I wanted to discuss the situation in more detail and maybe help him brainstorm ideas, but he had to get to work. He didn’t need the last thing we discussed being Charles. Not if he wanted to be able to think of anything else while working.
“I need help tonight,” I blurted out. “With cleaning out the gutters.”
Which was in no way sexy nor the way to a man’s heart. But out it came.
“Yeah, I can do that,” he said without skipping a beat.
What a difference from when I first mentioned chores and he looked at me like I had five heads.
“I’ll see you later then.” I kissed his cheek, loving that I could just do that and he went on his way.
I spent the morning looking things up online, trying to figure out a way to get a lawyer that wouldn’t cost an arm and a leg, but who would also be good for the case. Everything I found in advice sections or Q&A forums said that Candrin’s best option when disagreeingwith a will was to drop it.
Only thing was, that this wasn’t just him disagreeing with a will. It was important to him—and rightfully so—because his father was conned or coerced into the new will. And that being the case, Charles had to pay. And not just in the money that belonged to Candrin, but criminally and I wanted to make that happen.
When Candrin came home, I told him the plan I had concocted over dinner. It wasn’t a great one as far as plans went. If anything it was missing a lot of details that I was going to need to work out. But it wasaplan and that was a starting point.
“Let me get this straight…you want to play detective and figure out how Charles managed to screw me over so royally.” He set his fork down. “Just follow him around or look things up on the internet until proof falls in your lap? Is that how it would work?”
Said like that, the holes in my plan were more like huge portals.
“It’s the best I got. I can’t afford the kind of lawyer you need, even if they were willing to take the case. But I can be nosy and organized and a puzzle solver. Please. Let me do this for you.” I wouldn’t do it behind his back. He deserved more respect than that.
“You don’t have to, but I can’t turn you down. I need to get this taken care of so I can move on. It’s like the elephant in the room every time I’m with people who know… you know?”
It was more like the bear in the room… but we’d get to that soon enough.
11
CANDRIN
A huge misunderstanding
It was almost the end of a very long week.
This time last Friday I was… I checked my watch. Right, I’d just been told I was homeless and had no money. And not only that, an imposter had stolen everything by hoodwinking my father.
But unlike the hour or so after the reading of the will, today I had a place to stay and had fallen for my sexy airline pilot landlord. We’d had sex, he’d cooked for me most nights, and we’d cuddled on the couch. While I didn’t know where that was headed, I hoped it would become permanent because what I was feeling was close to… love.
Nah, I pulled back a little. A week to fall in love? Sure it was possible but we needed a foundation for our relationship. While I was aware Tanner had two brothers I’d yet to meet, he could cook, enjoyed watching movies with me on the sofa, and liked a clean home, I’d never seen him outside the confines of the house.
Maybe he was rude to waiters or was a dangerous driver. Perhaps he tossed litter on the street or shoplifted. While I didn’t believe he did any of those things, we needed to experience life together in the big wide world.
I was the last one to leave the office and as I was heading out the door, I got a text from Anders saying someone was interested in my car, and did I want to meet with them. I absolutely did because like the restored motorbike was for Father, that car was my baby, and I refused to sell it to an asshole who wouldn’t take care of it.
Yes, please. Set up a meeting outside of office hours and I’ll be there. Thanks, I texted.
Sitting on the bus, I got a seat and was lost in memories. Thinking of my parents, Molly and Saul, left me teary-eyed and an elderlyman offered me a tissue. My thoughts drifted to Tanner and us sharing a meal which led to me recalling us in bed.
The phone beeped. Maybe Anders. Nope it was Tanner.
Forgot to tell you I’m back at work as of tonight. Long haul flight so I’ll be gone a week. One of my brothers will be back this evening. Let’s plan something nice for next weekend. Tanner.
Bummer. I was looking forward to spending Saturday in bed and Sunday exploring the city with him. I could take him to my favorite haunts—the ones that were free—such as the museum and the park.
Oh, well. I had to research Charles and how to set up a sting operation. Ha! I pictured myself in a black overcoat, hat, and a fake moustache peeking around corners as I tried to catch Charles out in the lie.
I’ll miss you, I messaged Tanner.I’ll plan something fun for next weekend.
