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“That’s not the worst of it, buddy.”
My heart sank. I hated to think that Clint might be in trouble or hurting. I’d since healed my heart and got my mind off him as my ex-partner, but I still loved him as a person, even if he didn’t return any messages I sent him.
“What’s worse than being back with that woman?” I asked, trying to be respectful, but failing, of a woman I really didn’t know other than what I’d witnessed in the hospital.
“He’s been withdrawing large sums of money from his investment accounts that Perry manages for him.”
“For the beach house he’s building?” I inquired.
“He abandoned that project after you two broke up. He told us it was a reminder of you and he didn’t want to live there,” Lucas explained. “As you know, the house was nearly completed.”
“Then what’s he spending the money on?” I asked before it dawned on me. “Rhonda?”
“We assume as much,” Lucas said. “He won’t speak to Perry about any of it. He refuses to listen to advice regarding his money, or anything concerning her.”
“Shit!” I muttered.
“Agreed,” he said. “One big pile of it named Rhonda. We figure she came sniffing around once he returned home without you. The entire county knows we won all that money at trial.”
“Damn,” I said to myself more than anything.
“That’s two swear words in one call, bud. That isn’t you.”
“I’m worried now, Lucas.”
“We all are. He won’t listen, so don’t waste your time or concern,” he said. “We’ll be here for him if he needs us, but so far it seems he doesn’t.”
“I’ll keep the news to myself then,” I said. “No sense in piling on. How are the two of you? Life still good with Mr. Jackson?”
“Mr. Jackson is just perfect. Still commuting to Charleston a couple of days a week, but he loves living here in Beaufort. Who’d a thunk?”
“Give him a hug and let him know I miss his handsome face,” I said. “I’ll let you go. I know you’re busy at the station.”
“One quick question, buddy,” he said, holding me from hanging up. “How’s the new neighbor?”
I laughed out loud. “Who told you about a new neighbor?”
“Perry, of course,” he answered. “Who else would know about another hot, gay, eligible, multi-millionaire from New York? They run in packs, dontcha know?” he quipped.
“He’s good looking for sure. Don’t care about his money, though,” I stated. “He’s not over his ex, so I’m avoiding that like the plague.”
“But yet you have gossip about his ex already?”
“Well, of course I do,” I laughed. “I’m not looking, but who doesn’t like a bit of gossip on occasion?” I asked. “Besides, my mind is working overdrive and I still haven’t received a vibe or message concerning the man.”
“Perry has a theory,” Lucas shared. “Thought you might like to hear it, since you’re the spirit whisperer.”
I’d heard all the descriptors, but spirit whisperer was a new one. “Lemme have it.”
“Perry says Jack sent him.”
As shocking as it was to discover a picture of Jack on my new neighbor’s side table, I wasn’t convinced of that just yet. “No, Jack has been silent,” I said, unconvinced. “I would’ve felt something.”
“I’d double check if I was you,” he suggested. “We all know the power of Jack, now don’t we?”
“Stop,” I said, suddenly listening to my unconscious mind for any messages or feelings.
“Just saying, buddy. I’d check again. Nice chattin’ with ya,” he said, laughing at my dumbfounded silence.
