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  “No. Please let it go. I'm tired of everyone asking me about it. I've agreed to address it at the party. You can wait a few more days. Let's talk about the situation with Sarah and Theodore. I've thought a lot since our last conversation.”

  Zach took a seat on the couch across from her and rubbed his three-day-old rough stubble. “I'm barely awake, Mom.”

  “Just listen to me. I visited Theodore with the intention of telling him what you'd done. Maybe it would come across better from me, but I didn't have a chance to tell him.”

  “I know. He called last night. He and Sarah are joyously pregnant. I assumed you didn't break the news to Pickles.”

  “He did? Oh, I didn't realize he has been telling people already. When I left, Sarah didn't want to tell the rest of the family until she was further along.”

  “He told me.” Zach scratched at the tattoo on his arm with the letter opener, his skin crawled with a trepid perspiration over the conversation.

  “I did, however, talk to Sarah about your little escapade.”

  Zach scratched deeper into his arm with the edge of the letter opener. It sliced open the King's crown. He grabbed a napkin from the bar to stop the bleeding. “You did what?”

  “It just came out, Zachary. Sarah was her usual obstinate self, and I couldn't take it. I told her I knew about your indiscretion. She tried to get me to understand it.” Olivia swayed back and forth hoping to keep her mind calm and her voice gentle. A new part of her routine to accept change.

  “Did she help you understand it any better than I did?” he inquired. His eyes blistered with annoyance and fear.

  “Maybe. A little. It doesn't change my mind. It's still wrong. And I don't agree with hiding it, but I know it came from a good place.”

  “As I told you.”

  “Don't be smart, Zachary. I'm trying to be more understanding.”

  “So now what, Mom?”

  “To be honest, this doesn't even come close to my top priority right now. I haven't decided what to do about your brother. He has other problems to deal with. You all have other problems to deal with.”

  “I'm not your most important project? Your biggest hardship? God, did the world end while I was sleeping?” He snickered and went to his knees as if he prayed for salvation. “What else is going on, Dear Lord? I have sinned and been a bad boy.”

  “Nothing you need to worry about right now.” Olivia grabbed the back of his neck and pushed him forward, just enough to show a playful side she'd kept hidden even most days when he was a child. “Stop being a fool and visit Matthew for me. I'm seeing our reality with a much more astute set of eyes since your father has passed on. You boys are all grown up. Making many stupid decisions, but still grown up.”

  “Is that your attempt at being funny, Mother? Cause if it is, it's not going over well.” He winked at her.

  She smiled. “Yes, I suppose my attempt at humor failed. I'll practice some more and be ready for you next time.”

  Zach threw the bloody tissue in the garbage. “Let's get something to eat before Aunt Diane gets back with Anastasia. I'm starving. Let's hit up a White Castle.”

  “I may be learning, Zachary, but I am not eating at White Castle.”

  “Yes, you are.”

  “No, I'm not.”

  “We'll see, Mom. Old dogs can learn new tricks.”

  Olivia smacked the back of her son's head. “I haven't done that since you were a teenager. Somehow seems like things might be back to a little bit of normal around here. Maybe I'm getting some control in my life.”

  Chapter 18 – Teddy

  Teddy waited in the conference room with Ms. Davis and Mr. Wittleton, his father's partners, and two members of the external audit firm who finished conducting the quarterly review of the firm's finances. Matt should have led the meeting, but he'd not yet shown up. Teddy's patience wouldn't last much longer, nor the swollen knuckles he feverishly cracked to keep his mind focused on getting to the end game.

  Gwendolyn Pierce, the lead auditor, a mid-fifties brunette in a trim business suit, pulled her glasses away from her large, round eyes, and rubbed the bridge of her nose. “Mr. Glass, unfortunately, I have another appointment this morning and can't wait much longer for your brother to arrive. Perhaps you might lead us through the quarter's performance reports?”

  Ms. Davis looked to Mr. Wittleton, and they both nodded while Teddy excused himself for a minute and asked his secretary to call Matt on his cell one more time.

  Upon Teddy's return, he continued. “Yes, Ms. Pierce. I do apologize for Matt's tardiness. It's unusual for him, but he's been struggling with our father's death this summer. I'm not as familiar with the numbers as he is, but I can walk us through at a high level.”

  Gwendolyn interrupted, her nasal voice reverberating off the windows. “To be honest, Mr. Glass, I have already had an opportunity to review them in the last few days. For the most part, everything lined up; however, we have a few specific items to discuss.”

  Teddy nodded. “Please continue.” His secretary poked her head in and indicated she hadn't been able to find his brother. He muttered under his breath something about ineptitude, unsure if he directed it at his assistant or his brother.

  Gwendolyn looked down her nose at him. “As you're probably not aware, when we met last quarter with your father and Matthew, there were a number of concerning items we'd been researching. The firm's earnings, compared to the prior quarter and the prior year, were off by twenty percent. Additionally, two $10,000 disbursements had no receipts. Your father asked Matthew to review the accounts in more detail and send a summary of what he found. Unfortunately, Mr. Glass passed away, and we never had an opportunity to continue the discussion.”

  “Has Matt failed to send the details to you since last quarter?” Ms. Davis said.

  “Correct.”

  Teddy scratched the back of his head, digging his nails into a spot behind his ear while biting his lip. His brother's organizational skills had normally matched those of an army general—always on top of situations. “Perhaps he planned to bring them today. Do you have copies of the transactions in question?”

  “Of course, we do.” Gwendolyn's associate slid a folder to Teddy across the expansive rectangular table. It fell a few feet short of Teddy, and when he stood to reach it, his mouth held an austere frown at his colleagues.

  “I suppose we should reschedule for next week, which will give me a few days to talk with my brother and our partners to locate the missing information. No further need to waste my… our time… today. I've heard a few mentions of your concern over meeting the firm's annual forecast as well as being significantly under last year's numbers. If I recall correctly, it seems to me last year we had some particularly high-profile cases resulting in an extremely profitable margin. Perhaps we're comparing two unequal and different years?” Teddy flipped through the folder, unsure what he read, nor interested in continuing the farce without his brother's presence.

  Ms. Davis and Mr. Wittleton exchanged glances. Teddy noticed it again on the second occurrence, both resulting in a shared understanding of something that had been going on. An understanding he had not been included in and one that had perturbed him.

  Gwendolyn continued. “Correct. However, we already adjusted for consideration of the budget and forecast for the current year. Matthew and your father agreed with our findings last quarter and planned several changes this summer. Given you brought on new staff the prior year, it would be best to reduce this overhead in the current year. Additionally, your father had been spending less time looking for new business and more time preparing for his upcoming retirement. With minimal focus on new business and the increasing expenses, Teddy, it's not easy to earn a profit. You should know this.”

  At first, Teddy's frustration with the auditor's comments gnawed at him, assuming she'd been referring to his inability to find more clients and the time his training took away from his father's attention on the business. However, when these issues
supported the case for selling the firm, his concerns dissipated. “Yes, you're correct. Unless you have any objections, let's meet the same day and time next week to discuss these changes.”

  “One more item, Mr. Glass,” Gwendolyn interjected, not sensing the tension in his lower jaw that generated a loud clicking noise. “In addition to the two transactions from last quarter we were unable to identify, I located three more for similar amounts in the current quarter's ledger. I'm concerned you may have a more serious issue going on than we initially projected.”

  Ms. Davis stood. “Yes, I suppose so. We appreciate your valuable input, Ms. Pierce. We will conduct due diligence and notify you before end of the week what we find. I trust we'll be able to resolve this next week when we meet again.”

  The auditors left, and Teddy looked at his father's partners. “Perhaps we should talk about my brother? I do not have favorable expectations concerning this situation.”

  * * *

  After lunch, Teddy stopped at Yale University's Green Hall Gallery to converse with the admissions officer about a potential Master's degree in Fine Arts, given both his interest in painting and Yale being his alma mater. After thanking the director for the tour, learning about the upcoming semester and confirming the schedule for applying to the art program, Teddy sat on a bench outside the gallery and watched the students wandering the campus.

  A young woman sat on the bench next to him. She couldn't have been more than twenty with tightly curled brown hair, dark skin, and a Caribbean accent. The campus comforted Teddy, and he pushed himself to interact with her.

  “Hi. I'm Teddy.”

  She nodded. “I'm Carolina. Nice to meet you. Are you a student here?”

  “Not yet. I'm considering it. And you?”

  “Yes, second year. I'm in the MFA program. I'm an artist. I draw and sketch.”

  “I'm a painter.” He smiled. “I mean, I'm a lawyer but possibly going back to school again.”

  “You can say you're a painter if you're a painter, Teddy. Own it. My father's a lawyer. He wanted me to go to law school, but I told him no. He understood. He wanted me to be happy.”

  Teddy laughed. “My father was a lawyer, too. He never knew how much I wanted to be a painter. I tried to tell him once, but he didn't listen.”

  “You should try again.”

  “I wish I could. He recently passed away.”

  “You can still tell him. I'm sure he's listening somewhere.” She lifted her hands and looked at her. “The world is full of people listening. Sometimes you need to believe. Tell me about it. Maybe he's listening right now.”

  Teddy initially scoffed at the girl's behavior and recommendation, but as he sat listening, the extent of his comfort at that moment shined. The discussion eradicated any tension in his body. His jaw no longer ached. His knees were free of pain. All he wanted to talk about centered around his love of art, painting, and creativity.

  “I'm having an early mid-life crisis, Carolina. My father passed away. I'm supposed to inherit his law practice and take on his role as the lead partner.” His eyes shined bright, and his grin expanded wider than he'd expected his face ever could. “I don't want to. I want to go back to school and focus on painting.”

  “I can sense your happiness. This is a fantastic campus. Everyone supports one another. Being an artist means a hard life.” She rested a hand on his knee and smiled. “I have a good feeling about you.”

  Teddy nodded. “I've been worried about that. My wife has been supportive. She's the one pushing me to give this a chance. I didn't realize how lucky I was to have her until just now.”

  “It was a pleasure to meet you, Teddy.” She stood and extended a hand. “I need to get to my next class, but I'm glad I could provide some benefit.”

  Teddy stood, and for the first time in a long time, the urge for someone's warm embrace lingered. He leaned forward and hugged Carolina. “Thank you. You've had an impact on me today. Maybe we'll share a class together one day.”

  “We will,” Carolina said. “You're radiating a positive aura. I'm good at knowing people. I've got a vibe.” She handed him a card. “Call me sometime.”

  As Carolina left, his phone beeped. Noticing it came from the office, assuming it was his secretary, he picked up. An unusual cheerfulness clung to his body like happiness plastered across a clown's face, more than he had experienced in a long time.

  “Yes?”

  “Teddy, it's Matt. I've just gotten to the office and realized I missed our meeting this morning. Overslept, up late watching a few games. Sorry.”

  “We need to have a discussion.”

  “I know. I should have been present. It was important. We've been having financial issues this year. I've done my research. I have a plan to fix it.”

  “Yes, those items came up. I'm gone for the day. Tomorrow morning at nine in my office. It seems we should have a different conversation. We need to find the underlying cause of those transactions the auditors have been questioning. I've only just learned about them from Ms. Pierce, but frankly, it's a bit alarming. I expected better of you.”

  “Yes, exactly. I have an explanation. I know what happened and should be able to fix it. I'll see you in the morning.” Matt hung up the phone.

  Teddy feverishly pressed the end call button waffling between anger at his brother and excitement over his visit to the Green Hall Gallery.

  Things are finally looking up, Dad. Maybe you're watching over me…

  * * *

  On his way home from work the next day, Teddy stopped by his mother's house to discuss the sale of the firm, but she had left several hours earlier.

  “Teddy, I hear congratulations are in order.” Diane stood in the front entrance foyer. “I love the look of hope in expectant parents.”

  “Yes, we're beyond excited. I planned to call this week to let you know. I guess my mother told you?”

  “Zach mentioned your news when he stopped by over the weekend. As did your momma, but she's not home right now. She headed over to Matt's this afternoon.”

  “Speaking of Matt, have you noticed anything strange with him lately?”

  Diane shook her head. “I saw him last weekend with Margaret and the girls. We took them and Anastasia to play at the park for a few hours. I didn't get to talk with him, but he seemed rundown. He mentioned he had a cold, and he was out running a few errands most of the time. Why do you ask? Anything you've noticed?”

  “I'm unsure. Just a little worried. Do you have an idea when my mother will be back?” He pulled his cheek into the side of his mouth gently biting down and releasing puffs of warm air.

  “We're supposed to watch a movie tonight. Maybe an hour? She's having dinner at Matt's place. You should really check on your brother.”

  “I will see him tomorrow.”

  “So how far along is Sarah?”

  Teddy paused, recognizing he'd never asked that question, silently chastising himself for his mistake. “I'm not certain. We have a doctor's appointment this week. She went to the first one on her own to confirm the pregnancy and surprise me with the news once she was positive. I promised to go to the next one, when we'll find out.”

  “Good. I'm happy for you. Is Sarah still planning to work nights?”

  “Yes, but she'll talk to her supervisor about changing her shifts as she gets further along. I'd prefer she cut back on her hours, but with everything going on between the funeral, Dad's birthday party, and all the changes at the office, we need to figure out the right plan.” Teddy considered mentioning his wish to sell the family practice, but he decided to wait until he talked with his mother again. “Oh, I did have a question for you. Has Mom said anything about that letter Dad left for us? I never got a chance to ask her when she stayed with me a few weeks ago, and I was curious.”

  Diane sorted through the magazines on the table, her eyes focused on anything but her nephew. “No, she hasn't. It's best to leave that subject alone, given everyone's reaction at the will reading. She men
tioned something about giving it to you guys at the birthday party next week.”

  “I should get going. Please tell Mom I stopped by, and I'll call her tomorrow.”

  “Teddy, you're having a baby. Be happy. Loosen up a little, love.”

  Teddy forced himself to be gentle with his aunt. He'd seen this side of her many times before, and he usually pushed it away. In this one instance, she had a point. He leaned in, kissed her cheek, and smiled. As he walked out the front door, his phone rang.

  “Yes?” he answered while stepping off the front patio steps near the pink rose bushes Caleb planted when they were children.

  “Teddy, it's Ira Rattenbury. Would you have a moment?”

  “Yes, what can I do for you?” he said.

  “When we spoke last, you may recall I mentioned your brother's persistence to address everything in your father's will.”

  “Yes. Should I assume your call means you've completed the transactions?”

  “I'm much closer to being finished, but that's not why I am phoning. Matthew left me two messages today expressing his concerns at the time taken to complete this process. In the second message, he was angry over the situation. Perhaps you could have a conversation with him?”

  “Mr. Rattenbury, I appreciate the heads up. Matt has been having a difficult time dealing with our father's death. He isn't his usual self. I will talk to him. Please direct him to me if he calls you again.”

  Teddy and Ira ended their call. Teddy grew more frustrated and arched his fingers back and forth to relieve the tension enjoying the intense sound each time the cartilage snapped. He didn't want all this responsibility right now. He had his own life to focus on, and it was his time to find happiness. It couldn't always be about his family. What is wrong with my brother? I will not keep doling out excuses for his incompetence.

  * * *

  Sarah and Teddy awaited their first pre-natal appointment later that week bouncing in their seats and bickering with the receptionist about the delay. When the nurse finally directed them to the exam room, Sarah sighed as though it'd been hours and dragged Teddy with her down the narrow hall in triple steps. After a few discussions and the necessary bloodwork, the doctor prepared the ultrasound to confirm the baby's due date. Teddy stood by his wife's side, holding her hand, as the nurse applied the cool gel. The room had no windows and dim lighting, giving it a shadowed effect, which Teddy thought was meant to calm the patients. The darkness aggravated him, but he was more interested in meeting his child for the first time.