Page 22 of A Place Like You

“You know we can’t discuss our current situation just anywhere.” Cal’s response is measured, his gaze steady as he speaks. “This isn’t just some business we have to settle. It’s our future, and we have to be careful as to who we share any information with.”

I sigh, a mix of resignation and anticipation intertwining within me. “Fine,” I comply, my voice tinged with a hint of weariness.

Once we’re on our way to where his mother is currently staying, I say, “By the way, I’m positive that I got the job at the clinic.” This might have nothing to do with what we’ll be discussing later, but I’m seeking a semblance of normalcy. The thought of my house and everything that was inside it gone is constricting my lungs.

What’s going to happen to me after this? I don’t have a place to be anymore.

Cal glances at me and nods. “That’s great news, doc. After you busted your ass last night, I think you deserve it,” Cal adds, and I think I hear a tone of admiration in his words, but maybe I’m wrong.

Sure, we’re getting along just fine, but years of animosity can’t be erased that easily, can they? Suddenly, I feel the need to clarify, to ensure he understands my motivations. “Last night wasn’t about scoring a job. I did it for the patients and her, Wren,” I establish.

Cal rolls his eyes, a playful smirk dancing on his lips. “May the record show he’s still a Boy Scout,” he teases, flipping me the finger before picking up his pace.

* * *

As we enter the living room, the entire Thorndale family is gathered there. This is perhaps the first time we find ourselves in one place without our father’s imposing figure overshadowing the room. Today isn’t his birthday, a holiday, or some mandatory board meeting he’s forcing us to attend to maintain the illusion of our involvement in his conglomerate. But we’re here because of him, nonetheless.

“This better be good,” Magnus grumbles, his impatience palpable as Cal and I search for a seat or a place to stand in the small area.

Cal’s gaze sweeps over the assembled family and asks, “Where are Gael and Bach?”

My eyes scan the room, and I realize that he’s right. Two of us are evidently absent. Well, Slade isn’t here either, but he hasn’t arrived at Heartwood Lake just yet.

Although he matters as well, I find myself more intrigued by Gael and Bach deliberately skipping this meeting. I should learn and pull the same stunt next time.

“Their boss wouldn’t let them skip work just because we have a family dinner,” Genevieve retorts, her sharpness cutting through the air. “Maybe I should get a job too, so I don’t have to deal with you people,” she mutters under her breath, her words a mix of defiance and frustration.

“Gen, please behave,” Flora gently reprimands, her voice carrying a note of maternal authority. “It’s not ladylike to speak in such a manner.”

Genevieve glares at her, her defiance unwavering. “I’m not a child, Mother,” she retorts, her words dripping with anger and frustration. “And I couldn’t care less about what people think of my behavior and how I speak. If I want to say fuck, I will—and that’s just the way I am. It’s Gen-like behavior.”

A stifled cough escapes me as I struggle to contain my laughter at my sister’s rant. Cal slaps my back as if trying to help before he begins the meeting, but I’m pretty sure he’s also trying to hide the smirk. I never thought she would set up boundaries for her controlling mother. I guess this town is doing more than just sheltering us. It might be giving some of us a backbone.

“Well, I guess I’ll update Gael and Bach later,” Callahan says, taking a long sip of air. “This is too important to keep waiting for everyone to be in the same room.”

Tension fills the room, and the unspoken questions hang heavy in the air. River crosses his arms defiantly, breaking the silence. “So, are you finally going to tell us why we’re stuck in this town indefinitely?” he challenges, his words laced with accusation. “Or is this just some kind of power trip to show us that you can be Daddy’s little successor?”

Genevieve, never one to back down, stakes her claim. “I should be the CEO of the company.” She scans the room, daring anyone to challenge her.

“That’s my position, princess,” Magnus retorts, his words carrying a hint of possessiveness.

Everyone starts to mumble. They’re probably taking sides. I hear Flora claiming that her children had more rights than the rest of us. I should remind her that I’m the oldest and probably the one who deserves more because I took more shit from my father. I don’t though. They can keep the company and everything that belonged to the bastard.

He taught me at an early age not to need him and to make it on my own. At this point, I don’t need his name or his money.

“Enough.” Callahan steps in, his voice steady and authoritative, seeking to bring order to the chaos. “As it stands no one can have the company, but we can manage it from here—using the interim CEO who’s currently covering for us,” he explains, providing a glimpse into the practicalities of the situation.

Unsurprisingly, Magnus isn’t pleased with this arrangement. He wants to know who the guy is and questions why such a decision was made without his authorization. Cal manages to calm him down, redirecting the conversation to more pressing matters—our father’s demise, how the authorities don’t have any leads on who could’ve done it, but they suspect everyone, including us.

We, his own children, find ourselves on the FBI’s list of suspects. I didn’t like my father, but assassination wouldn’t have been my chosen form of retribution. I would have preferred him to suffer for all his misdeeds, rather than a mere—“How was he killed?” I suddenly interject.

“No one provided me with the details,” Callahan responds, his voice tinged with frustration as he avoids my gaze, a subtle action that implies he may be holding back information. “Dad seemed to have some undesirable business associates.”

I can see Cal trying to paint a prettier picture for his mother and Flora, downplaying the darker aspects of our father’s undesirable business partners. However, I can’t help but feel the weight of the truth pressing against my chest.

Callahan’s not saying out loud that those ties were to some mafia or another dangerous organization. Our father had ties to the underworld of organized crime, and though Cal is not saying it, for reasons unknown, they took Dad’s life and now they’re targeting us as well.

The questions swirl inside my head, hovering on the edge of my thoughts. How do we escape this situation? And more importantly, do I even want to go back home? My house now lies in ruins. After what transpired last night, I question whether I want to return to a world where appearances are everything, where people hide their brokenness beneath a façade of beauty.

---