“I’ll be out to Goldrush Lake tomorrow to start investigating and gathering information. Anything you can pull together for me in advance would be helpful.”
I nodded. “I work a twelve-hour shift tomorrow so I’ll be there.”
I headed back to Goldrush Lake. I rolled down my windows when I finally left the desert of Nevada and entered the wooded mountains of the Sierras. I sucked in a deep breath, wondering how much longer I’d be able to call this area my home. Even if I won my case, I wasn’t sure I wanted to work for a place that would so easily abandon me. That would toss me to the wolves to protect their own asses. Maybe I could move to Colorado or Montana.
Because it was just after lunch when I got back, I picked up some sandwiches in the deli, ignoring the looks of the locals wondering if I killed Ms. Mason. Then I drove to visit Jim. He was a good friend. One I wished I could share my troubles with, but since they involved Mia, I didn’t feel I could. Instead, I put on a happy face, as I held up the bag with our lunch.
“Nick. Reuben sandwich?”
I nodded. “With extra mustard.”
He grinned, and I wondered how a man who suffered the loss of his wife, and progressively his motor skills, could be so jovial while his kids who had so much seemed to wallow in misery. Okay, so I wallowed too, but it seemed like I had a good reason. Then again, I hadn’t lost my wife or have Parkinson’s. I could learn a lot about life and attitude from Jim.
We sat at the dining room table. “I wanted to ask you how you were doing,” he said. I knew he meant Ms. Mason.
“I won’t lie, Jim, it’s been tough.” Then remembering that he could tell Mia anything I said to him, I decided to keep my comments brief. “But I’m doing what needs to be done. How about you? Did you catch the nature show on the bongos of Africa?”
He grinned. “I did. Beautiful beasts. I never made it to Africa.”
I felt bad that his ailment would probably keep him from going.
“I think they have one at the San Diego Zoo. Maybe we could go.”
He smiled wide. “I’d love that, but I know you’ve got a lot on your plate.”
I waved a hand pushing his comment away. “Even doctors need to take a break every now and then. Let me check my schedule.” I wondered what Mia and Eli would say to my taking Jim on a road trip. Or maybe we should fly. It was an hour and a half non-stop from Reno to San Diego. He looked well enough to make that flight.
Jim reached out and put his hand on mine. “You’re a good man, Nick.”
His comment sent a swell of emotion that took me by surprise. “Thank you.”
“I’m not your dad, but since he’s not here, I like to think of you as my son. Looking out for you.”
I laughed. “I do need looking out for.”
He shook his head. “Nah. I’m just returning the favor. I know you look out for me too.”
“You’re important to me.”
“And Mia? Is she important too?”
I flinched. “At one time she was. Not that I don’t care for her …” Shit. How did I explain my relationship with her? “We work together now.”
“I’m sorry things didn’t work out. Jane and I always hoped you two would. The idea of you as a son-in-law appealed to us.”
“Really? Even though Eli would be against it?”
He made a face. “Eli’s issues are his own. He focuses on you because that’s easy, but it’s not about you.”
“I forgot you used to be a shrink.”
“I prefer therapist, but yes. I can’t give you therapy, but if you ever needed a friend, Nick, I’m here for you.”
I sat back and studied him. “Has Mia been saying things about me?”
His brows knitted, letting me know she hadn’t been. “Is there something for Mia to say?”
I shrugged and turned my attention to my food, acting like it wasn’t any big deal. “She thinks I have PTSD or something ridiculous like that.” I took a bite of my sandwich, casting a quick glance at Jim to see his reaction.