documentation to transfer the estate into your name.”
“This just gets crazier by the second. You know that. Right?” “Yes, I know.”
BNA Airport, Nashville
The G-5 came to rest in the private terminal just a few hundred yards from the main airport. A car was waiting for them as they stepped off the plane. A man who introduced himself to Anna as Nick ushered them into the backseat and asked, “Where to?”
“Get back on I-65 and head south,” Anna answered. “Take the Brentwood exit. I want to go see my father. He should be at his office. I’ll call my mom and tell her to meet us there.”
Father Vin shut the door. “Anna, are you sure that’s a good idea?”
“I’ve got a lot of questions that need answers. They’re the only ones who have them. I’m not making any decisions until I talk to them.”
Father Vin nodded. “Nick, take us to Brentwood.”
“Right away, Father Vin. How was your flight?”
“Fine, Nick. Thank you for asking.”
“You know him?” Anna asked, pointing to the driver.
“As I told you before, your grandfather and I have traveled all over the world. Nashville was a regular stop for us. I meant it when I said I know your family very well. I’ve practically watched you grow up.”
She supposed that should creep her out a little, but it didn’t. For some reason, knowing that her grandfather had been there, even if she hadn’t known it, felt kind of nice. And even more strangely, she felt drawn to this priest. She couldn’t explain it, but for some reason she wanted to believe him and everything he had told her. All of it. She stared out the window as they merged onto I-40, trying to rehearse what she was going to say to her parents.
Third Financial Mortgage, Brentwood
“Hey, baby girl,” James Riley stood from behind his desk, giving his daughter a peck on the cheek. “How was New Orleans? You and the girls have a good time?”
“New Orleans was fine, Daddy. Listen, I don’t have a lot of time. I called Mom, and she’s on her way here. We need to talk.”
“Honey, I’m very busy. I’ve got three closings and a refinance today. And what is the meaning of this?” James Riley looked at his daughter with a scowl as Father Vin entered the room. “Your mother? And why is
he
here!” He pointed to the man wearing the white collar.
“Daddy, sit down for a minute. I will answer all of your questions, but first I have some of my own,” Anna took a stern tone with her father, something she had never done before. She halfway expected him to point his finger at her—as he’d done so many times previously—and give her what for. Her father was someone who always took charge of any situation. This time, however, he just stood there looking confused. It was almost as if he knew what was coming.
The door to her father’s office opened, and in walked her mother. She was already midsentence, asking what was going on, when she noticed her husband and daughter standing nose to nose, staring each other down. It was then that she saw the old man in the corner of the office.
“Come on in, Mom,” Anna said, still looking at her father.
“We were just about to get started.”
“What’s going on, Anna?” her mother asked. “I thought you were in New Orleans.” Then to Father Vin, “And what are you doing here? I thought we told you to stay away from our family!”
“That’s enough!” She faced both her parents. “I’m gonna talk, and you all are going to listen. I don’t want to be interrupted until I finish. Understood?”
“I don’t know what this is about, Elizabeth,” James said to his wife. “She just barged in here and started taking over.”
“Daddy! I’m talking now! Pretend, just for once, that I’m more important than some stupid real estate deal, and listen to me.”
James held his hands up in surrender. “I’m just trying to figure out what you’re so upset about. And why this man, who has tried to destroy this family, is with