Page 88 of Reckoning

She laughed, and walked him to the door, then came back into the kitchen with a look on her face.

“Did you take your medicine…again? You know I watched you take it this morning, and I’m assuming you’re swallowing all of the bullshit Mrs. Grayson just fed you about what’s going on over here when you’re gone. Did she accuse me of sleeping with all of the workers, too, or just Tate?”

Roger’s face flushed. “Well, I thought you said he wouldn’t be caught dead in this house, so what changed?”

“The wicked witch doesn’t live here anymore, that’s what changed. And do get over yourself. I start school tomorrow, and Tate has already started his life’s work. His parents are moving in one direction, and he’s going in another. It won’t be long before the entire Bandy family is gone from Star Ridge, and you won’t be a damn bit happier. When Christmas comes, you’ll be spending it here on your own. I’m moving to New Orleans at the end of the semester, even if I have to take a bus to get there.” She sighed. “Truthfully, you and Mom deserved each other.” Then she walked out of the kitchen, muttering beneath her breath.

Roger was frustrated, and angry with her and himself. He’d just destroyed the fragile truce that they’d made by interfering with a brilliant daughter who’d already proved herself to the world without a damn bit of help from them.

He stormed out of the house and went back to the office, snapped at Rita when he walked in, and then apologized the moment he saw the stricken look on her face. It wasn’t until he sat back down at his desk that he realized he had not apologized to Briar. Even if I have to take a bus to get there echoed in his head. She’d done him a favor by getting four years of college paid for. The least he could do was furnish transportation for her to get there. He picked up the phone, called the nearest Ford car dealer, and ordered her a brand-new, silver midsize SUV with a four-wheel drive and all the bells and whistles.

He was so used to smoothing Mariah’s feathers with gifts that it was all he knew.

Chapter 16

The Bandy house sold faster than they expected. They had two weeks to exit the premises, but the full-price payment was in the bank, and everything was packed except their bed and kitchenware.

At Tate’s insistence, they’d hired a mover, rather than make that long drive with Abel driving a rented U-Haul and towing his truck. Tate didn’t know it yet, but they were giving him his mother’s car as a going-away/graduation present.

Now that Tate knew the date of their departure, he was about to begin looking at rental options in New Orleans, when he got a phone call from Dan Stennett, Trevor’s dad.

* * *

Tate was reading through messages when his cell phone rang, and answered before he thought to check caller ID.

“Hello, this is Tate.”

“Tate, this is Dan Stennett, Trevor’s dad. I’ve been seeing and hearing some pretty amazing things about you since you rescued our son, and I wanted to tell you what a special person we think you are.”

It was the last phone call Tate expected to get, but he was pleased by the praise. “Thank you, sir. I wouldn’t mind every case having the positive outcome that we had for Trevor, but such is life.”

“I heard you mention during one of your interviews that you’re planning a move to New Orleans, is that true?”

“Yes, sir. I’ve been scrolling through Zillow, looking at rental properties I can afford. Our house here has sold, and my parents are already packing to move back to Tennessee,” Tate said.

“Well, that’s what I’m calling about. My wife is from New Orleans. She was born and raised there, and her grandparents lived out the last ten years of their lives in this great little shotgun house down in the French Quarter. They passed a few years back. We keep the taxes paid and basic upkeep on the property, but it’s way too small for us to use in any capacity and has been sitting empty. Then last night over dinner, we were talking about you and the stories being aired, and the subject of the little house popped up. Trevor hasn’t talked much since he came home, but the psychologist is hopeful. Anyway, it was like Trevor suddenly tuned into the world. He looked up at us and said, ‘Daddy, why don’t you give the little house to Tate. Tate saved my life, Daddy. I want Tate to have it.’ And that’s why I’m calling. Trevor needs to know that he’s reciprocating in the best way he knows how. This is his payback to you. He’s getting better, but has a long way to go, and this suggestion was the first thing he’s said since before the abduction that was indicative of how he used to be.”

Tate was floored by the suggestion but, at the same time, completely understood the little boy’s need to do something for him.

“I don’t even know what to say,” Tate said. “You already gave me the reward, but at the same time, I understand the importance of honoring Trevor’s request.”

Dan sighed. “So, will you take it? I promise it’s in good shape. The furniture is still there, if you don’t mind that it’s outdated. But it’s a wonderful little house. Two bedrooms, one bath, a decentsize kitchen-dining-living area, and updated appliances. There isn’t a garage, but the whole property has traditional wrought-iron fencing, a remote-control gate to the driveway, and the off-street parking.”

Tate took a deep breath. One more blessing coming back to him for helping another.

“Then I accept, and with so much gratitude. I wasn’t confident about what I could afford to rent, and it would take me years to be able to buy a house. This is such a blessing! Please tell Trevor thank you, and what a great little guy I think he is.”

Delight was strong in Dan’s voice. “Wonderful! We’ll tell Trevor that you’ve accepted his gift with many thanks. That will go a long way in helping him feel good about himself again. I’ll talk to my lawyers as soon as we hang up, and I’ll send you the address via text, along with the name of the lawyer in New Orleans that you’ll have to meet with. He will have paperwork you need to sign. There’s already internet and Wi-Fi, but you’ll have to change it all into your name, along with the other utilities. He will give you the key to the property then. Just know that we are following your journey, and saying prayers for you along the way.”

Tate’s heart was pounding, and he had a grin the size of Dallas on his face by the time he hung up.

“Oh my God. Oh my God,” he mumbled, and then bolted from the chair and went through the house shouting. “Mom! Dad! Where the heck are you?”

Abel came running in from the back porch, and Lilith was in the utility room, pulling out clean towels, when she heard him shouting.

They came running, expecting the worst, and then he started telling them what just happened.

Abel slapped Tate on the back with congratulations, and Lilith started crying happy tears.