Page 75 of Brandishing Betrayals

Disbelief and astonishment flashed across my face before I schooled myself. “Never mind.” I shook my head and turned away.

“Wait,” Marcos said. “He can hang with me today.”

I walked over to Luke like I didn’t hear Marcos, shutting him out. “Luke, buddy,” I said, getting his attention. “I’ve gotta go, your grandma needs me. Your dad said you can hang with him today. There are extra clothes in your bag, and your phone. I will call you later on, ok?”

Luke grinned brightly and nodded. “Of course! Thanks mom!” He wrapped me in a bear hug.

I hugged him back and pressed a kiss to his forehead before I turned and walked away, not looking at either of the men standing with my son.

Slade caught up to me quickly. “Come on, I’ll drive you.”

I shook my head. “I need my car. I’m ok to drive. Just follow me.” I glanced at her.

“Of course.”

Maya

My parents’ house was already crawling with emergency responders when I drove up. I wasn’t able to pull in the driveway due to all the vehicles, so I parked as close as I could and ran the rest of the way to the house.

“Mom?” I called out, as I ripped open the front door.

My mother was standing in the living room, talking to uniformed officer, with the hospice nurse, Clarice, was standing beside her. “What happened?” I asked, interrupting the conversation.

Elaine turned to me, teary eyed, and reached for me. “He just stopped breathing. I went to start breakfast and was gone maybe ten minutes. No longer than we’d usually leave him and he stopped breathing in that time.”

I hugged my mother tightly. “It’s ok, it’s ok.” I murmured soothingly to her, rubbing her back as tears fell down her face.

Clarice met my eye over my mother’s shoulder. “This was always going to happen. We can’t predict these things.” She spoke calmly and soothingly.

I nodded and closed my eyes, hugging my mother as the tears poured down my own face. I knew that, had known that, but still it felt too soon. I looked over at the police officer who was pocketing his notepad. “Everything ok?” I asked.

He nodded, “Yes, it’s routine that we come when there’s a death involved, even with hospice. After the speaking with the nurse, I’ve got everything I need. I am very sorry for your loss.” The officer headed toward the door and walked out of the house.

I nodded once. “Thank you.” I turned to look down the hall toward her parents’ bedroom as I pulled away from my mother. Slade shifted in the living room and I sought her out. “Slade, shit.” I sighed. “You don’t have to stay. Thank you for following me. I appreciate it.”

“No, no.” Slade shook her head. “You do whatever you need to. I’ll be here if you need anything.” She picked up my book from the couch and held it up. “I’ll be good.”

I nodded absently and turned back to the hallway, mustering up the courage to walk that way.

“His body is still there. You can say good-bye if you’d like. It’ll be a while yet before the coroner will be here to pick up his body,” Clarice said gently.

I walked slowly toward my parents’ bedroom, wondering what I might find. The first thing I noticed was the window was open.Why was the window open?

My father looked peaceful though, so I supposed that was a plus. His once handsome face was lined with wrinkles and gray in pallor. Other than that, he looked peaceful, like he had just fallen asleep. I took the chair next to his bed and slid my hand into his. His skin was cool and his fingers stiff as rigor mortis was setting in already.

I bowed my head over his hand and let the sobs take me. I knew this moment was coming, but it still wasn’t easy.

Marcos

IfrownedasIreadMaya’s text.

Maya:

Hey, sorry to run after the game. My mom had called. My dad passed away.

“Is that Maya?” Nico asked.

The three of us had headed back to my small apartment with Luke after the game. We had stopped at the store to pick him upsome clothes to keep at my place, and then Luke hit the shower right when we got back.

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