I drink down the rest of the second glass of water as he answers, “Oh, I got some good news and I want to celebrate.”
I swallow. “What news?” I know damn well it’s about Cody being arrested. The officer probably wasn’t supposed to tell us it was my father that told them where to find Cody.
“Oh, it’s business, I won’t bore you with that. Tell me, how’s teaching going?”
“Fine.”
My dad has never cared about my career; once I walked away from med school, it’s like he checked out of that part of my life. His attempt to be nice now isn’t working.
“What about breakfast?” he asks again. “Can you be at Kelly’s in an hour?”
Part of me wants to scream at him about what he’s done but another part knows it will do no good. No, I have to find another way to get my father to leave Cody alone.
“I’ll have to take a raincheck. I’m not feeling too well,” I groan. At least that’s the truth.
“Oh no. I hope you aren’t coming down with something. That school you work at is a petri dish of germs.”
His voice is thick with disgust, as if I’m working around a bunch of little kids who lick everything.
I bite back my anger. “I’m sure I’ll be fine. I just need some rest.”
“Okay, I’ll let you go, then. Don’t forget to drink orange juice.”
I roll my eyes. Orange juice is my parents’ fix for everything. “I will. Bye.” I end the call and toss the phone back into my purse.
Connie arches a brow. “What was that about?”
“My father wanted to have breakfast. He seems happy.”
“You say that as if it’s odd.”
“My father is never in a good mood. And he was behind Cody’s arrest last night. I know exactly why he’s so chipper today.”
“You mentioned last night that your father told the police where to find Cody. Why was your dad with the officers in the first place?”
I drop my head in my hands and run my fingers through my hair. “Because apparently stealing Cody’s future once wasn’t enough for him. He’s trying it again.”
“Yes, but framing Cody for murder? Do you think your dad is capable of going that far?”
My mind is fuzzy, but parts of last night are coming back. I cross my arms as I squirm in my seat. “Sadly, I do.”
“I’m sorry your dad sucks so much.”
“Me too. I wish you practiced criminal law,” I groan.
Connie moves to the sofa and gives me a hug. “I know. But I know the name of a good criminal attorney. If Cody’s employer doesn’t come through for him, call me.”
“Thanks. I will.”
I have to get to the jail. I have to see Cody. But then I stand too fast and get woozy.
Dammit. Why did I have to drink so much last night? I’m no use like this.
I reach for the couch to brace myself as I slowly sit back down with a groan. “Did you drink any wine last night, or did I finish that bottle by myself?”
Connie winces. “Actually, that’s the second bottle, and it was mostly you. Sorry. Can I get you anything else?”
“I think I need to eat something. Then I need to get to Cody.”
