reached across to squeeze Lori’s hand. “Your father loved you. He wouldn’t want that for you. If I knew him at all, I know that he would want you to let this go and move on with your life. He would be dismayed if his passing created such a burden on you.”

“But what if my suspicions are true?” Lori said. “I don’t believe my father would want his murderer to go free—if there is one.”

“Do you really believe that?” Sheldon said. “Your father was loved and respected. I can’t conceive of anyone who would harm him, can you?”

“No, I can’t,” Lori said. “But I can’t forget about this either.”

“Of course not,” Sheldon said. “But promise me that you’ll let me help. He was my brother, so you shouldn’t deal with this alone. I’m aware that there must be costs, and I can share those. But most of all, I want you to feel that you can come to me…if you need anything.”

Lori was relieved that her uncle didn’t object, that he was only worried about her. “I can’t tell you how much that means to me.”

Sheldon insisted on driving Lori back to the clinic and walking her in. He often dropped by to say hello to the staff, and if Matt was around, they would chat. Lori accepted the ride back, since she had taken a longer lunch than planned. She had to return before her first patient arrived.

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