After a quick call to his secretary to clear his schedule, we settled onto the sofa beneath the bay window in his study. I loved this room, with its abundant light and soft colors. We laughed and spoke of events going on in the city. Eventually, we decided to attend a street festival happening around the corner. Never once did he question me about where Zach was or what he would think. It was just my dad and myself, enjoying the different merchants and the arts and crafts they sold. As we visited the last booth, the rich smell of cooking food caught our attention. Dad said there was a little diner just up the block, so we began to make our way in that direction.
The diner was more of a sports bar, complete with pool tables and a plethora of television screens covering the walls. I found an empty booth and slid into the seat. The men sitting at the bar were laughing as they told tales of women and war, each trying desperately to out tell the guy next to him. I enjoyed people like this, they were real and genuine. The man behind the bar took our request for draft beers and delivered them with a smile. Dad ordered the largest hamburger they had on the menu and I followed with chicken wings.
"To more days with my beautiful girl." My father toasted, holding his glass high. I smiled as I accepted, clinking my glass and then nearly devouring the cold beverage. Dad leaned back, his face telling me the quiet and gentle part of our day was about to end. He wasn't a stupid man; he knew I would have a motive for showing up on his doorstep at the crack of dawn. However, a man yelling, "turn it up" from the back of the bar caused both of us to look at the massive television screen hanging behind the bar.
Breaking news flashed across the screen. A man in a suit with a microphone in hand filled the picture, while his lips moved as he motioned to the events happening behind him. The barman turned and pointed the remote to the screen and the indicator at the bottom showed the level of the volume increased. A hush came over the bar as the newscaster began his tale.
"Police are reporting a man’s naked body was found by hotel staff at approximately eight this morning. The coroner's office reports they have a positively identified the man as Ethan Porter, a Colorado Springs native. Investigators have not released any information on how Mr. Porter died, however foul play is not suspected."
My father picked up his phone and started making calls, talking about autopsies and the grand jury. Reaching into my back pocket, I retrieved my own phone and powered it up, the signals of awaiting messages sounded in repeat succession. All appeared to be from Zach, but the last one caught my attention and held it.
Baby, please call me, we need to talk.