Total pages in book: 80
Estimated words: 75642 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 378(@200wpm)___ 303(@250wpm)___ 252(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 75642 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 378(@200wpm)___ 303(@250wpm)___ 252(@300wpm)
We set to work and I do my best to keep my mind in the right place. But knowing Vincent is right outside in the garage makes it hard to concentrate. I now know why so many of the couples around here are in a rush to get their daily tasks over with, so they can be back in the arms of the one they can’t resist.
Chapter 31
Stormy
“We’re not going to be out here long enough for that,” I tell Jace when he asks if he can jump into the pool. “Plus, you’re not in your swim trunks.”
The older boy frowns, disappointed, but isn’t going to argue. I can see Luca’s little mind working as he tries to figure out a way to get around the rules. I grin because that one is going to be a handful when he really comes into himself.
“There’s a washing machine here, right?”
My smile grows wider. “Yes, but we aren’t swimming in our clothes, Luca.”
He frowns, his eyes narrowing because I had the audacity to predict what his arguing point was going to be.
It’s been two weeks since Mila and I reconnected after Albuquerque. Although she gets in her head on occasion, it’s been two of the best weeks of my life. I never pictured myself in this scenario, one where I set an alarm on my phone so I can be outside with the boys while they’re on recess. Well, Jace is on recess because he’s started back to school.
We spend a lot of time outside. The boys love the freedom of getting to run around and play. Much to Mila’s disdain, Sutton likes to dig in the dirt. I will say that Em made it very enticing with her little mud pie kitchen that’s fully stocked with pots and pans, silicone molds and every kitchen utensil imaginable.
“Okay,” Luca counters. “What if we—”
His words drop away when my phone rings.
“Give me just a minute, bud,” I tell him as I pull it from my pocket and glance at Hound.
“I’ll keep an eye on them,” he says without me having to ask.
“He’ll jump into the pool,” I warn.
He waves me away. “I know how to watch kids. Take your call.”
The call goes to voicemail before I can answer it, but I recognize the number.
“Hello?”
“Mr. Dobbs,” I say when he answers, my gut clenching.
I haven’t heard from him since the last time we spoke in St. Louis. I didn’t even tell him of my plans to bring Mila and the kids back to New Mexico. The fewer people who know the better, and it’s honestly none of his business.
“I have bad news.” He sighs as if what he has to say has any bearing on him. “Well, sort of bad news. No, it’s bad news.”
“If you could just say it, then I can begin to work on a resolution.”
“The Clarkes’ house was set on fire last night. It’s a total loss.”
“When you say set on fire—”
“Arson,” he clarifies. “Accelerant was used and the fire investigator found evidence of Molotov cocktails inside.”
My jaw clenches. Keres is a hundred percent responsible for this. There isn’t a doubt in my mind.
“You said sort of bad news. What makes a family’s home burning to the ground sort of bad news?”
“Surprisingly, the insurance was still valid, although it will take some time to sort through it all since the house is technically a crime scene.”
“What does Mila need to do?”
“Mila? Oh, the sister? Nothing. I mean, she’s not the executor of the estate, but they took out a second mortgage. At this point, I’m just hoping the insurance covers both loans.”
I know Mila would understand that when Carlen and Janet made all these decisions that she was still in school and much too young for the responsibility. But I also know that it hurts her that she wasn’t a consideration later on. They never went back and changed anything, not even after Luca was born.
“Is there anything I need to do?”
“Not until all the dust settles.”
I’m a second away from ending the call when I remember another issue.
“I need to see about getting the power of attorney changed on Mrs. Taylor’s care.”
“Janet’s mother?”
“Yes. I made calls last week about getting her moved to a different facility, but since the POA is in Janet’s name, I didn’t have much luck.” Then I got distracted by something going on with the kids, and I never got back to making that happen.
“I’m fairly certain I can easily get that changed to you.”
“To Mila,” I correct. It’s honestly weird to be responsible for the woman when her daughter is just as capable.
“That will take much longer,” he says. “You’re already the executor of everything else, so it’s not that much of a shift. If you want her moved quicker, I suggest moving her under the power you’ll be given, and then we can work through the steps to change it to Ms. Taylor.”