Page 55 of Truck

I’m not sure what happens next because Grady grabs my attention. But both Grady and I turn to watch as Finger runs around the common room. Now, the thing that is causing hair to stand up on my neck and arms is the fact that chairs and tables are moving as he passes them or flying at him, I should say.

As Finger heads to the door to run out of the common room, the door slams closed in front of him. Since there is nobody standing near the door when it slams shut, I can’t help the panic that rises. I’m on my feet, grab Grady’s hand and drag him toward the other door that leads to the kitchen. “Jill, move your ass. We are out of here…” I bellow, and drag Grady along with me, but he’s laughing and cheering at what is happening, which has my mind fried. Why the hell would he think this is amusing?

Arriving home, I wave as Jill climbs into her vehicle, taking Grady with her. I arrange to meet Jill at the lawyer’s office in the morning and wave them goodbye. Truck had arrived right behind me, and he’s finding the whole thing highly amusing. Me? Not so much.

Sitting in the lawyer's office, I remain quiet while he speaks with Jill. Jill explained that I am her unofficial sister, and she wanted me with her for this meeting. Thankfully, the lawyer was good with that and continues speaking with Jill.

“Your mother, yes, had taken rent from you during the time you’ve been living in the house with your brother. I’m not sure why she did what she did, Jill. I can only tell you what is stated in her last will and testament. The rent you paid your mother was split into two portions. One portion is in a savings account for you to use now that she is no longer with us. The other half is for Grady’s college fund. Both amounts are in different accounts, one in your name, Jill, and one in Grady’s. The house has been left for both you and Grady. I have the deed in the process of being placed in your joint names. The insurance, as you know, is being processed. It will cover the outstanding medical bills and will leave you a little besides. Do you have any questions?” Mr. Lawson asks.

“No, I don’t think so. I reckon you have covered everything that I needed to know. Rory, can you think of anything I should ask about?” Jill turns to me and I shake my head, that no I cannot think of anything else.

We left the office with two letters for the bank and one regarding the house deed. Jill is walking back to her vehicle like a zombie. I’m sure her head is all over the place. I remember mine was when I had all the legal things to sort out after Terrence died.

“Jill, you are clear of the debt. You have a house, so you no longer have to pay rent for it. You have a brother who loves the life out of you, be thankful that you are starting a new chapter and can live your life now as you see fit. I know, I’ve done it myself after Terrence died, and it takes time, but you’ll be okay, and so will Grady.”

Jill turns and wraps her arms around me, hugging me tightly. “Thank you, Rory. For being the sister that Grady and I needed. Grady loves you so much, and so do I. I’ll be okay. I’ll move forward. Today I’m going to work and then I’m going to have two days off where I go through the house and remove everything that I don’t want in it any longer.”

I step back, but keep my hands on her shoulders. “Get rid of anything that reminds you of anything negative. It took me a while, but as soon as I did that I started to live again. My heart will always hold love for Terrence, but as he used to tell me, move on and live if anything happened to him. I think he knew that we wouldn’t grow old together and I’m sad about that, but we lived happily together and I’m grateful we had that time.”

Jill nods, then steps back. “I’ll clean the house and create something that Grady will live in happily. He’ll always want to come to you, Rory, and if it’s okay, I’d like him to stay with you when it is convenient. He’ll miss not being with you now that he’s gotten used to it.”

“Oh, he’ll stay with me, don’t you worry about that. Truck has a house being built on the compound, and he has already told Grady he will have a bedroom where he can stay with us. I’m thinking he’ll enjoy having a second place he can stay, and you’ll be happy to have a little time for yourself.” I grin when Jill thinks about it, and mentally decides that yes, that is a good way to look at it and gives me a grin along with a small giggle.

We speak for a few minutes and then Jill leaves to go home before she’s needed at work, and I head home where I’m going to Google how to keep ghosts out of the house.

Chapter 29

TRUCK

This morning, before going to the gas station, I headed to the clubhouse where I’ll give the takings to Coin who is covering the accounts side for the moment.

After leaving Coin, I bump into Cap, and I mean literally walk into him because my mind was on the spectacular night I had with Rory. “Sorry, Cap, I wasn’t looking where I was going.”

“It’s okay, we all do it at some time or another. I’ve even seen Pres zone out now and again,” Cap replies with a chuckle. “Have you seen the finished suites on the top floor?”

“No. Are they as good as you wanted them to be?”

“Come and take a look. I’m impressed.” I follow Cap up to the first suite completely finished and ready for an occupant.

The suite is a good size and has a small kitchen area where a coffeemaker, microwave, and mini-fridge are situated. There is a two-seater couch, a cozy armchair, and a coffee table. The area is finished with a TV on the wall.

The bathroom has a shower, a sink, and a toilet. There is a cabinet with a mirror above the sink, and another cabinet below. There is also a small linen closet tucked into a corner filled with rolled towels.

The bedroom is a decent size, with a walk-in closet and a dresser. An easy chair near the window and a bedside table finish off what is a pleasant bedroom.

“These suites are great. The brothers who live here will love one of these, I’m sure. If I were still single…” said with a huge grin, “I would be more than happy to live in one of these suites.”

“I’m having one on the second floor because I want to be close enough to anything that may kick off. Tracker isn’t having one as he’s going to have his house finished soon, and he’ll live in that. Finger is having a house built, as you know, and the other officers have put their names on a plot of land on the compound but want to stay in the clubhouse for now, so they’ll have a suite.” Cap follows me downstairs, and I slap his shoulder as I leave the clubhouse.

Before straddling my girl, I notice Jeremy parking his truck. I quickly make my way over to him. “Jeremy, just the man I wanted to speak with.”

“What’s up?”

“Nothing’s up. But I was showing Rory how well the house was coming along, and she mentioned a mudroom or a utility room for doing laundry and shit. I don’t reckon I put them on the plans, did I?”

“No, you did not. But I added a laundry room. There is more than enough room to have a coat and boot area, like half mudroom and half laundry. I knew you guys would want one, so I just went ahead and added it.” Jeremy is looking at his phone as he’s speaking. “Is that okay with you then?”

“Yeah, that’s good. Thanks, Jeremy.”