Dead Peasants (30 page)

90

There was a quiet knock on the hospital door.

“Come in,” Allison said in a raspy voice.

Uncertain what she should do, Colby stopped at the foot of the bed. “I, I just came by to see how you were doing, Mr. Allison.”

Allison coughed. “Sorry. They just got that tube out last night, and I’m still pretty hoarse. Do me a favor and push that button on the bed control. I want to sit up a little.”

Colby hesitated and then did as he requested.

When he was sitting upright, Allison held out his hand and Colby took it. “I’m sorry, Colby. I started all of this in motion, and it almost caused your death.”

“It’s okay, now, Mr. Allison. I always told Jack that I didn’t believe you were trying to kill me or anyone else.”

“Still, I’ve got to take some responsibility. I thought I was being a really sharp businessman when I took out all those policies. Who would ever have thought it would lead to this? But then I thought I knew Beau Quillen. Turned out I knew the façade, not the real man. Are you going to be okay?”

Colby sat on the side of his bed. “I’m going to be fine now.”

Allison turned to face her. “Hey, how about this. I’ve been thinking a lot in the past couple of days. I’ve decided I’m not going to run for mayor. I need to focus all my time on re-building Allison Southwest. My first step is to cancel all of those policies. I could use a really good finance manager. I’m talking about over the whole company.”

Colby smiled. “I’m flattered, Mr. Allison. I really am. Only, I have a sense that the real estate market is coming back, and I like being my own boss.” She bent over and kissed him on the forehead and left the room.

Joe Sherrod knocked on the RV door and entered without an invitation.

Jack was at his desk in the back. “Joe, come on in. You need a little free legal advice?”

Joe took a seat in one of the client chairs across from Jack. “Not today. However, if you ever want a job as one of my detectives, just say the word.”

Jack shook his head. “My detective days are behind me. I’m content to be a pro bono lawyer. Turns out I like helping folks who can’t help themselves.”

“Speaking of your pro bono clients, how’s June doing?”

Jack smiled at the thought. “She’s taken a chunk of that first payment from Allison and has donated it to her church. They’re building a new sanctuary, named in honor of Willie. What’s happened to Hawk and Quillen?”

“Quillen’s trial is in three months. If Hawk testifies like his confession, he’ll get life. I’m prosecuting Quillen, and I expect him to fry. By the way, it’s about time you, Colby and J.D. join my family for dinner. My son still wants to meet J.D.”

Jack and Colby had just returned from the sixth game of the season. J.D. had won his starting place and scored three touchdowns. Although there was coolness in the autumn air, they were seated on the patio, watching the sun set. As day turned to evening, Jack turned to Colby and asked, “Is it okay if we start dating, now?”