Richard’s eyes stayed on mine.
“That’s what you were told?”
My pulse began hammering.
“What are you talking about?”
“Thomas Merrick did repair work when he was young.”
He paused.
“But later he became Arthur’s business partner.”
I stared.
“No.”
“He helped build the company that eventually became Northstar Dining Group.”
“That’s impossible.”
“I met him.”
My hands became numb.
“My father died owing medical bills.”
Richard’s face tightened.
“When?”
“I was sixteen.”
Richard looked at the floor.
“What?”
“That’s not when Thomas Merrick died.”
The room tilted.
Emily grabbed my arm.
“What do you mean?”
Richard raised his eyes.
“Thomas Merrick died four years ago.”
I stopped breathing.
No sound came out.
“No.”
“I’m sorry.”
“No.”
I stood.
“My father died when I was sixteen.”
“I believe someone told you that.”
“I went to his funeral.”
“Did you see him?”
The question struck me like a slap.I thought back.
