Chapter 13

"How is Tuyen doing in college?" AJ asked with a smile, looking at all the photos on the mantle.

"Very well, AJ, she will be so sorry she missed your visit!"

"I'll be in town for a week, LaVon. I am here meeting my fiancée's family."

"Oh, that's wonderful! I am so happy you are getting married! I know how much your divorce and the loss of your daughter hurt you. I think that you spoiled Tuyen to fill some of that void."

"You know me too well," AJ smiled at her. "I have managed to have a relationship with Francesca these last few years. She contacted me and said she wanted to get to know me. I was happy to make the reconnection."

"And does she approve of this new lady in your life?"

"Well, they haven't met yet, but when we talk or write she tells me she is happy that I have found someone to put up with me!" he laughed.

"I hope your fiancée knows how lucky she is to get a fine man like you! I am so glad that Carl introduced us."

"LaVon, I wanted to talk to you about Carl," AJ told her gently.

"About Carl? What is there to say, AJ? I have come to face that he just didn't love us as much as I thought. I only wish he had remained in contact with Tuyen, but Chuck has tried to be a good father to her."

"LaVon, there is a chance that Carl didn't abandon you. I knew him to well to ever believe that, and now there might be evidence of foul play."

Her eyes widened in surprise.

"LaVon, he may have been killed. The night he disappeared, there was a witness to a murder."

Murder?" her hands flew to her mouth as she gasped."

"Now, we're not sure that it has anything to do with Carl, but I just have this feeling that it might. If you would be willing to talk to the police about this, I would come with them and be here for you, if you like," AJ offered.

"You know Chuck doesn't like me to even mention Carl…." she trailed off.

"Would it be easier if you didn't tell him until we know something definite?" 'God, I sound like Clayton Webb now! Telling her to keep things from her husband!' he thought.

"Yes, I think that would be wise. He only allows my contact with you because Tuyen loves you so."

"I know, and I don't want to cause any trouble for you."

"AJ, after all you have done for us, I would like to believe that Carl was the man I loved and the good man you knew him to be."

Going over to her and giving her a hug, AJ told her, "I'm pretty sure of this LaVon. Will you cooperate with the police?"

"Yes, AJ, as long as you come with them, I will. Would tomorrow afternoon be all right? Chuck always works late on Mondays and Tuyen has no classes so she will be here to see you," LaVon told him.

"That would be fine, LaVon. I will arrange it. Say one o'clock?"

"One is good. Will you bring your fiancée also?"

"Not tomorrow, but what about if we take you and Tuyen out to lunch one day this week?"

"Wednesday? Tuyen has no classes on Wednesday."

"Perfect, I will talk to Meredith and let you know for sure tomorrow."

They said their goodbyes and AJ got back to Max's before Meredith and Jordan returned from the bridal fair.

Meredith hugged him so enthusiastically when she got back that AJ was sure he heard his back pop in a couple of places. "So, how was the fair?" he asked, when he could breathe again.

"It was just superb!" Meredith gushed. "We saw so many gowns that would be just perfect for Jordan that she had trouble deciding."

AJ saw Jordan wince behind Meredith's back and knew that was not the case. Trying to help, he offered, "One thing I have learned from having a daughter in the fashion business is that today the attendants don't want to spend money on a gown they will never wear again. So you should look for something simple yet elegant, that doesn't shout 'bridesmaids dress'."

To be continued….