C16 Next Move

Geoff could hardly believe his ears. To make matters worse, the suspected cause of death without investigation was rumored to be a battle over the inheritance of the Smiths. It was so preposterous that Geoff almost lost his mind. His only family was dead as well–murdered, just like his parents and they were indirectly pointing fingers at him already.

He couldn't sit still; he knew he shouldn't. He had to do something, or he was going to lose everything, including his life if he didn't act. If there was any doubt in his mind about his parents' accident being a carefully calculated murder, Geoffrey felt them no more.

Someone was trying to render his lineage extinct so he could feast on their wealth without worry. Now, there wasn't any other person who would benefit from his whole family gone except his uncle-in-law, Danny Gayle. It was only him. Could he have killed his wife? Why? Did they have a misunderstanding regarding the inheritance?

The questions plagued Geoffrey as he stood, rooted to the spot in front of the TV. His mouth was still open in shock, and his hands were limp by his sides. He had thought he was done getting his share of tragedy in life after losing his parents and his eyes. Who would have thought he'd get another blow to the gut so soon?

Now, what was he supposed to do? If the investigation into the murder of his aunt was done properly, it could expose loopholes in the death of his parents, but could the police, who are already publishing ‘inheritance issues’ as the reason for Catherine's murder, be trusted?

Geoffrey's head spun painfully as different thoughts hit him. He felt dizzy and was starting to stagger when Tiana's comforting arm held him steady. She guided him to a seat, but she didn't know what to say or how best to comfort him. She just sat with him and continued holding his hand.

***********************************************

Tiana's phone buzzed beside her as stood in the kitchen making a simple lunch of chicken and vegetables. It was her father calling.

“Dad? Is everything alright? How is Larry?” Tiana asked, and immediately, the call was connected. She had been meaning to call her father for a while but was too occupied with taking care of Geoffrey. She didn't want him to be alone and let him be depressed about everything happening to him.

"Larry's stable for now, sweetie," her father replied, his voice laced with a mix of relief and worry. "But the doctor says he needs to remain at the hospital for further treatment."

Tiana's heart sank. She knew that was a luxury they couldn't afford. "What about the medical bills, Dad? We can't keep piling up debt."

"I know, baby. That's why...I'm afraid we have to discharge him and care for him at home."

Tiana felt a pang of regret. They had been counting on Catherine Gayle's help, but that was no longer possible.

"If only Catherine were still with us," Tiana said wistfully. "She would have helped us, I'm sure."

"I know, sweetie. But we can't change that. We have to focus on taking care of Larry now."

Tiana thought of Geoffrey but immediately dismissed the idea. "I'm not going to ask Geoff for help, Dad. He's going through a lot himself, losing his entire family. It would be cruel to burden him with our problems."

Her father sighed. "You're right, baby. We'll just have to manage on our own. We'll take care of Larry at home and do the best we can."

Tiana steeled herself for the challenge ahead. "We'll get through this, Dad. We always do."

As they wrapped up their conversation, Tiana felt a sense of determination wash over her. She would do everything in her power to take care of Geoffrey and Larry. Geoffrey had become an important person to her, she would stay by him no matter what.

With that thought in mind, she finished making the lunch, dished a portion, placed it in a tray, and headed to Geoffrey's room.

************************************************

The delicious aroma of the food filled the air as Tiana knocked and entered Geoffrey's room.

With a sour expression, Geoffrey was seated on the side of his bed, staring at nothing in front of him.

"Hey, I brought you some lunch," Tiana said quietly as she placed the tray on the bedside table.

Without answering or even acknowledging her presence, Geoffrey remained silent. Tiana felt sorry for him. She understood that he was having trouble processing the loss of another family.

"Geoff, please eat something," Tiana urged as she sat down on the bed next to him. "You need to keep your strength up."

With his gaze still focused on nothing in particular, Geoffrey paused. Tiana could see the stiffness in his jaw and the strain in his physique. She repeated, "Geoff, please," in a soft yet forceful voice. "Just a little bit. If not for you, then for me. Hmmm?"

Geoffrey slowly turned to look at her, his gaze probing hers. Tiana briefly believed that she glimpsed a ray of hope and resolve. However, his face froze once more, and he turned his head away. He murmured, "Fine," as he picked up the fork and nibbled on a piece of chicken.

Tiana grinned in relief. "That's it, just a little bit at a time." Tiana talked softly next to Geoffrey while he ate, attempting to divert his attention. However, she could tell that his thoughts were elsewhere.

Geoffrey put down the fork as soon as he took a few bites and looked at Tiana. "Thanks for the food, I'd like to be alone now. Thank you”

Knowing that he was only attempting to get rid of her, Tiana grinned. "Anytime, Geoff. "Please, just get some rest."

With his gaze already moving away from hers, Geoffrey nodded.

Leaving Geoffrey to his thoughts, she rose and slipped out of the room. Geoffrey's face changed as soon as the door shut behind her.

An idea had struck him just after Tiana entered. He grabbed his phone and dialed the number of the head security guard at the mansion, Marcus.

Marcus picked at the first ring and answered politely, “Yes, master Geoffrey.”

Geoffrey's eyes and his hold on the phone hardened as he stated, "I need you to take care of something for me Marcus.”