Page 22 of Before You Go
“Dayton, how’s it going?”
“All right. Just leaving the office. What’s up?”
“Did Mary talk to you?”
“She did.” I back out of my parking space.
“How do you feel about the case?”
“I haven’t had a chance to go over everything yet, but I plan on spending the weekend looking into it.”
“Good, that’s good.” He goes quiet, and I frown at the dash when I see his call is still connected.
“Did you need anything else?”
“I have a favor to ask.”
“Shoot,” I mutter, hoping like fuck his favor has nothing to do with Jamie. With the mood I’m in, I’m liable to tell him to fuck off.
“Tomorrow, there is a charity golf game, and my son can’t make it. Do you have any plans?”
“What time?”
“It starts at eight. I know this is last minute, but you’d be doing me a favor. Not to mention, it’s for a good cause.”
In any other reality, I’d say no, but I can’t in this one. Saying no to my boss just isn’t an option.
“Sure, I can do that.”
“All right, I’ll send you the details and see you in the morning.”
“Sounds good. Have a good night.”
“You too.” He hangs up, and I head toward home, scanning the street for Francisca. Of course, I don’t see her. I never do.
When I get into the building, I don’t go to my apartment. I head up to my brother’s place on the top floor. I need a beer and someone to talk to. As I reach his door, I don’t use my key to let myself in like I would have before he got married. Instead, I knock and wait, loosening my tie, that feels like it’s strangling me.
“Dayton,” Willow answers the door with my nephew Rowen on her hip.
“Hey, is Clay here?” I take Rowen when he reaches for me and hold him against my chest.
“He is.” Her eyes wander over my face. “Is everything okay?”
“Just need to talk to him.”
“Sure,” she says quietly. “He’s in the office.”
“Thanks.” I move past her and head down the hall to his office, with Rowen kicking his legs and jabbering nonsense that I’m sure makes perfect sense to him.
When I push through the door to Clay’s office, he smiles at his son, who yells, “Dada!”
“Hey, little man.” Clay turns his chair as I put Rowen on his feet. His steps are still a little unsure, but he makes it across the room to his dad and falls against him.
As I watch my brother pick him up and kiss the side of his dark head, I feel something wrap so tightly around my insides it’s almost difficult to breathe.
“Everything okay?” Clay asks, and I focus on him.
“Just need a beer. You working?”
