Page 35 of Wild Oblivion

I caught a rideshare back to the marina. By the time I boarded the boat, Henrik and Jack were watching the game, drinking beer.

I glared at JD and snatched both the drinks from the coffee table. That earned me dirty looks. “We have no ideawhat kind of medication he’s on and how this might interact.”

“I’m not on any medication,” Henrik snarled.

I didn’t believe it for a second.

Henrik muttered to Jack, “We need to lose the party pooper.”

Jack laughed.

I took the beer into the galley, then returned to the salon. I scolded Jack. “We’re responsible for him as long as he’s on this boat. So let’s try to avoid any incidents.”

“I don’t know if you’ve noticed, but my time clock’s a little short,” Henrik said. “Might as well have a little fun on the way out.”

“I don’t want you going out on my watch.”

“Like you have any say in the matter. Fate has its own plans.” He smiled.

It was at that moment that I realized I had become the parent of two adult children. He and Jack were trouble, and I was outnumbered.

My phone buzzed with a call from Giselle.

17

“Ihated to put him in that place,” Giselle said. She had a sweet voice. One I could listen to for a long time. “He wanted to stay independent as long as he could. I worried about him living alone like that. Then he fell and couldn’t get up. Broke his hip. He was on the floor for two days before I found him. I had been out of town. It was a miracle he survived. I really thought he was a goner, but he bounced back from hip surgery like a champ.” She paused. “You don’t think I’m a terrible person, do you?”

“No. We’ve all got to make choices.”

“I just wasn’t able to care for him full-time. I’m a flight attendant, so I’m constantly traveling.”

“Makes sense. Listen, I think it’s in his best interest to stay here under our protection for a few days until we can sort this out and figure out who tried to kidnap him.”

“I agree.”

“I’ll need a list of medications, dietary restrictions, and anything else we should be aware of.”

“Sure.”

“Are you in Coconut Key right now?”

“Yes. I just got in, but I’m flying out again tomorrow. Let me take a minute to get myself together. I’ll make a list and pick up some of his belongings from the facility. If you give me an address, I can be at your place in an hour or so.”

“Fantastic,” I said, then gave her the details. “Let me ask you something. Has he ever talked to you about his work prior to the war?”

"Has he been going on about that?”

"A little. I'd like to know more.”

"You have to keep in mind, he can get a little confused. At this stage, he doesn't have the best memory in the world, and sometimes he can… embellish certain aspects of the past."

"He seems pretty sharp.”

"The man still has a brilliant mind. And he has moments of clarity. But at times he can't remember what he had for breakfast." She paused. "I know he plays it up in the facility. He doesn’t like those people and doesn't want to talk to them. Plus, he's figured out how to play helpless to get people to do things for him. So, don't let him take advantage of you.”

I laughed. "I won't.”

“Grandpa can be a little grumpy at times. I’m surprised he’s been agreeable with you guys.”