Her Last Moment by Declan James

Author:Declan James [James, Declan]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2024-01-15T00:00:00+00:00

“Idon’t want to talk about it.”

In fairness, Gemma had yet to ask Jake a single question. But she stood in the kitchen, giving him that knowing, big-sisterly glare. He knew it meant somebody had called her the second they saw Jake talking to Bethany Roman in that damn parking lot.

He went to the sink and washed his hands. Grandpa Max stood at the stove, stirring a pot of venison stew. Ryan and Aiden stayed in the living room, sensing the tension among the adults.

“I didn’t ask,” Gemma finally said. “Though I will say your taste in women continues to suck.”

“This isn’t about my taste,” he said. “And what do you mean, women? The last disastrous date I went on, you pushed me into.”

“I thought you didn’t want to talk about it?” she said.

“I don’t.”

“Fine. Then just listen. That woman is trouble. I’ve done some asking around.”

“To whom?” Jake said. “And I don’t need you poking around. It’ll just make things worse.”

“Oh, I don’t think I could make things worse. But she can.”

“Let the man be,” Grandpa said. “Where he sticks his …”

“Grandpa!” Gemma and Jake shouted it together. Aiden and Ryan were still within earshot.

Grandpa grumbled. “How are those two ever going to learn anything if you keep ’em in bubble wrap their whole lives?”

“Asking you to be sensitive about how you talk about things isn’t bubble wrap, Gramps. I may not like the woman, but you don’t have to speak with disrespect.”

“I wasn’t. I was about to agree with you if you’d have let me finish.”

“Really? Then, by all means, agree with me.”

Grandpa turned to Jake. “Your sister’s right. This woman sounds like trouble. She ruffled some feathers down at the lodge the other day asking questions about you. Not very nice ones either.”

“She what?”

“Things that are none of her damn business, that’s what,” Grandpa continued. “I don’t like her.”

“Noted,” Jake said. “Now, can we drop the subject?”

“Have you talked to Connie Rathburn this week?” Gemma said as she put the rolls on the table. “She’s beside herself. She hasn’t seen her grandson since the funeral. It’s been almost two weeks. No calls. Nothing. Mary’s ex has frozen her out.”

Jake put the spoons on the table, then took his seat. “I’m sorry about that.”

“Is there anything you can do about it? Talk to Shane or something?” Gemma asked.

“He’s the boy’s father, isn’t he?” Grandpa said. “Which isn’t to say he’s not also a dirtbag. But does Connie even have a legal leg to stand on for visitation?”

“Probably not,” Jake said. “Not unless she could prove he was unfit.”

“I’ve seen him at school,” Aiden said, walking in from the living room.

“Who?” Gemma asked.

“Kevin Rathburn. He rides the bus now. His grandma used to pick him up and wait in the hallway. My class walks the younger kids out to the parking lot and helps them line up for when the buses come. I’m Kevin’s class’s line leader. He cries a lot.”

Worry lines creased Gemma’s face. “I’m sure he does. That poor kid.

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