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“Looks like the husband travels only a few times a year. However, he’s on the board of directors of BioSync Tech, so we know he’s not home at least a few nights a month.” Dope continued to sift through the information. “Shit, this guy stays close to the family.”
My eyes narrowed with the revelation. “Makes it more difficult for damn sure. We might have to schedule the plan on an evening he’s working late.”
Dope glanced over his shoulder in my direction. “Don’t you find it odd that the meetings are at night? I smell something rank, Bass.”
“See what you can dig up.”
I paced the small room, my thoughts bouncing from Ella to Sarah Thompson. Once I’d seen the videos, I’d morphed into a jealous, possessive asshole and selfishly paid the medical bills without her permission. I did it for Ella, but my desire to keep her to myself was a factor.
“Sneaky bastard,” Dope said.
“What?” I hurried over to him, peering at the screen. Once I read the details about the board meeting, I laughed. “Jackpot, motherfucker.” I slapped Dope on the shoulder with the back of my hand. “Let’s do it. Let’s fuck up his world.”
“Now you’re talking.”
Dope rubbed his hands together, giddy with the idea. “Let me check his schedule.”
I shoved my hands into the pockets of my slacks.
“Oh, hell, it’s our lucky day! It’s in two days. Just enough time.”
“Perfect. We’ll be ready.”
I pulled my phone from my back pocket to check the time, seeing Ella’s message. I fired off a response, then focused on the next steps with Dope.
Chapter 13
Ella
Once I saw Cami in the waiting room, I told her they were removing Dad from the trial, and we both broke down sobbing.
“I’ll do everything I can to help, babe. I’ll vet hospice nurses if you want, check on him daily, and move in with your parents if I need to.”
I sniffled through my tears. “I know you will. Me too.” My shoulders slumped with the exhaustion I’d carried over the last year. The medical bills, the constant spikes of hope, and the nearly debilitating drops of defeat almost crippled me emotionally. It was a stab in the heart over and over as the new treatments failed. “Cami, I don't know how I would make it without you, especially this last year. I'm so fucking lucky to have you as my bestie.”
I wiped away the moisture from my cheeks. “I think Dad is tired. When the doctor told us about the trial, he closed his eyes, and his entire body relaxed.”
“How can he not be exhausted? Hell, we are, and we’re not sick.” Cami dabbed the teardrops from her face with her fingertips. “Let’s go. You’re going to sleep in your own bed tonight. I’ll stay with you.”
I slipped my arm through hers as we walked down the hall. “I love that idea, but the alarm system won’t be installed until tomorrow.”
She patted her purse and grinned. “Don’t worry, babe. If the stalker shows up, I’ll pop a cap right into the middle of his fucking head. I’ve got Old Faithful with me.”
“I’m glad you have your permit. I do need to check on the house, and taking a long, hot shower sounds like heaven.”
“I already have clothes at your place, so let’s just go on over. Well, I’m starving, so let’s grab some food on the way.” Sadness flashed through her eyes. “I need to soothe my grief with unhealthy carbs.”
I glanced at my watch. “The only places open after midnight are fast food, so you’re in luck.”
We reached the elevator and rode it down to the lobby. “Yup. Arby’s or KFC, babe?”
“Arby’s. A chocolate shake sounds really good.”
It finally dawned on me that tomorrow was Monday, and I was in no shape to go to work. Checking the time, I pulled up my boss’s cell number and left him a voice message, updating him about my dad and that I wouldn’t be into work for the week, but would call him in a few days.
I was quiet as Cami drove to pick up food and then went to my place. I tried to sort through the information the doctor had provided, but I didn’t want to accept what he’d said. A part of me refused to give up, but the logical side reminded me that there were no more trials for Dad to try. Even if there were, would he put himself through one again? He’d fought hard for a long time. When he’d lost the will to fight, I’d picked up the mantle for him.
My shoulders and neck stiffened the thought that it was time to accept the cold, hard truth. Dad was on borrowed time. Whether I liked it or not, I had to make the best of it with him.
