“Your father stopped being my responsibility a long time ago, Tara.” Why had I called her? Really, what had I expected?
“I heard something about an investigation.”
“You heard something? Tara, it’s all over the news. You want answers, ask him.”
“I’ve been trying to reach him. He isn’t returning my calls.”
“Ask Vi. She knows more about your father than anyone. That was true even when he and I were married.”
Vi! Why hadn’t I thought of that? I ended the call with my mother after wishing her a happy holiday and called Viola Ripa, the woman who had been my father’s secretary since before I was born.
I wasn’t surprised when that call went to voicemail too. It was a national holiday, after all.
I sat down at the table and searched for my father’s name on the internet. While my mother had said it was “all over the news,” I couldn’t find anything other than a mention in the Times that one of his companies was under investigation for wire fraud. Was that really a big deal? I supposed, coupled with my credit cards being declined, I should be more concerned.
I tried my father one more time, but like a few minutes earlier, the call
went straight to voicemail.
I hated asking Pen for help again, but it looked like the best thing for me to do was get back to New York. I quickly changed my mind when I opened the door in time to hear her say, “It’s almost like she’s on something.”
On something? I eased it the rest of the way and went inside.
“What is that supposed to mean? I’m ‘on something’ because I decided I needed some time on my own? By the way, thanks for blindsiding me. I hope you’re all happy now.”
“Wait a minute,” said Pen, standing. “No one blindsided you, and why would any of us be happy your father is being investigated?”
“I need to get back to New York.”
“So go.” Pen sat back down.
“Come with me.” Quinn took my hand and pulled me out the front door. “What’s up?”
“Didn’t you hear? I’m on something.”
“Don’t be like that. I’m trying to help you. What’s happening with your dad?”
I told her about my conversation with my mother and what I’d found on the internet, not that it was much.
“What do you want to do?” she asked.
“I’ve been trying to reach my dad since yesterday. I really feel like I should go home.”
“Are you sure? I mean, what can you do there that you couldn’t do here?”
For starters, not be judged by people who I thought loved me?
“I have to see him.”
“Okay. If you’re absolutely certain.” Quinn put her hand on my arm. “I know Pen paid for your ticket here. I’ll take care of you getting back to New York. And you’re not asking; I’m offering.” Quinn opened the door, and I followed her back inside. “I’m giving Tara a ride to the airport,” she said to Aine and Pen. I didn’t see Ava.
“Bye,” I said, waving behind me, wishing I hadn’t even come back in.
“Wait,” Pen called out. “How about a hug? And what about Aine?”
“And what about Ava?” Aine asked after I hugged her and Pen.
“Tell her I said thank you.”