The Churchill Estate was huge, but most days Padgett had the whole place to himself. Everyone else was always busy with work, so he didn't get much company.
When Norris came home, he barely made it through the door before the dog ran over to greet him. The German Shepherd picked up his scent right away and rubbed its head against Norris's leg. Norris bent down and gave him a pat. "Hey, Black." His grandfather had picked the name. It was simple, easy to remember.
"Where's Grandpa?" Norris asked. Black trotted off toward the sunroom, and Norris followed.
The wind was wild outside, so cold you could feel it through your bones. Padgett had retreated to the sunroom, warming himself by the fire. As soon as Norris and Black stepped inside, the cozy heat made Black flop down in a corner. An orange tabby was curled up at Padgett's feet, sound asleep, barely even twitching when they walked in.
Padgett had been half-listening to music, half-dozing, but he opened his eyes as soon as he saw Norris. "Back already? Isn't your training camp keeping you busy?"
Padgett never said it out loud, but he definitely had a soft spot for Norris. It wasn't just because he was the oldest grandson-it was that spark, the same talent for math his youngest daughter had.
"The camp just started. It's not too hectic yet. Plus, this year's students are pretty good." Norris didn't mention Carr and his usual drama.
Padgett nodded, but something about Norris's tone made him pause. “You didn't come all the way back here just for that, did you? What's going on?"
Padgett knew his grandson well enough to spot when something was off. Norris was always focused, always working. Even if the camp wasn't busy, he'd spend his free time prepping for competitions. He never just dropped by.
"I think I met Melissa's daughter at the camp. She's the girl Owen saw at the airport."
Padgett sat up straight. "What did you say?"
"I met her. Her name's Claire."
Padgett stared at him, searching his face. “You're sure it's not just a coincidence? Is her last name James?" That was the same surname as the guy who ran off with his daughter.
"Yeah. Didn't you say Melissa dated someone named Agassi?"
"It might just be a coincidence. I haven't asked her about it yet. Claire's already working hard at camp, and she doesn't need any extra distractions. I figured it was better not to bring up Melissa for now."
Norris looked at his grandfather.
"You shouldn't go see her either, not yet. We don't know what's going on with Melissa. If something really did happen, it could throw Claire off her game. She needs to focus onher
exams."
Padgett took a deep breath, trying to calm himself down. “You're right. Her studies
come first."
But as he thought about what Norris
had said, his heart sank. His
daughter hadn't come home in
the
years. Had something really happened to her? Even if there was trouble, why didnt Agass, bring th child back to Cabinda? Was he still angry at the Churchill family because Padgett had said no to their relationship? Did he really hold onto that grudge, even after Melissa had
a child? It wasn't like he didn't know where they lived.
Padgett looked up, almost pleading. “Can't I just go to the university and see her
from a distance? I promise, she won't even know I was there."
Norris shook his head. "Please wait until after the first round of tests. Let her get through that. The first part of camp lasts eight days, but there are only seven days of study, and then they announce who moves on. Only fifteen students make it to the next round. Sixty to fifteen it's brutal. She needs to keep her head in thề” game."
Padgett nodded, finally giving in. "Alright. I understand."