AllFreeNovel
Share Us
"But why? Surely it wasn't a protester of one of his political stances. It had to be something else. You mentioned he was also a businessman. What type of business did he run?"
He shrugged, "As you know, the wineries and restaurant chains. He has quite a large logistics company that involves importing products and delivering items for other small businesses, and he also recently started a manufacturing business, creating merchandise for various retailers."
"You're telling me he did all this around his political career?"
Darius nodded, "Even he realized he'd get overwhelmed, which is why he handed over the winery estate and restaurant management to you, and I helped him run his other businesses. As you can imagine, he knew a lot of people. It would be hard to say what his relationship would have been with each of them."
He was right. Too many interactions to make any meaningful conclusions about my father's death.
"And I assume my father and I were close? Brad mentioned that we rode together?"
"Of course. Once every two to three months when he could spare some time. Riding with you was always the one thing he looked forward to because it meant that he got to see you."
I rubbed my temple, willing the headache I could feel coming on to go away so I could think clearly. "Why did I only see him every few months?"
He shrugged, "He was a busy man, Cat. His position as an elected official made him a very in-demand man, and he was constantly in the spotlight. You on the other hand, never wanted anything to do with politics or fame. You were happy to stay at the estate, away from the spotlight, and made sure that your father never brought it with him when he visited. You quite liked being low key, which is what I like about you. You like things simple, Cat. You preferred helping from behind the curtain, and you thrived. Your father was very proud."
Tears stung my eyes. I hoped that were true.
There was a light knock at the door before a nurse entered holding a package. She was a tall and slender, older woman, wearing a brightly colored smock, with long black hair piled on her head in a messy bun. She wore thin wire framed glasses and had a smile that seemed to be bursting at the seams. "Hi, sorry to disturb Miss Rivera-Flores, but it's time for a quick check-up. Is now a good time, dear?"
I looked at my uncle who smiled at the chirpy nurse. "Yes, it’s fine. I have to go make a call anyway." He turned to me, "I'll grab us some lunch as well. I'll be back soon."
I nodded and gave him a quick wave as he left the room, and the nurse started to bustle around me, first listening to my chest with her stethoscope, then shining her penlight in my eyes.
"My name's Antonia, and I'll be your nurse today. How are you feeling, Miss Rivera-Flores?"
"Much better today. And please, call me Catalina."
She beamed, "Good to hear Catalina."
I waited for her to finish, blinking the light out of my eyes as she hovered over me, my eyes finally focusing on the gold pendant of a flying bird.
"What a beautiful pendent."
The nurse smiled radiantly. "Thank you. It's a gift from my father. Was that your father here just now?"
I shook my head, "No, my uncle on my father's side."
"He seems like a good man."
"He is… At least I think he is."
She frowned, "Think he is?"
I chuckled, "I can't remember because I've had amnesia since my father died."
Antonia looked shocked. "You seem to be going through a lot." She paused, "How did it happen? Your amnesia I mean?"
I shrugged, "I honestly don't know. I hit my head somewhere. Next thing you know I wake up surrounded by strangers."
"So, you remember nothing of your life."
"It's coming back to me slowly. Bits and pieces. I was hoping another head knock would jolt them back." I laughed, "That obviously didn't happen."
She smiled as she quickly checked my monitors and then put the cuff on my arm to check my blood pressure. After jotting a few things down on my chart, she looked up and smiled brightly. "Well, you seem to be on the mend, Catalina. Everything appears to be in order. Except your memories of course, but I'm sure they will return in time." She put the chart down, "Can I get you anything while I'm here?"
I shook my head, "No, I'm fine thanks Antonia."
