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CHAPTER FORTY-FIVE

GARRET

I drive back to the hotel, get my things, and take them to the house. When I get to my room, I collapse on the bed. I’m so exhausted. I got up early this morning to fly here and now it’s 2 a.m. and I’m still awake. It’s like this day will never end.

I call Jade. “Hey, it’s me.”

“Hey. You sound tired.”

“I am.” I pause, then say, “He’s gone, Jade.”

She’s quiet. She doesn’t say she’s sorry, but I don’t want her to say it. Neither one of us is sorry he’s gone. He’s a killer. A murderer. And he didn’t give a damn about me or anyone else.

“I’ll tell you more when I get home.” I don’t want to tell her what happened over the phone in case someone’s listening. I don’t think they are, but I can’t take the risk.

“Okay.” Jade knows not to ask questions. She can tell by my tone that I can’t talk about it. “So are you staying out there for the funeral?”

“It’ll probably be next week, so no, I’m flying home Sunday, like I planned.”

“But you’re going to the funeral, right?”

“No. I don’t want to. And even if I wanted to, I couldn’t. They’ll all be there. I don’t want to be around them.” I’m referring to the members. Again, she gets it and doesn’t ask me more about it.

“Garret, you should get some sleep.”

“Yeah.” I want to talk to her but I’m so out of it I don’t have anything to say. I’m still in shock over what just happened. “Goodnight. I love you.”

“I love you, too.”

I fall asleep shortly after we hang up. I wake up at eight when I hear my dad in the hall. It sounds like he went into Lilly’s room. I don’t know how she’s going to react to the news. My grandfather pretty much ignored her. He wasn’t comfortable around kids. So maybe she won’t be that upset.

I turn on the TV in my room and flip through until I see his photo. It’s on one of the cable news channels. I up the volume. “…believed to have suffered complications from the stroke he had last week. Kensington had been in a coma following the stroke and never regained consciousness. Holton Kensington was 78 and is survived by his wife, Eleanor, his son, Pearce, and two grandchildren.”

I click through to another channel and see the news of his death scrolling on the bottom of the screen with all the other news of the day. It’s just like when Royce was killed. The world is led to believe whatever the organization tells them to. Whatever story they feed the media.

“Garret?” I hear my dad’s voice at my door.

“Yeah, come in.”

He walks in looking like he’s going to work. He’s in a dark suit, crisp white shirt, and blue tie. His eyes are heavy and his face looks tired. I’m sure he didn’t sleep last night. He had too much to do. Take care of the body. Get the fake story to the media. Deal with my grandmother.

He comes over and sits at the end of the bed. “I just spoke with Lilly and told her the news. I need you to spend some time with her. She wasn’t close to her grandfather but she’s still sad. She doesn’t understand death and I don’t have time to answer all her questions. I’m meeting with reporters in an hour and I need to get to the office to prepare. I don’t know what time I’ll be back, so if you could just make sure she’s not alone.”

“Yeah, I’ll stay with her. Is Katherine coming back?”

“Unfortunately, yes. Technically, we have to continue to live as a married couple until the members finalize the approval of our divorce.”

“When’s that going to happen?”

“Probably in a week or two. But I spoke with Katherine this morning and we agreed, for Lilly’s sake, it would be best if Katherine lived here until the end of the year. Lilly needs to deal with her grandfather’s death before we tell her about the divorce.”

“How is Grandmother?”

“I’m not sure. It’s hard to tell with her. She didn’t say much when she found out. She and my father had a difficult marriage, but she was with him for many years so it’ll be an adjustment for her to live on her own.”

“Do you know when the funeral’s going to be?”

“Next Thursday. But you can’t be there, Garret.”

“I know.”

“The public already knows you’ve been estranged from your grandfather since last spring so it shouldn’t be that surprising if you don’t show up at his funeral. I’m sure the media will spin it that way and that’s fine. Actually it’s good. People will be angry that you didn’t show up, which will spur negative comments about you online. We need that after that PR company pulled that stunt trying to fix your image.” He stands up. “I need to go.”

“Dad, wait.” I meet him at the door. “Thank you. For what you did.”

He slowly nods. He looks so tired, so stressed, so beaten down. God, I feel bad for him. I knew he had a shitty life, growing up with my grandfather, but I never really knew how bad it was until I saw for myself how horrible a man my grandfather was.

I hug him. “I love you, Dad.”

He gives me a tight squeeze. “I love you, too, son.”

After he leaves, I go down to Lilly’s room. She’s curled up on her bed, holding her stuffed panda bear.

I sit next to her. “Lilly, I’m here.”

She sits up and climbs on my lap and hugs me.

“Grandpa’s gone.” Her voice is sad and quiet.

“I know. I’m sorry.”

She was crying when I came in, but she wipes her eyes, trying to hide it. She knows her mom’s rule. No crying allowed. Stupid Katherine. She’s such a bitch.

“Lilly, it’s okay to cry. That’s what people do when someone they love goes away.”

“Mom said not to.”

“When did you talk to her? This morning?”

“Yeah. She called me.”

“Don’t listen to her. If you want to cry, then cry. It’ll make you feel better.”

“Daddy said Grandpa got sick and that’s why he went away. But he was here on Thanksgiving. He wasn’t sick.”

“It’s a different type of sick. It’s not like a cold.” I can’t explain this to her. I have to go with the stroke and coma story, but how do you explain that to a kid? Why didn’t my dad talk to her about this? Or maybe he did but she wants to hear it from me. She trusts me more than she trusts my dad, although I think that’s changing now that he’s spending more time with her.

“Will you stay here, Garret? Please?”

“I have to go home tomorrow, but I’ll spend all of today with you.”

She lays her head on my shoulder. “Garret?”

“What?”

“Grandpa’s in heaven, right?”

That’s an odd question and I don’t know where she came up with it because my family is not religious at all. And to answer Lilly’s question, I honestly think I’ll have to lie. Knowing the truth about my grandfather, he might just be in hell.

“Yes, Lilly. He’s in heaven.”

“Do you think he’ll meet your mom?”

These questions just keep getting weirder. He basically killed my mom, so if he’s up there, I sure hope they don’t meet. And if they do, I hope she kicks his ass straight down to hell.

“I don’t know, Lilly. I don’t know how that works. Heaven’s a big place so they may not see each other.”

She hugs me really tight. “I love you. I hope you never die.”

“I love you, too.”

I don’t know how she stays so sweet living with Katherine. I thought when I moved out, Katherine might turn Lilly into a mini version of herself, but luckily, that didn’t happen.

We have breakfast and then I watch cartoons with her in the game room. Katherine shows up at noon. She calls me out into the hall. I go out there while Lilly remains in front of the TV.

Katherine’s wearing a beige suit, her hair styled like she just had it done. She doesn’t look like someone who just committed murder. She isn’t showing the slightest sign of guilt or anxiety. The only emotion she’s displaying is anger, which is typical for her.

She points to the game room. “Why is Lilly still in her pajamas?”

“Seriously? That’s your biggest worry right now? Are you kidding me?”

“Last night is an issue between your father and me. It doesn’t concern you.”

“You killed my grandfather. That doesn’t concern me? Really?”

She steps closer. “Don’t you EVER speak of that again. If anyone heard—”

“Just stop. You’re done treating me like shit. And I’m done dealing with you. William and my father are taking you down, Katherine. Your life is over.”

“Let them try to get to me. They won’t succeed. I have my own secrets to share.”

“Like what?”

“You’ll see.” She smirks and walks away.

I don’t bother asking her what she means. It doesn’t matter. My dad and William will tell the members what she did. And when they’re done with her, she’ll have nothing left.

I spend the rest of the day with Lilly. Katherine left in the afternoon but came back after dinner. I’m glad she wasn’t here all day. That would’ve been awkward. I don’t know how my dad and her are going to live in the same house. It’s just for a few weeks, but still. It’s going to be a long few weeks.

Sunday I fly back to California. As soon as I get home, I send the security guys away. Then I hug Jade for a really long time. After that, I tell her what happened.

“I can’t believe it,” she says when I’m done.

“I know. It doesn’t even seem real. I mean, I saw it with my own eyes and I still can’t believe it.”

“He killed Arlin.” As Jade says it, tears well up in her eyes.

“I’m so sorry, Jade.” We’re lying in bed and she’s tucked in my arms. “My grandfather was evil. I think I always knew that but I didn’t want to believe it.”

“They’re all evil.” She pushes off me. “Every one of them. They kill people and they don’t care.”

“That’s not true. My dad hates being part of this. So does William. But they can’t get out of it.”

“Carson could get them out. He said he would. That guy he works for, Hanniford, is rich and powerful. He could help your dad get out. Maybe they could work together to take down the organization.”

“That’s not going to happen. The organization is too powerful and too many people are involved. They have people planted inside the government and law enforcement. If Hanniford had evidence and took it to the authorities, the evidence would disappear.”

I shouldn’t be telling her this, but I feel like I have to so she’ll understand.

“They’re not going away, Jade. They’ll never go away.”

“So they just get to control everything and do all these horrible things?”

“The only way things will change is if the change comes from the inside. And actually, that might happen.”

She sits up. “What do you mean?”

I tell her what my dad said about how William might be promoted. “If that happens, Jade, he could make changes. He might be able to stop some of the bad stuff they do.”

“But he’s just one person. There are lots of other men at that high-up level, right?”

“Yes, but William is very influential. People listen to him. He’s a good leader and can be very persuasive. That’s why he was able to get Katherine to go along with his plan. If anyone can create change in the organization, it’s him. And having him in that role will give us protection. He’ll make sure they leave us alone.”

“When does William find out if he’s getting promoted?”

“My dad thinks it’ll be voted on at the end of the year meeting. It’s the week after Christmas. It’s a big meeting where they make a lot of decisions. They’ll decide then if William gets the position.”

Jade lies down again, facing me. “I guess that’s good if he gets promoted, but I wish he could just get out of it instead. I wish your dad could, too.”

“Let’s not worry about it.” I hug her closer and kiss her cheek. “Let’s just go to sleep. I’m so tired. I’m so freaking tired.”

She snuggles into my chest and we fall asleep. I don’t wake up until morning. Jade assumed I’d stay home from class today, but I don’t need to. I’m not grieving his death. I’m not sad or depressed that he’s gone. I feel guilty for not feeling that way, but the man was evil. He was truly evil and I can’t seem to feel sad that he’s gone. I can’t forgive him for what he did to my mom, or my dad and me. And I will never forgive him for trying to kill Jade. I honestly don’t know how I was able to contain my rage enough to not kill him myself when I stood over his bed last Friday.

After my morning class, I check my messages and see one from my grandmother. She called last night when I was sleeping. Shit. I should’ve checked this sooner. She never calls me and now she probably thinks I’m avoiding her.

I call her back. “Grandmother, it’s Garret,” I say when she answers. “I’m sorry I missed your call.”

“It’s fine, Garret.” She doesn’t sound tired or sad. She just sounds like she always does. “I was calling to tell you that we’re having a private gathering at the house on Friday and I need you to be here. I understand your reluctance to attend the funeral, but Holton was your grandfather and you should pay your respects. This will allow you to do so.”

My grandmother pretends she doesn’t know what’s going on with the organization, but she does. That’s why she made that comment about the funeral. She knows I don’t want to be around all the members who will be there. She knows I was picked to be president and she didn’t want that for me. Unlike my grandfather, she didn’t want my life ruined by the organization’s plans for me.

She may not be a warm-and-fuzzy type of grandmother, but deep down I know she cares about me and wants me to be happy. She wants my dad to be happy, too. But she’s from an era where women do whatever their husbands say, which is why she allowed my grandfather to control my dad and try to control me. But that didn’t keep her from speaking her mind. I know she argued with my grandfather about the way he treated my dad and me. It didn’t do any good, but she still let him know her opinion on the matter.

“Did you talk to Dad about this?” I ask her.

“Yes. And your father agrees you should attend.”

“Who will be there?”

“Just some friends of the family.”

“Like who?”

“Some friends of mine that you probably don’t know. And your father invited some people from the company. Some of the executives who worked with your grandfather. He also invited the Sinclairs. They’ve been friends of ours for years, and as you know, your father has been checking in on Grace since Arlin died.”

“So Grace and William are coming?”

“Yes. And Victoria.”

“Why Victoria?”

“It’s proper social etiquette, Garret. We attended Royce’s funeral. Therefore, Victoria will attend Holton’s funeral and will be at the gathering on Friday.”

“If I go, I’m bringing Jade.”

She sighs, then says, “Do you really think that’s a good idea?”

“She’s my wife. I’m not going without her.”

“Very well. Then I’ll see you both on Friday. The gathering begins at six but you should arrive in the afternoon.”

“Grandmother, can I ask you something?”

“What is it?”

“Do you feel the same way about Jade as Grandfather did?”

“Your relationship is none of my business. You’re a grown man, Garret.”

“Just answer me.”

“I don’t know her, so perhaps it’s not right for me to say, but she is not the girl I would’ve chosen for you. That said, I can see that she makes you happy.”

That’s good enough for me. I don’t need my grandmother to like Jade. I just need her to accept Jade as my wife, and it sounds like she does.

“I don’t know about Friday, Grandmother. Finals are in a week and Jade and I need to—”

“Garret, I’m not asking you. I’m telling you. You will be there. Family needs to be together at a time like this. You will do this for me and you will do this for your father . Goodbye.”

She hangs up. Yeah. Warm and fuzzy is not how I’d describe her. At all. But she’s my grandmother and I feel like I should do this for her.

I meet Jade for lunch at the coffee shop and tell her about the call. “So I guess we have to go to Connecticut on Friday.”

“For the funeral?”

“No, the funeral is Thursday. We’re going to a private ceremony at the house on Friday. My grandmother called it a gathering, but I think it’s more like a private memorial service.”

“You talked to your grandmother?”

“She called me and asked me to go.”

“Is she okay?”

I shrug. “You can never tell with her. She hides her emotions. But she seemed okay.”

“Did she say I could come? Because I don’t want to cause any arguing or—”

“Jade, you’re my wife. You’re going. And yes, she said you’re invited.”

It’s not really true, but whatever. She didn’t say no.

“Who else will be there?”

“Friends of the family. Grace and William are coming. And Victoria. Have you heard anything from Grace?”

“She left me a voicemail but I haven’t called her back. She said she called you but didn’t leave a message because she wants to give you her condolences directly. You know how she is. She’s all about proper etiquette. She said she sent you a card.”

Our lunch arrives and as I’m eating, I notice Jade hasn’t touched her food.

“Jade, are you gonna eat?”

She glances at her plate. “Yeah. I was spacing out for a minute.”

I place my hand over hers. “You’re nervous aren’t you?”

“A little. Your grandmother doesn’t like me. And I know she didn’t invite me. She doesn’t want me there.”

“She doesn’t have to like you. But at least she accepts you and that’s good enough.”

“How long are we staying?”

“We can fly home Friday night.”

“I think we should stay for the weekend.”

“Jade, you don’t have to do that for me. We’ll just leave after it’s over.”

“No, I think you should spend time with your dad. And I’d like to spend some time with Lilly. Unless Katherine won’t let me.”

“My dad will take care of Katherine. If you’re willing to stay the weekend, that’s what we’ll do. I know Lilly would like that. She’s not doing so well right now. But what about finals? Don’t you need to study this weekend?”

“I don’t have to. I’ve been studying for weeks. What about you?”

“I can study on the plane.”

“Do you want me to get the tickets?”

“No, I’ll get them.” I lean over and kiss her cheek. “Thank you. I know you don’t want to do this.”

“I’ll do whatever you need me to do.” She hugs my side.

Damn, I love her. She’s completely selfless. If I were her, there’s no freaking way I’d go to that memorial service. But she’s not thinking about herself. She’s doing what’s best for Lilly and she wants to be there for my dad.

After lunch, I buy our plane tickets, then go to my afternoon class. I can’t concentrate. My mind keeps wandering to my future with Jade, because I finally feel like we have a future. With my grandfather gone, I feel like we’re finally safe. Maybe it’s too soon to believe that, but I need to. These past few weeks I’ve been so damn stressed and I can’t take it anymore. I just need to get through this week and then I can relax. The memorial service will be closure. The final end to this nightmare I’ve been living. My final goodbye to my grandfather.