Page 32 of Unspoken Hearts
Grayson’s head drops, shaking again. “It’s not a small fix. The rafters fell down, too. They’ve rotted through, because it was already damaged.”
“Would Walter have insurance on it?” I question.
Grayson looks at Dad, who shrugs. “I doubt it. He didn’t even rent it out properly to Lucy. It was all cash.” He scratches at his head. “I’ll call him when we get there and know what we are dealing with.”
He goes to walk back inside when Grayson stands quickly. “Macie won’t like us going. She won’t want us to do this without her.”
Dad’s jaw ticks again as he looks at my brother before murmuring, “She might not like it, but it needs to be done. We’re not leaving her alone to deal with this, and if you think I will, then you haven’t grown up, Grayson. This is a serious matter.”
“And her aunt wasn't?” Grayson pushes, stepping closer to him.
“Her aunt leaving was bad, but I couldn’t do anything to stop Lucy from going. This time, I can help.” Then he corrects himself, “We’llallhelp.”
I clear my throat. “I’m sure Macie will understand, plus Dad already knowing Walter from our years of trading might make it easier.”
Grayson’s eyes search mine before he sighs. “All right. Let me tell her, though.” He disappears inside again.
I let out a breath.
Dad looks at me, grimacing. “Are youright to drive us?”
Mould and sodden wood are the first things I smell when we walk through the house. It’s old and small, but I can see pieces of Macie scattered around the space. Her clothes, some hair clips, a small trinket that Grayson brought back for her from the coast one holiday of a cow wearing gumboots. I remember the squeal that almost burst my ears when she opened it up, and hugging my brother who was wearing his ridiculous grin. I wanted to wipe it off him, but Macie’s excitement was more overpowering.
That grin is nowhere to be seen on Grayson’s face as we walk into the tiny living room. I’ve been in here a few times when we’ve come for Macie’s birthday or Axel’s basketball achievements, but it’s been at least a couple of months. Timber, plasterboard and metal sit in a pile on the carpet, crushing the couch, coffee table and whatever else is in here.
Tongue poking my cheek, I peer up at the clear hole in the roof. One of the rafters must have collapsed from the water, bringing everything else down with it. Heavy and normally sturdy, it’s now on the floor, covered in roofing and ceiling. Rain drops continue to fall from the torn plaster as I groan.
“It’s worse than I thought,” Dad murmurs. I nod in agreement.
Grayson’s mouth pulls tighter as he bends, sifting through the debris.
My fingers rub at the back of my neck as I wonder what Macie’s landlord will think. I just pray that she’s not blamed for this, although it wouldn’t surprise me. Walter has always been a strict man in all the times I’ve dealt with him.
“Do you think it’s repairable?” Grayson asks warily, standing once more and dusting off his hands.
Dad glances at him, and I can tell his answer just from the pull in his brows.
Grayson’s head tips forward before he slips his phone out of his pocket. “What’s the number? I can call him.”
“Let me. I deal with Walter more than you do,” Dad reassures him, grabbing his own phone and flicking through his contacts.
I wait silently with my hands in my pockets, heart feeling like it’s still being squeezed as the house creaks gently. Glancing around some more, my eyes land on a small photo frame that I haven’t seen before. The brass frame and the photo itself appears discoloured.
My boots squelch as I make my way over to get a better look. Macie is the first one I see, bright faced with curly hair reaching her shoulders. Her arms are around Axel’s neck, who looks considerably smaller, possibly around age five, which would make Macie around twelve. Both of them are smiling, like they’re happy to have each other, and it makes my chest swell.
Dad’s voice picks up behind me. “Walter, sorry for calling you this early.”
There’s a pause.
Turning back around, Grayson watches me as I return to the middle of the room to listen.
“I am calling on behalf of Macie Cambell, your tenant. There’s a problem with the house.”
Gaze drifting down to my boots, murky water rushes up from the brown carpet as I press down, avoiding Grayson’s round eyes.
“The storm has done a lot of damage, but the roof has caved in—”
I can’t make out Walter’s words, but they are louder this time as Dad waits patiently. Grayson runs a hand down his face, before he looks through the rubble again like he’s trying to find something.
