The Buried Secret by Jen Talty

Trey

Trey rubbed the back of his neck as he stood in line at the Green Bean coffeehouse. It had been a long night, but old man Koontz was going to live another day. He’d suffered a mild heart attack; however, the damage had been minimal and he didn’t need surgery. All he needed was to reduce his stress.

As if that was going to be easy for a man pushing ninety who was the sole caregiver of his ailing daughter who had no idea who he was anymore.

And of course that was a living situation, which had to change. Riesling had been working with them, but Koontz was a stubborn old mule and didn’t want to move his daughter into memory care. She might be past that, but now he needed some help; hopefully Trey could find them quality companion care for now.

“You must be the new doctor,” a gentleman standing behind him said. “I’m Carter. Riesling’s father.”

“Oh. It’s a pleasure to meet you.” Trey stretched out his hand. “I believe I’m going to really enjoy working with her.” Even though Trey was already tired of small-time life, he wasn’t tired of Riesling. Nope. The worst part was she’d already crept into his dreams. Not a good thing either. He needed to stay focused on his task so he could get back to his real life.

Carter laughed. “She’s a good PA, but she’s her mother’s daughter, that’s for sure.”

“I meet Weezer. She’s charming too.”

Carter pounded his chest. “Have I suddenly entered the twilight zone and no one told me? Are you sure you’re talking about my wife?” He laughed. “They must be buttering you up for something.”

“I have been warned by a few people to make sure that I stay on Weezer’s good side.”

“That’s always a good idea,” Carter said. “But her bark is worse than her bite.”

“Grandpa! Grandpa.” A little girl came barreling into the coffeehouse, dodging and weaving everyone in line with great precision. “You’re not going to believe what Grandma just heard that has her so pissed she needs to teach Mrs. Chambers a lesson.”

Carter picked up the adorable child wearing overalls and pigtails with a special patch of dirt on her cheek. Or maybe it was chocolate from the half-eaten cookie in her hand. “What have I told you about repeating things that grown-ups say. Especially your grandmother.”

“But Grandpa, this has Grandma so upset she sent me inside and stormed off muttering something about how poor Lyra deserved a better mother.”

“Dear Lord,” Carter said, shaking his head. “I’m going to regret asking this but what did Mrs. Chambers say?”

“That Lyra and her boys are living like they might as well be on that show Hoarders. Grandpa, what’s a hoarder?”

“Nothing you ever want to know about and I’m sure Mrs. Chambers is just exaggerating as usual,” Carter said. “Have you met the new doctor yet?”

“You mean the sexy Treyton?” She made a smacking noise with her lips. “Grandma says he’s got a nice ass and that Mommy should be squeezing—”

“Sweetheart, this is Trey.” Carter smiled.

Trey couldn’t believe that a small child made his cheeks flush, but he bet if he looked in the mirror, they’d be bright red. “I bet you’re Ashling,” he said, doing his best to contain his utter embarrassment at the hands of a six-year-old.

The little girl giggled. “Mommy’s not going to be happy with me for saying that in front of you.”

“I won’t tell if you don’t,” Trey said and no way in hell would he mention anything about this conversation to Riesling. Yesterday had been long and rough. They’d had to jump right into their working relationship with both feet, and while it had gone seamlessly, Riesling was the kind of person who needed to be in control at all times and he didn’t need to be a psychiatrist to figure that out.

Ashling wiped her brow and flicked her wrist as if her fingers had been coated with sweat. “Good call.” She leaned in and lifted her hand over her mouth. “But Grandma would spot me a five if she knew I spilled the beans.”

Trey bit back his laughter.

“Honey. Do you think you can be quiet for a few minutes while Grandpa talks with Trey?”

“I guess if I have to.” Ashling shrugged. “Can have one of those strawberry drinks and a chocolate doughnut?”

“Of course.” Carter kissed Ashling’s cheek. “Zinfandel wants one too. She texted Grandma and said she’d be here soon. Go sit at that table over there. I’ll be just a few more minutes.” He set her on the ground and she weaved through the crowd like Speedy Gonzales. “That child is ten times worse than her mother was at that age and I’m just glad I get to give her back at the end of the day. I love her but she’s exhausting and we’re only a half hour into it.”

“She certainly does have a big personality.” Trey stepped closer to the ordering counter. “What kind of coffee does Riesling like?”

“This time of year she’ll like that pumpkin brew,” Carter said.

“How about you?”

“That’s nice of you, but you don’t have to—”

“I insist,” Trey said.

“Same thing.”

Trey ordered three pumpkin spice coffees, two strawberry sweet drinks, and a dozen doughnuts, but he made sure two would be left out for Carter and his spunky granddaughter. A tinge of guilt plagued his heart. He didn’t like using anyone in general, but he had no idea what they knew, or didn’t know, regarding Doctor Allison and the illegal adoptions.

So far, Trey hadn’t been able to uncover very much. Actually, he’d found out almost nothing other than Robert Allison was a well-liked, well-respected ob-gyn and people were willing to travel a great distance for his care. If he specialized in difficult births, that wouldn’t be odd, but he didn’t.

That should have been a red flag to anyone and everyone, but it wasn’t.

And there wasn’t a single blemish on the man’s medical record.

“Thank you so much for the coffee and treat.” Carter handed Ashling the doughnut.

She’d settled at the table and had her nose in her coloring book.

“This weekend my wife and I are having a few people over. I’d love it if you’d join us.” Carter curled his fingers around one of Ashling’s pigtails and twisted gently.

Trey swallowed. “I’d love that. Thank you so much.” God, he hoped this party would be near the winery. He needed to go poking around. The doctor used some building on that property as his office and Trey needed to find out which one.

If it was even still standing.

“There you are.” A tall red-haired woman waved as she practically hip checked a few people in the coffee shop. “Where’s Mom?”

“On a mission,” Carter said. “Zinfandel, this is Trey, our new doctor working with your sister, Riesling.”

“I’ve heard about you.” She lifted one of the colorful drinks from the table and drew the straw to her lips and sucked.

“I hope it was all good.” Trey wasn’t sure if he was absolutely terrified of this family or mildly amused.

Or both.

“You saved old man Koontz. You’re a real hero.” Zinfandel shifted her weight. “What’s not to like?”

Unfortunately, no one lives forever, and it was going to be a sad day indeed when Koontz did pass. But for now, all was good in the world.

“My ex-wife has a few things she doesn’t like about me,” Trey admitted.

Carter arched a brow. “How long were you married?”

“Only two years. My parents warned me it was a mistake. I didn’t listen. I was young and thought I had all the answers.”

“How old were you?” Zinfandel asked. “If you don’t mind me asking.”

“I was twenty-four when I got married and she left me two years later.” Trey wished he could be bitter, but he wasn’t. Dani hadn’t wanted to be married to him; she wanted his bank account, and she didn’t realize she was going to have to wait until his father died for most of it.

“I’m sorry,” Carter said.

“I’m not.” Trey should have known his marriage was going to be miserable when Dani had complained about the engagement ring not being big enough. She’d wondered why he hadn’t traded it even a year later for something a little fancier.

She was always bitching about the way he spent money or didn’t spend it, and when she found out his father hadn’t agreed to pay off all his debt and medical school bills, she’d gone ballistic.

It hadn’t been pretty and that’s when he realized she’d never been in the relationship because she had any real feelings for him, just the money his family had. But the truly worst part had been how it affected his mother and right before she’d been diagnosed with brain cancer.

Carter lowered his chin. “But let that be a lesson to you—”

“Dad. Stop.” Zinfandel chewed on the straw. “I’m not dating anyone currently and have no desire to get married at twenty-two. Don’t worry.”

“Just checking.” Carter laughed. “Thanks for letting me use you as a bad example.”

“I’m glad my mistake can be useful.” He held up his tray of coffee. “I better get these back to the office before they get cold and Riesling gets all bent out of shape because I’m late for my official first day.”

Ashling lifted her gaze from her coloring book. “See you tonight for dinner.”

“I’m looking forward to it.” Trey turned and headed out toward Main Street. He’d yet to find out anything about Doctor Allison or his illegal adoption.

However, he had some good ins with the River family.

Guilt tugged at his heartstrings. Hopefully they knew nothing about what had happened on their property thirty-five years ago, and he prayed they’d forgive him for unearthing any scandal that might tarnish their reputation.

Riesling

Riesling rocked back and forth as she stared at the fiery sky and sipped her wine. While it was always nice to have a night off from mother duties, and that was part of why she moved back to Candlewood Falls, she knew damn well this had matchmaker written all over it and she was going to have to put a stop to it right quick.

“Here you go.” Trey handed her a piece of warmed apple pie with a huge scoop of vanilla ice cream slowly melting over the top and seeping into the warm gooey filling.

Her stomach growled.

She set her wine to the side and dug in as if she hadn’t eaten two portions of homemade macaroni and cheese.

“I have a weird question to ask you,” Trey said.

“I’m all ears.”

“Ashling is texting me. Should I respond?” Trey sat in the rocker across from her and rested his plate in his lap.

She held her fork midair and glared. “How the hell did she get your number?”

“I assumed you gave it to her.”

“Now, why would I do that?” Riesling asked.

“In case of an emergency.”

“I have a large family. I don’t need to add you to the list. No offense.” Shit. Riesling didn’t need to be a detective to figure out where or how Ashling got Trey’s contact information.

Her fucking meddling mother who didn’t actually give a shit about Riesling except how it made the rest of the family look. Something she’d made clear the day she’d left with Theo, the scum-sucking leech as her mother liked to call him.

Riesling didn’t disagree, except that was Ashling’s father and that child adored him, when he decided to show his face, which wasn’t often. The truth was that Riesling was a coward when it came to Theo. On the one hand, she wanted Theo out of her life.

And out of Ashling’s.

But she wouldn’t—couldn’t—break her daughter’s heart to do it. She could only hope that Theo would do it himself. She told herself the next time he came around asking for money, she’d tell him no and the mere fact that she’d moved back to Candlewood Falls made it less likely he’d come around because of his family.

And because of hers.

“None taken.” Trey polished off his pie in like four bites. He leaned back and swirled his wine as he stared out over the small man-made pond in front of the old farmhouse. “Anyway, your daughter wants to know how our date is going and if I need any pointers.”

“I’m going to seriously have words with my mother. Again.” She took a big gulp of her favorite wine blend, resenting the hell out of her family’s welcome basket. Dumbest fucking thing ever, especially since everyone had contributed one of their favorite things in the gift shop. “You can tell my darling daughter that her grandmother is up to her tricks again and that we’re just talking business.”

Trey rolled his head, catching her gaze. He had kind, welcoming blue eyes. “I probably should mind my own business since I don’t have children.”

“That might be a good idea.”

He laughed. It was warm like butter melting over an ear of corn. Everything about Trey was sweet and sensitive, like a doctor with a great bedside manner should be. She’d spent the day watching him and he’d been truly fantastic with all their patients. He was a perfect fit to replace Doctor Harden.

She just wished he didn’t make her heart beat a little faster and remind her that she was a woman who hadn’t had sex in a very long time.

“Three years ago, my mom passed away,” he said.

“I’m so sorry for your loss.”

He nodded. “She was a lot like your mom in some ways.”

“No one is like The Weezer. Trust me.” Riesling tucked her hair behind her ears and stretched out her legs. “I used to think my mom meant well, and maybe she does with my siblings, but with me, I don’t know. I’ve never been able to please her or do the right thing in her eyes, even when I do exactly what she wants me to.”

“My parents hated my ex-wife, Dani. They knew she wasn’t really in love with me and saw right through her, but I couldn’t. I was blinded by—well—I have no idea anymore. However, once we split, my mom made it her life mission to find me the perfect woman. Obviously, I’m still single.” He raised his glass. “Not only did she meddle in my love life, but she used to hire cleaning ladies for me when I can’t stand having people clean my apartment. If she didn’t like my outfit, she’d buy me new clothes. She once canceled my gym membership and had me join one where the ration of men to women was more in my favor.”

Riesling stifled a laugh. “You’re humoring me.”

“Nope. I’m dead serious. However, once my mom was diagnosed with brain cancer and the meddling stopped, I kind of missed it.” He shook his head. “Okay. Maybe not the intensity of it, but I know she wanted what was best for me, and your family, while all insanely overbearing, at least the ones I’ve met, they love you and it shows.”

“You’re kind to say that, and I’m really sorry about your mom. But you don’t know mine well enough to make that kind of judgment call. Spend a little time talking with people in town. Most are terrified of Weezer. They will paint a picture of a woman who doesn’t know how to mind her own business and sticks her nose where it doesn’t belong. The worst part, though, is she’s a really good person deep down; I’ve just disappointed her to the point there’s no coming back.”

“I don’t believe that.” Trey smiled. “Could your little girl ever do anything that would make you feel that way?”

“Doubtful.” Riesling understood where Trey was going and Malbec had been talking her off this ledge for weeks. If anyone had felt the same way she had, it had been him. Hell, their mom had chased him across the country with her crazy. “But it’s still not the same. My mom won’t forgive me for choosing Ashling’s father over her.”

“Is that what you did?”

“It’s what she made me do.” She sucked in a deep breath and let it out slowly. She couldn’t believe she was having this conversation with a complete stranger. With her boss. Of course, she’d watched him get some of the most difficult patients in town to open up to him. She was surprised he hadn’t been a psychiatrist. “I’m don’t mean to be rude, but do you mind if I change the subject?”

“Not at all. What would you like to talk about?”

“Why did you take this job?” she asked. “Your resume is impressive and you had a great partnership in a large practice in the city.”

“I was tired of being a cog in a big machine. I felt like I wasn’t seeing patients or practicing medicine anymore. I needed a change and when this came across my lap, I jumped at the chance.” He reached behind him to the table and snagged the bottle of wine, topping off their glasses. “What about you? Why’d you return to Candlewood Falls and take the PA’s job?”

“When my brother Malbec returned, I promised him if he could make an effort to mend things with Mom, so could I. But the bigger reason is I felt like my daughter was missing out on family and regardless of my rift with my mom, I don’t want her to miss a moment with her aunts, uncles, or grandparents.”

“That makes sense,” Trey said. “How do you feel about hiring a part-time nurse or two to cover when you need time off to be with Ashling or would like a vacation?”

She stopped rocking. “This office has never had anything but a doctor. You wanted an assistant, so here I am.”

“I know. And I also know the two of us can handle the work, but it can’t hurt to have someone per diem, maybe approximately fifteen hours a week, that might be able to cover things like when Ashling is sick, or you need to go to a school play, or I want to go home and visit my dad and you need help. I don’t want either of us to feel like we can’t take time to be with our family when it makes sense.”

Her first reaction was that he didn’t think she could cut it. Maybe he didn’t. Maybe her mother had once again said something that made her look incompetent. She always did. But this was his office and if she tried to fight him on it, she’d look like a bitch. “I can put an ad in the paper if you want; however, I’m not sure we really have enough work or patients.” Shit. She shouldn’t have said that.

He tilted his head, running a hand across his tightly trimmed beard. “I noticed that there had been a lot of requests for records to be transferred to another doctor in the next town over within the last year. Do you know why?”

“Everyone loved Doc Harden, but it took him making a near fatal mistake for him to retire. His patients lost trust in him and left.” She blew out a puff of air. “And I’m not sure how many people actually trust me because of Ashling’s father.”

“Why not? What did he do?”

It was a fair question and the right thing to do was to tell him regardless of how it made her look. “Theo grew up in Candlewood Falls. He was a bit of a rebel without a cause and took off after high school. He came back supposedly a changed man, only he was involved in pyramid and Ponzi schemes. There are some people in this town who lost a nice chunk of their savings.”

“That’s not your fault.”

“No. But some don’t see it that way when after it all came out, I left with him.” She lowered her gaze. “I was six months pregnant with Ashling and I didn’t want to be a single mother. He promised me he’d make it right. A month after Ashling was born, I kicked him out and it’s been a shitshow ever since.”

“You really think the people of this town aren’t going to seek medical attention here because of that?”

“I’m sure there are some.”

“Well then, we’re just going to have to change their minds,” he said. “Until then, I think that would be a good idea to find ourselves a part-time nurse. You and Anna can do the initial interviews and narrow it down and we can pick the one we both think we can work with. We do that and we can expand and run walk-in clinic hours. If the citizens of Candlewood Falls see we’re dedicated to their well-being, they won’t have a choice but to see you as the kind and highly qualified physician’s assistant that you are.”

She burst out laughing. She shouldn’t be. All he’d done was give her a nice compliment, but talk about laying it on thick.

“I’m glad you find me amusing.”

“I’m sorry. I’ll take care of an ad.” She had to admit, his idea of opening up walk-in hours was a good idea. “But if you really want to run a clinic, getting hungry doctors looking for moonlight hours would really be a better bet.”

“I’m not opposed to doing that, but we need to really go over the budget. Buying this practice has me strapped.”

Riesling had no desire to have that conversation tonight, especially since she was still staring at an empty bank account after the last time Theo had wiped her out. “From what I can tell, this place will pay for itself no problem. But expanding is going to take some fancy financing.”

“We’ll make it work, I’m sure of it.”

She swallowed. She’d heard that promise from a man before. “Well, I best get going.”

“What time is Ashling coming home?”

“She’s not. My mom is keeping her for the night.” Riesling set her glass on the table and stood, stretching her hands toward the sky.

“So, you don’t really have to rush off then.”

“It’s late and I plan on going over to my mom’s for breakfast before our first appointment.”

“Fair enough,” he said. “I was hoping you might have some free time Saturday or Sunday to show me around town and give me some history. It would be fine for Ashling to tag along.”

“Do you like apple picking?”

“I’ve never done it before.”

“I promised Ashling to take her Sunday afternoon. You’re welcome to join us and we can wander through town and grab an early dinner if you’d like.” She told herself she was just being a good neighbor to the new man in town. No one would think it odd that she took her boss for a stroll down Main Street on their day off, especially since he’d just moved to Candlewood Falls and didn’t know anyone.

“It’s a date,” he said.

Her heart jumped to the back of her throat. She swallowed. “I wouldn’t call it that.” She hadn’t meant to sound so defensive and by the way he raised his hands and took a step back, she’d come off even stronger than her voice had portrayed. “I’m sorry. Things in my life are complicated and I don’t want to lead you on or anything.”

“You’re not,” he said.

She cocked her head.

He laughed. “Trust me. If my life didn’t have its own set of complications, I’d be interested.” He stretched out his arm.

She shook his hand. “Thank you for a lovely evening.”

“You should know your daughter expects a text on whether or not I kissed you goodnight.”

“Please don’t encourage her. It will only add fuel to my mother’s fire and trust me, that’s a place you don’t want to be.”