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"It doesn't matter we aren't going to be seeing each other again,"
Before he can say anything else, my intercom buzzes with another call.
"Hold on Nate,"
"Jake?"
"Sir, you have a call from Mr. Henshaw, should I connect you,"
There is only one Henshaw I know and it's Paul. An old reputable lawyer in Ocean Bay. He is like a father figure toalmost everyone in town just like Gracie was a mother figure to me. If he is calling then it must be something important,"
"I have to go, Henshaw’s on the call with me,"
"Old man Henshaw?"
"Yes, and I'll talk to you later,"
I hang up and answer the intercom. “Hi Paul.”
“Hello Bryan, how are you doing?”
"I'm doing good and you?"
“I'm fine I’d like to have a word with you. Can you come by my office tomorrow morning at ten?”
My brow furrows. Henshaw usually calls me from time to time when he needs my assistance one way or the other, but I’ve never had any reason to deal with him directly or have him invite me to his office.
“What’s this about?”
“It's a lot. But I assure you, you’ll find out tomorrow.”
“Are you sure something isn't wrong?” I press.
“No, no,” he says quickly. “Just some business we need to go over. Let’s talk in person.”
"Okay, I'll be at your office,"
"Thank you, have a nice day,"
He hangs up. I stare at the phone, unease curling in my gut. What on earth does he want to talk to me about? Maybe he needs a favor.
I exhale, rolling my shoulders. No point overthinking it. I’ll go, listen to whatever he needs, and get back to work.
But as I pocket my phone, Emma’s face flashes in my mind again. Her shock. Her wide eyes. The way she looked like she wanted to say something, but the words never came.
I tell myself to let it go. If only it was that easy to rid her from my mind.
***
The drive to Nate and Liz’s place is quiet, save for the low rumble of the engine and the occasional rustle of Buddy shifting in the passenger seat. The sky’s inky now, the last remnants of daylight bleeding into the horizon. The air is crisp, salt-tinged, quintessential Ocean Bay. I roll my shoulders, trying to shake off the tension I’ve been carrying all day.
Dinner with Nate and Liz usually grounds me, reminds me that there’s still something steady and real outside of my work. All thanks to Liz always having my head if I missed it.
Tonight, though? My mind won’t let go of Emma; of the way she looked at me like I was a ghost from a life she’d left behind. Maybe I am. At least she made it clear I was dead to her the minute she left without a word those years ago.
I tighten my grip on the steering wheel. I won't dwell on that pitiful night.You're done with that phase, it doesn't matter.
Buddy lets out a low huff, like he can sense my mood. His tail thumps once, then he nudges my arm with his nose. I sigh.