The Right Call by Kathy Herman Read Free Book Online Page B

was a crutch. Some people needed it but not him. I just let it go. I should’ve tried harder.”
    “Drew, this kind of thinking is just going to make you depressed. Tal had the same choices you and I did. He chose differently. Just like you couldn’t save his life, you couldn’t save his eternal life either. Some things aren’t in our power.”
    “Seems like nothing was in my power.”
    “It’s no fun feeling powerless, but you did everything you could.”
    “Then why do I feel so bad?”
    “Good grief, man. You saw your friend shot and killed. I’d be worried if you didn’t feel bad.”
    Drew’s eyes turned to dark pools. He buried his face in his hands and started to sob quietly, almost as if Ethan’s comment had given him permission to acknowledge his emotions.
    Ethan got up, walked around the table, and sat next to the cousin who seemed more like a brother, placing his hand on his back. “Let it out, Drew. All the sadness and fear and anger and guilt. Let it go.”
    Ethan stayed where he was, hoping his presence was comforting to Drew. What a horrible trauma his cousin had been through. He tried to imagine it and then erased the scene from his mind. Minutes passed with neither of them saying a word.
    Finally Drew wiped his eyes on his T-shirt. “Sorry.”
    “Don’t apologize. Every man needs to cry once in a while. It’s like taking the cap off the pressure valve.”
    “I guess.” Drew took a sip of coffee that had to be cold by now. “When’s the funeral?”
    “Don’t know yet. The article indicated there would be an autopsy. I doubt the family can make arrangements until Tal’s body is released.”
    “Why would they do an autopsy when it’s obvious he died of a gunshot wound?”
    “Probably to determine whether there was foul play prior to his being shot, or whether he was under the influence of drugs or alcohol or something else that might’ve caused him to provoke the attack.”
    “Drunk or sober, impaired or not, he was shot in cold blood in the middle of the sidewalk. There’s no escaping it.”
    “No one saw what happened, Drew. There might be more to it.”

    Tessa Masino shuffled into Nick’s Grill, Antonio holding the door, and savored the aroma of something spicy wafting under her nose.
    Nick Phillips waved from the counter and hurried over to them, his thick, sandy blond hair salted with gray, a roll of excess pounds hanging over his belt. He shook Antonio’s hand and put his other hand on Tessa’s shoulder. “Welcome, friends. I’ve got a zesty tortellini salad loaded with grilled chicken and veggies that’ll knock your socks off. Low in fat. High in flavor. Comes with sourdough rolls fresh from the oven.”
    “Oh my”—Tessa put her hand on her heart—“that’s what I’m having. I’ve had a craving for something Italian. You’re the only one we know who makes pasta that tastes as good as Antonio’s grandmother’s.”
    “That’s why I love serving you two.” Nick winked. “Gus and Maggie saved your places at the counter. I’ll be right there.”
    Tessa walked over to the counter and hugged Maggie Williams. “Does it feel strange being a customer?”
    “I think it’ll hit when Jo Beth takes my order.”
    “We’ll all just move down one seat, dear. You fit right in.”
    Antonio slid onto the stool between Tessa and Gus and slapped Gus on the back. “How’s it going, friend?”
    “Really can’t complain, but I always do.” Gus chuckled, linking arms with Maggie. “Not so much anymore.”
    “Well, to celebrate Maggie’s first lunch with us on this side of the counter,” Antonio said, “Tessa and I are treating today.”
    “That’s mighty nice of you.”
    “So what do you know?”
    Gus waved his hand. “Aw, it’s a cryin’ shame about Win Davison’s kid bein’ shot in front of his apartment.”
    “I just can’t imagine why no one saw what happened,” Tessa said. “And, Gus, I do not believe the spirits of the departed Cherokee are