Page 9 of All Bets are Off
Overwhelmed and scared, I suddenly wish West was with me.
Without giving myself time to talk myself out of it, I hit number one on speed dial.
West answers before the third ring.
“What’s wrong?” he asks.
Hearing his voice brings a rush of relief so strong, I can’t speak for a moment.
“Logan?” West’s voice takes on a sharp, worried edge.
“Hi, yeah.” I try hard to sound natural, but I obviously fail when West starts barking out questions.
“Has something happened? Are you still at Gloria’s? Are you hurt?” Rustling on the other end of the line gives me the mental image of him packing a bag to jump on the next flight to Atlanta.
“No. Nothing’s happened,” I rush to say. “Really. Everything’s okay. It’s just…I need to talk to you.”
West exhales, and I can clearly picture him, hand in his blond hair. “All right. What is it?” he asks, sounding a little calmer.
I swallow. “I think something’s wrong with Mom.”
“What? Why?”
Squeezing the bridge of my nose, I explain everything I’ve noticed. “I thought I was imagining things, but now I think maybe I should get her a doctor’s appointment.”
“That’s probably a good idea. There are medications that might help her, Logan. Don’t jump the gun and think the worst.”
I can’t help but worry it’s Alzheimer’s disease, and I’m sure West is thinking the same thing. I’m glad he doesn’t say it, though.
“Thanks,” I say.
“No problem. I’m glad you called.”
“What’s going on there?” I ask, settling more comfortably against the couch cushions. I gaze at the photo of me and my parents that was taken when I was nine. I’m wearing a suit and look like I’d rather be just about anywhere else.
“Colt’s wrapped up the case in Wyoming. He’ll be back tonight. Sean’s headed to Vegas for a stint at a casino that’s short-staffed due to illness.”
“Anything for you or me?”
“The owner of a game app alerted the police about a suspicion that drugs are being sold through his game. They’re understaffed right now and asked us to do surveillance. Jase put me on it.”
“Found anything yet?” I ask.
“No, but I wouldn’t be surprised if something’s going on. It’s got a shitload of players for a small, cheesy game.”
“You want me to make an account?” I ask.
“No, have fun with your mom. You can help me when you get back, if you want. I’ll set you up as the town ice cream man.”
“That was my dream job when I was a kid,” I say, smiling. Privately, I wondered if working with him will go more smoothly than the last time. Considering we’re going to be working on computers, I figured it will.
West chuckles. “I know.”
My chest clenches, Weird how yesterday I couldn’t wait to get away from him, and today I wish he was here with me.
“When are you coming home?” he asks.
“I only planned to stay the weekend, but now I’ll have to see when I can get Mom a doctor’s appointment.”