Page 49 of The Dis-Graced

“He’s off opening another nightclub. He’s supposed to be coming into New York to complete the insurance sale, I’m not sure where we are at in that process.”

“Ahhh, that’s right. We’re unloading Dallanger Insurance. Probably a good call for the times.”

“Can I just go? We can talk about approaching mom when I get back in a week.”

“Fine, but it’s important that we give Devon a purpose and help him achieve his best chance at success.”

Dalton leaves, and I call in Eric, Devon’s new sober coach, to take him back to his apartment.

“ALAN,” I finally say when I’m alone.”

“Yes, Drake?”

“How the hell did you know about the Caspian Sage deal?”

“Per my request, you’ve started uploading more magazine and newspaper articles into my system. News of Dallanger Constructions partnership with InteliTech for their new building was in the April issue of Constructional Design Digest, page five. Word of the death of the CEO’s son—”

“Yeah, yeah, I get it. That makes perfect sense now, I just hadn’t expected you to put all that together.” I go into my computer, pulling up various resources I’ve been up all night researching. “And you’re sure we should employ him?”

“Yes. Research shows that it’s good to keep people in your brother’s situation busy and give them a sense of accomplishment. Being hidden away has worked towards his detriment. It’s imperative he receives help.”

The last thing I expected was to formulate my brother’s rehabilitation plan by taking advice from ALAN, but everything we’ve done in the past has been a failure, and ALAN’s just so damn logical.

“How’s Grace doing this morning,” I ask.

“I’ve been privy to her ‘gab session’ with her friend Stephanie all morning.”

Although I have access to all forms of Grace’s communications, I’ve decided I’m not going to violate her privacy in that way unless I have suspicion that she’s somehow broken a rule.

“If she chooses to allow you access to her conversations, fine, but don’t listen in unless she grants you permission.”

“I showed an interest in how women communicate, and she said I could listen as long as I say nothing.”

“And the friend, does she know about you?”

“Stephanie was not told about me.”

I exhale a sigh of relief. “Good.”

“May I ask a question?”

“Go ahead.”

“Why do women lie to each other?”

“Pardon?”

“Grace said she was working with someone on an art project, and although I am unique, I do not think I would be considered art.”

“Well, she was sworn to secrecy about the project, and sometimes it’s easier to lie than explain why you can’t tell the truth.”

“I wonder why Stephanie was lying.”

“What do you mean?”

“Grace told the one lie, but Stephanie is habitual about it. The conversation was full of kind words and encouragement, but the tone, vibrations of her voice, and the words she chose suggest she meant none of those things.”

“ALAN, women have this way of communicating, it’s an enigma—”