Page 24 of Galen's Redemption
“You’ve never heard of a chili dog?” He shook his head. “Sometimes, Gale, I just don’t understand you.” He leaned in. “So, where’d you hear about chili?”
Memories of sitting down with Robert in the little hole-in-the-wall cafe flooded Galen’s mind. The things Robert had said, that Galen had steadfastly denied. Now they were all coming true.He was afraid to see Robert again because he’d probably lord it over him.
“The guy I went after the night we went out? He took me to Real Chili.”
A strangled laugh escaped from Andy. “Youwent to Real Chili? Seriously?”
“Hey! I’ve eaten in Lincoln’s diner. It’s not like that kind of stuff is totally foreign to me.”
Andy gave a dismissive wave. “The only reason you went to the Park View wasto see your brother. For some reason, you can’t stand that he’s not talking to you.”
Galen drew in a deep breath. Andy wasn’t wrong. Okay, so he and Lincoln didn’t always see eye to eye, but Galen still cared about him. Lincoln had always been there for Galen, even when he was behaving like a total shit. But Galen had to keep pushing, and he wondered if it was because he needed to drive everyoneaway that was important in his life.
Andy tilted his head. “How about grilled cheese? I might not be able to cook like Lincoln, but I can make that.”
“No, it’s okay. I’ll—”
“Sit down, Gale. Let me make you something to eat.” Andy stuck his lip out, but this time it was for fun. “Please.”
“Okay, thank you.”
Andy grinned. “I’ve got a better idea. Since you’re expanding your palate, let’s trymacaroni and cheese.”
“Sounds great.” It didn’t really. Galen’s stomach was still aching. “You know, I appreciate you coming over.”
“Yes, so you’ve said.” Andy went into the refrigerator and started pulling things out. “So what’s really wrong?”
“I’m not sure. My stomach has been all twisted up for a bit. I need to make an appointment with the doctor soon.”
Andy peered at him. “Can I make anobservation?”
“Go ahead.”
“You haven’t been the same since your falling out with Lincoln. Are you feeling guilty?”
Galen snorted. “Why should I feel guilty?”
But maybe Andy was right. The gnawing ache in Galen’s stomach started after he’d yelled at Robert. Then again, heshouldfeel guilty. He’d taken money from the homeless shelter, doing his father’s bidding once more, only to find out hewas being used. How fucking sick was the old man? And worse, Galen was still making it about himself and not the people he’d wronged.
The phone rang, and when Galen looked at the caller ID, he groaned.
“It’s them.”
Andy stopped what he was doing and leaned against the counter. “Don’t answer it.”
What good would that do? Galen had seen his father in action too many times to think that ignoringthe call would make things better.
He swiped his finger across the screen, then held the phone up to his ear. “Hello?”
“Mr. Merriweather, this is Dale Scott, attorney for Jonathan Merriweather.”
Galen bit back a nasty retort about how he, of course, knew who the man was. “I’ve known you for years, Mr. Scott. No need to be formal now.”
“I’m afraid that things must be kept strictly business,Mr. Merriweather. As I represent your father, I have to ensure his needs are met.”
“Okay, fine. Let’s get this over with, then. What’s he going to try to do to me?”
Mr. Scott sighed. “Pursuant to your termination of employment, Mr. Merriweather has instructed our firm to take the following actions. Firstly, we are seeking an injunction to seize your assets until such time as a full accountingcan take place. This includes, but is not limited to, all bank accounts, property holdings, and other funds as allowed by the courts. This will also include any monies you’ve already attempted to place in other accounts. In regards to your current residence, as your father cosigned the loan, he has petitioned the court to sever that relationship as well. He… He’s paying the remainder of the moneyand will take possession of the property. You will be given thirty days to vacate.”
