Covered in Coal (Buried Secrets 1)

“Carly Simon, what a surprise! I was just about to call you later today.” Cutting him off mid-sentence, I begin to yell.

“My ass. It’s been over two damn weeks, James, and I haven’t heard a word from you, whatsoever. Do you realize that if it wasn’t for my daddy lining your pockets over the years, you wouldn’t even have a frickin’ law firm? John Simon was your biggest client, and now that I own Simon Energy, I’m your biggest client. Now, I can walk away in a split second, and find a more aggressive attorney who truly is deserving of my money. So, you had better have some real damn answers for me.” I begin to pace the floor, as anger consumes me.

“Carly, there is no need to come into my office, screaming at me with such disrespect. I have to say Big John would be highly disappointed in you speaking to me that way.” James says, trying to intimidate me. I palm my hands on the edge of his desk, and lean in close to the short, frumpy man.

“James, do I look like I give two shits about whether he would be disappointed in me? NO. Now, show me what’cha got on Drew Varney. And you better have some real answers.” James scowls back at me, then huffs in frustration as he opens his drawer, pulling out a manila file. I rip the file from his hands and begin to read quickly through the pages.

“I told you Carly, you were getting in too deep. If Big John wanted you to know anything about Drew Varney, or their relationship, he would have told you his damn self.” I look up at him behind tear filled eyes.

“This shit can’t be for real.” I say, and James laughs right in my face.

“It’s legitimate. Big John had the paternity test done himself to confirm it. Drew Varney is your brother.”

My legs grow week, so I take a step backwards, in search of a chair. Anxiety creeps into my chest, and I begin panting for air, my chest growing tighter and tighter. Bill brings me a glass of water, and sits on the edge of the desk, waiting for me to calm down.

“Carly, your daddy hid this from you and Savannah to protect you girls. I only gave you this piece of the puzzle, to appease you. Now, you know the truth. I suggest you keep this information to yourself, Big John didn’t want it getting out that he had an illegitimate son.” I try to gain the strength to stand, so I can leave. With shaky hands, I reach for the door, but James grabs my wrist stopping me. Turning towards him he smiles kindly and says, “Carly, I’m serious. Whatever it is you are searching for, let it stay buried with Big John. I’m warning you, you are digging too deep into shit I don’t want stirred up.”

I can feel heat rise up my face as I register James’ words. “James, are you threatening me?”

“Now, Carly, whatever would give you that impression. I’m only telling you to watch what you dig into, dear.” With a snarky sneer I peer into his weathered eyes with the mos

t evil look I can muster.

“Great. Because if you are, you might wanna remember that I’m a damned Simon, and nobody will threaten me and live to see the next light of day. Have a good one.” I turn on my heels and stomp away. I breeze right by that little bitch Alisa, slamming the front door open as I storm out into the cold breeze. I open the door and slide into the seat of my Camaro, and toss the file into the passenger seat.

My breathing is heavy, and my heart is beating a dangerous moderato. I pound the steering wheel for a minute in frustration, letting the tears spring from my eyes. There is damn no way I have a brother. How in the hell could my Daddy do this? Is this why Momma left us?

I roar the engine to life, throwing the car in reverse and peel out of the parking lot. I don’t even know what direction I’m driving, or where I am going, I just drive. My head begins to pound, and I can feel my heart beating in my ears. My breathing is rapid, my hands are shaking, and I feel like I am going to vomit.

I continue to drive, until I reach The Village Diner. Pulling into the empty lot, I check the clock for the time. Eleven-twenty, they’re open. I shift the car to park, and shut the engine off. I grab the file from the passenger seat, and climb out of the car to make my way inside.

I find a table at the back of the restaurant, and take a seat facing the wall. I’m sure my face is stained red, smeared with black mascara, so I grab my compact, and try to cover up the marks. The waitress comes to the table, and takes my order; sweet tea, and the largest slice of peanut butter fudge cheesecake she can cut.

After she leaves the table, I open the file and begin to read slowly over each page, taking in all of the details of my new found brother, Drew Varney. There is a copy of the original paternity test, from 1985. So Daddy knew when Drew was born, that he was his son? I shake my head in confusion. None of this shit makes sense. I close the file, and stuff it in my purse. I can’t look at it anymore. I look up and see that my order is sitting on the edge of my table, so I pull the cheesecake closer to me. I pick at it slowly, trying to enjoy the sweetness, but my stomach protests in jittery knots.

“Bad day?” I hear from behind me. I turn my head around to see Luke Ashton standing behind me, hands pushed into his pockets.

I sigh, “Yeah, guess you could say that.” Luke sits down at the table, and just looks at me. His stare is intense, and I feel almost naked and vulnerable.

"I want to apologize for the other day.” I arch my eye brow at him, curious as to what he needs to apologize for.

“What for Luke?” He takes a deep breath, before he speaks.

“I was rude. You were kind enough to give me a lift home when it was rainin’. You made a comment that kinda hit close to home, and I just didn’t know how to respond. So, for my silence, and rudeness, I need to apologize.” Luke reaches across the table, and places his hand on mine, rubbing circles with his thumb. His touch is electrifying, and it terrifies me.

“Luke, if I said something that made you uncomfortable, don’t you think I should be the one apologizing? I’m sorry, and I appreciate your apology, but it obviously completely unnecessary.” I say, pulling my hand away from his contact. Luke smiles lightly, but his smile doesn’t touch his eyes. I look at his eyes, and can see the same heartache that I am sure he can see in mine. It’s haunting. I wonder what broke Luke.

“Carly, I know we ain’t really ever been close, but I’m here if you need to talk.” I smile at him, but am at a loss for words. I have never been one to share my emotions or pain with anyone, but just having his company right now would be nice.

“Thanks Luke, I appreciate that. I’m okay. Just life, ya know. So, let’s just catch up, would that be ok?” Any distraction from the devastating news I just received is welcome. Luke nods, and we begin to make small talk. Within minutes my stomach has settled, the tension has eased so I start to nibble on my peanut butter fudge cheesecake while we chat. What? I’m not about to let something that delectable go to waste.

We exchange stories of our lives over the last seven years, well, what we both feel like sharing I guess. Luke is somewhat of a chatter box once he gets started, so I just let him talk. He tells me that he moved to Lexington after we graduated high school, and became a fire fighter with the Lexington Fire Department. He explains the thrill of entering a burning building, to save victims from the flames. His face lights up with pride as he talks about the memories of his life as a firefighter, Then suddenly, he falls silent. Reaching across the table, I place my hand on his, and he looks up at me, his eyes filled with anguish.

“Ya okay?” I ask, but I know the answer. Luke smiles, and nods.

“I quit the fire department about a year ago. You can only crawl into a burnin’ house so many times, and come out empty handed, not able to save everyone, before it starts to screw with your mind, ya know. It’s a hauntin’ sound, to hear screams and cries from children, not bein’ able to save them.” Luke clinches his eyes shut, shaking his head.

“It’s okay, Luke, you don’t have to talk about it.” He pulls away from me, and pinches the bridge of his nose. He takes a deep breath, as he opens his eyes, looking away, distantly.