Chapter 198 Names
I'm not sure how I feel about a guy calling Charlie sweetheart, even if he is her brother-in-law. I'm not sure what her relationship is with him, but he sounds really close.
"Hey Rick. I actually... need your help," she says sweetly.
I gotta admit, I'm a little jealous she's so causal with Richard Kingston and she's still nervous around me! We went to school together!
"I'm here to help in anyway," he states earnestly. "What can I do for you?"
"I have a... friend with me," she blushes looking at me. She's so fucking adorable right now; I just want to hold her. But that can wait.
I'm waiting for the day she will tell him I'm her boyfriend and he can stop being way too sweet to her! But I'm glad he she said something. That means I'm going to be part of the conversation.
"Okay? Who is this friend?" He sounds surprised.
"His name is Trent," Charlie responds, blushing furiously. And Damn! She's adorable! I wonder if I'm the only boy she's ever introduced to her family. That thought sends a shiver of pleasure running through my veins. I bet I am!
"Hello, Trent. How can I help?" Richard asks politely.
"Hey, Rick. I'm really confused right now, and I need your help. The thing is, I was told that I'm not supposed to be with Charlie because her name is on some damn contract and I don't have a damn clue what they were talking about. I was told to ask my dad, and he said he didn't know what I was talking about. But the thing is, I'm pretty sure he's lying. Charlie said to ask you," I explain my conundrum.
There is silence on the other end, and I'm wondering if he hung up. Was that too much info at one time? Did I say something wrong?
"Rick?" Charlie asks.
"Sorry, Charlie. I just thought we were done with all the fucking contracts. I've never seen Charlie's name on one. But what is your father's name, Trent?"
"Peter Miller," I say.
When I hear a gasp, I know I was right. My dad was hiding something from me.
"What is it?" Charlie's voice gets small.
I hear him sigh on the other end of the line. "Charlie, I know who Peter Miller is. Your name isn't on any of my father's contracts, but his was. He was the officer on the scene of your parent's accident. He's the one who signed off as an accident, when the break lines had clearly been cut. There was some sort of payment I didn't understand," Rick growls.
My face pales. "My dad... was involved in your parent's accident?" Why the fuck didn't I know this? What the hell is wrong with him? He's supposed to be an officer of the law! He's supposed to uphold justice! Now I find out he can be fucking bought!
"Hey, Trent. I can hear it in your voice; this is not your fault. You were just a kid at the time; you wouldn't have even known anything about it. Charlie was only 13 at the time," Rick tries to console my guilt.
I have to admit, the guy seems genuinely like a good guy... I'm just fucking jealous he has such a close relationship with the girl I'm crazy about.
Charlie reaches out and squeezes my hand. "Rick is right. I don't blame you for any of this. None of us would. Your dad didn't exactly tell you what he was doing at the time."
"If the bitch who mentioned Charlie's name... if she was right, then how do we find out what is going on?" I choke out, knowing I didn't say it right. My brain is just misfiring right now.
"Well, Charlie's name isn't on any of Deans contracts, but she may be on Jays," Rick says causally.
Her spine snaps to attention and suddenly she's hyperventilating.
"Charlie!" I call out as she falls into my arms.
"What's going on?" Rick demands.
"I don't know! She just passed out!" I freak out.
"Shit! Josie is going to panic, and I can't get to her," I can hear his distress in his voice. He really does care about Charlie, and that is what makes my mind up.
"I'm going to take care of her, and when I understand what's going on, we'll call you back," I promise.
There is a contemplative silence on the other end of the phone. "I'm trusting you with her, Trent. She's really fragile, but you might be exactly what she needs," he says.
"Thanks," I breath, feeling a strange connection to the man I've only ever heard about. He seems very personable. And now I'm starting to wonder if he'd gone through something similar with her sister.
"Keep me up to date," he says and then hangs up.
I hold Charlie in my arms and watch her as she twitches in my hold. Her forehead is covered in cold sweat, and her breathing is coming out is short pants.
I don't know what the hell is going on, but I'm going to find out.