Justin met his father's eyes across the breakfast table.

"What in the hell happened? Why is there a historical site protective order on that eyesore?"

"Did you think she wouldn't protect herself? The debt Madeline DeCoeur owed is far less than the proceeds of the sale. The town bill for utilities and taxes was a grotesque bargain. Angelique is not a fool."

"Get the sale. Up the offer. I want that property. I have plans to redesign the creek bed, take out the trees and put in a boardwalk with boutique shops."

"Are you crazy? Taking down those oaks destroys an entire ecosystem. The birds, the swimming hole, a way of life this town has enjoyed for longer than you have been alive!" Justin couldn't help raising his voice.

"I won't have that place continue."

His father's shout made him cringe.

"Dad, you have to stop blaming the place for an accident. Did you ever read the autopsy? Mom had an aneurysm. She had a stroke. A catastrophic brain bleed. She was gone before she could even breathe in water to drown. No water in her lungs. You have to let it go. Please let her go in peace."

"Lies. It was the high current from the storm the night before. Nora is a competitive swimmer. It had to be that cursed place."

Justin went around the table and pulled his father's chair away from the table. Grabbing his father's shoulders, he shook him hard.

"Look at me." He waited for his father's eyes to meet his again. The tired black circles under them made him more determined to get through to his father.

"Why did she have to leave us?" The heartbroken question brought tears to Justin's eyes.

"It was her time. I miss her too, Dad. Our home is like a dead thing without her. But we have to honor her spirit. Mom loved that spot. I want to put a memorial there for her, not destroy it. I want to build a proper aquatic center. This area and the other French Illinois towns need it. Teach kids how to swim and about water safety."

Forrest Arlington's arms wrapped around his son's waist, and he buried his face against him. "I can't. I just can't. I miss her."

Finally. He's giving in to his grief. I never saw him cry for her once. It's like he froze, stuck in the horror of the coroner's building. He wouldn't even come in with me to identify her.

When Brady's mother stepped into the dining room, he shook his head and waved her away. She nodded and gave him a thumbs up as she turned. It figured she understood. Nora was her best friend too.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Justin came down through the kitchen to head out for the day after spending another hour talking to his dad. In the end, his idea for a water facility won out. His father agreed to stop pressuring the town board to change the creek, and they went on to discuss the new development in progress.

Affordable housing and a couple of disability friend suites in each building were added in with the high-end luxury condos. The end result was he needed to take a trip down to Old Mines and the salvage yard there. Balancing the expenses of specialized design for handicapped tenants with practicality meant buying used or refurbished appliances.

Saturday wasn't supposed to be a workday. He usually spent it with Brady, fishing or hiking in the Mark Twain National Forest. But today wasn't going to be normal, and he wasn't going to let the fragile peace between him and his father deteriorate. He was willing to put his usual manic Monday aside in favor of a swamped Saturday. Hopefully he could find time to grab lunch. Dad would expect a detailed report during their evening meal.

As he pulled into the parking area he spotted Angelique's three quarter ton with its magnetic decal declaring Renewals with a phone number and slogan. The trailer behind it was a bit worse for wear. It was obvious she wasn't into appearances as long as utilization wasn't compromised. A great business strategy as far as he was concerned.

If he ran into her, fine. He had a mission and he went into the main building rather than the vast storage area piled high with all sorts of interesting older heating and plumbing supplies.

His goal was to find serviceable kitchen and laundry appliances. Preferably pre-computer era. Far simpler to use and maintain, there were dozens of the right types lined up against the long wall across from the door. Beckoning an attendant with a crooked finger, he got down to business. It looked like there were a few interesting bargains to be had.

Justin was making arrangements to have his purchases delivered, when he noticed Angelique wandering along the salvaged mantel pieces. There were a few spectacular stained-glass room dividers right beside them. She pointed to a matching pair. A slender short man stood beside her and his hands gestured as he spoke.

Who was he? Their conversation appeared animated and he wondered if he was just an employee or something more. Another guy came to stand with them and he nodded, touching the multi-colored glass panels.

He caught bits and pieces of their conversation and realized they were part of her crew. Why did his back go up at their easy way with their boss? Dancing with her every Friday night wasn't enough to even begin to think of her as more, or was it?

His salesman had him sign the bill and took his credit card for payment. Once he came back with the shipping information, Justin wandered over to see why the discussion was heating up.

"I need to run another errand here, guys. Leave me your truck Will and take mine with our purchases back to the house," Angelique said.

"We need both, remember?" the short one reminded her.

She hit her forehead with the base of her right palm. "Shit, how could I forget? The plants, right? I guess I'll have to put my plans off till next Saturday."

Justin cleared his throat and interrupted, "Can I give you a ride to your errand and home after?"

She shook her head and opened her mouth to speak.

"Come on, I won't bite. I promise," Justin urged.

"Take his offer, boss. I'll bet he'll be more of a help than you might expect."

Justin racked his brain for the guy's name. Will. That's what Bella said the other night. And Marin, the French guy. Definitely part of her crew.

"Okay, okay. You win. I really need to get this little errand out of the way so I can concentrate on the renos," Angelique said. "I take you up on your offer Justin."

"We've got this under control. We'll stop at the glazier's place and pick up the windows he's got done and get him to check these two as well," Will told her.

"And we'll stop to get the plants the nursery put aside for us," Marin added.

"Like I said, you win. Thanks guys."

"My car's out front, Angelique. Where are we going?" Justin said as they started toward the exit.

"You'll never believe this," she said.

"Try me. I'm all ears."

"Let's wait until we're in your car. I'm still having trouble accepting this myself."

Justin decided the rest of his scheduled meetings could wait. This was more important.

"Let me send a couple of messages," he said. "I'm clearing my afternoon."

A/N: Prompt is in the third paragraph second scene.