Letters from Peaceful Lane (New Americana 3)

“He’s right, Brianna,” Garrett said. “When the problem at the theater came up, I offered to go myself, but he insisted on taking care of it in person. Maybe you should apologize to Allison.”

Brianna hated being treated like a child. “I’m sorry,” she mumbled, turning away from Allison and back to her father.

“Apology accepted.” Allison looked as if she wanted to make an excuse and leave. But she had clearly staked out her territory in the room. It was clear that she meant to stay and keep the situation under control.

Brianna remembered what Garrett had told her on the way to the hospital. In a way, the accident had been Allison’s fault. If she hadn’t quarreled with Burke before he’d walked out of the party, he might not have been driving so fast. But she knew better than to mention that now. Instead she changed the subject.

“Garrett mentioned something about the theater having money troubles, Daddy,” Brianna said. “I guess that means you won’t be getting me a new car.”

Allison glanced at Burke’s blood pressure monitor, then spoke. “Brianna, this is hardly the time for this conversation.”

“No, it’s all right,” Burke said. “I know you’ve got your heart set on that car, Brianna. So don’t you worry about that. I promised you a new car, and you’re going to get one. Any car you like.”

“And the money for school? If I have to drop out of the program at Northwestern, they might not give me a second chance.”

“Don’t worry, it’ll be taken care of.” Burke’s voice sounded strained. Allison gave Brianna an anxious glance.

“Brianna, I need you to step out into the hall with me,” she said. “Come on, it’ll just be a minute.”

“Can Garrett come with us?” Brianna felt as if she needed an ally.

“No,” Allison said. “Just us girls.” She opened the door, closing it after Brianna followed her into the hall.

“What’s this about?” Brianna demanded. “Are you going to tell me there’s plenty of money for you to turn the house into an art museum, but nothing for school?”

Allison was obviously struggling to hold her temper. “Listen to me. Your father needs to rest. Talking to him about money will only raise his stress level to the danger point. For now, just be kind and loving to him. You can talk about money when he’s stronger.”

“But . . .” She was confused. “Garrett told me that all Dad has to do is sign a contract with the new investors, and there’ll be plenty of money for everything.”

“Brianna, your father’s in no condition to sign anything. And he has some issues with the contract and the people behind it. That’s all I can tell you, except that right now he needs time to rest and heal. Please tell me you understand.”

“I’ll try. But this is a shock. What’ll happen if he doesn’t sign?”

“Right now all that matters is that he get his strength back. And for as long as you’re here, your job is to help him feel better, not stress him out over financial problems.” Allison opened the door and ushered Brianna back into the room. Brianna could sense the tension, as if Allison and Garrett were engaged in a tug-of-war, with her father in the middle. She couldn’t take sides until she knew who had her dad’s best interests at heart; and she wouldn’t know who that was until she knew more about the issues involved.

Much as she disliked her stepmother, Brianna knew Allison was right about one thing. If her dad was to get well, he needed to be protected from stress and worry.

But how could she do that if nobody would tell her what was going on? Between Allison and Garrett, she’d have more luck with her father’s business partner. She would see how much she could find out.

* * *

Allison had been worried about leaving Burke alone with Garrett, but she found them making awkward small talk. “Thank you for picking up Brianna, Garrett,” she told him. “There’s no need for you to stay. I can take Brianna home with me when I leave tonight.”

“Oh, but I’ll be starving by then,” Brianna said. “All I’ve had today is coffee.”

“No problem,” Allison said. “I’ll give you some money and you can go down to the cafeteria. They’ve got good soup and sandwiches, and their shakes aren’t bad either.”

“I’m hungrier than that,” Brianna said. “Garrett, could you be a sweetheart and take me to the Chateau? I’ve been craving their chicken marsala all day.”

If Garrett hesitated, it was only for an instant. “Sure, I could use a good meal myself. All right with you, Burke?”

Burke didn’t look happy, Allison observed. But his daughter was nineteen. He could hardly forbid her to go out to dinner, even with a man he no longer trusted. “Fine,” he said with a sigh. “I’m just sorry I can’t go with you. Allison, if you want to go along with them, feel free.”

Did he want her to go—maybe to keep Garrett from pushing his influence on Brianna? Allison was torn. But she’d already resolved to stay with her husband. And trying to chaperone Brianna would only earn her more resentment.

“Thanks, but I’ll stay here,” she said. “Go on, you two. Enjoy your meal. Can I assume you’ll be back here afterward, Brianna? Maybe in an hour?”

“Sure.” Brianna’s shrug seemed to show indifference. “Come on, Garrett. I’ll owe you one for this.” She tugged him out the door and down the hall. Allison already knew that the Chateau, an elegant resort and spa with a tower overlooking the lake, was Brianna’s favorite dining place. But she sensed that this escape wasn’t just about food. Something was going on, and she didn’t like it. Neither would Burke.