Hey everyone.
Long hiatus, I know. 8 months is quite a long time to wait on a chapter, so I have a special treat. TWO chapters. Lol, thanks for sticking with me. I hope these chapters live up to your expectations.
Twenty thousand dollars.
Frank stared dumbly at the check on the table in front of him. His eyes traced the letters on the designation.
Frank Shaw-Hardy.
"Vanessa, where did you get all this money?"
"It doesn't matter where I got it." Vanessa pushed the check a little closer. "This should pay off Joey's debt."
"How did you even find out about his debt?"
"I have my ways. You're not the only detective, Frank."
"I really need to know where this money came from. If I take it, and it's dirty money, I'm gonna get arrested. I really need to know." Frank tore his eyes away from the check to look back up at Vanessa.
"My grandmother has a good bit of money. When I explained what happened, she gave me enough money to pay off Joey's debt." Vanessa stared into Frank's eyes with a deepset stubbornness and determination. "So now you can pay off the mob and bring Joey home."
"Vanessa…" Frank hesitated.
"I know it's enough money, Frank. Please."
"I don't know if Joey will be safe to come home, even if his debt is paid off. He was late on enough payments that the mob may call on him for more dangerous things if he comes home."
Vanessa's eyes filled with tears. "You have to bring him home, Frank. He can't survive out there on his own. He can't remember to take his medications on time. He can't remember how to tie his tie, no matter how many times I teach him. He can't remember if his phone number ends with 47 or 74. He needs me, Frank. Please. If not for me, then for him."
Frank looked down at the check, swallowing hard. He slowly nodded. "Alright. I'll do it."
"Thank you, Frank." Vanessa dissolved into tears, and Callie hugged her. Frank picked up the check.
"I'll go pay off the last of the debt. Then, once it's paid off, I'll start looking for Joey."
"Thank you," Vanessa repeated in between sobs. "Thank you."