The Things We Knew Read Online Free Page A

you’re prepared well in advance for any events that come up.”
    Nick stretched out on the lounger and closed his eyes. Pointless to debate whether he was responsible or not. In Dad’s eyes, once a screw-up, always a screw-up. “I’ll try not to stab anyone when I cut the ribbon on the new hospital wing.”
    His father cleared his throat a little too loudly. “I’m trusting you to be my representative, Nicholas. Your grandfather’s legacy is nothing to joke about.”
    “Who’s joking?” If he had to listen to Dad drone on about the Cooper legacy once more, he’d be stabbing himself with those scissors.
    “Don’t think for one minute that I’m not watching you, son. When you screw up, I’ll know about it before you do.”
    Nick got to his feet. “Thanks for the support.”
    His father gave a slight shrug. “It’s not that I don’t appreciate your being here. But trust has to be earned, my boy.”
    Despite the sun on his bare shoulders, that thin smile left Nick chilled. “If you don’t trust me, then don’t leave me in charge. Tucker Watts can do my job.”
    “Tucker Watts is a moron.”
    “Then I guess you’re stuck with me.”
    His father sighed and studied the ocean. “Must every conversation we have end in an argument?”
    “Fine, Dad.” Nick remembered the reason his father was leaving and mustered a smile. “I hope things go well for you.”
    Dad waved a hand and stood. “I don’t want to be worrying the whole time I’m there.”
    “Then don’t.” Nick pulled on a pair of gray sweatpants. “I won’t burn the house down, and I’ll make sure the bank doesn’t go under.”
    “Just . . . stay out of trouble.” He placed a firm hand on Nick’s shoulder. “I’m counting on you, Nicholas. Don’t let me down. Again.”
    Nick held the granite-like gaze and pushed back his shoulders. “I’m going to shower. Have a good day.”
    Later, once he heard the front door slam and his father’s Mercedes roll out of the driveway, Nick grabbed his car keys, slid into his sports car, and gunned the engine. Lunch at his favorite hole-in-the-wall would shake off the foul mood he was now in.
    He turned off the sandy road onto Polpis and headed toward town. Despite his disgruntled spirit, the sight of the ocean was something he never tired of. An early spring brought calmer seas, and he spotted more than a few white sails out there. He might venture down to the yacht club later, see who was around.
    Nick parked outside The Longshoreman, entered the bar, took a seat at his favorite booth, and counted. Soon the bar owner pushed an icy mug his way and dropped into the seat opposite him.
    Nick chuckled. “Thirty seconds. You’re slipping, Jed.”
    “Shut up, rich boy. I got customers.” Jed Hagerman flicked a damp cloth, droplets of water flying.
    “Really?” Nick scanned the almost empty establishment. The dark, dank walls gave the place a mysterious air. Posters of groups from the seventies and eighties still adorned the walls, and he’d bet the jukebox in the corner hadn’t been updated in this decade. He took a swig of amber ale, wiped froth off his upper lip, and grinned. “You’re counting Harry as a customer now? I thought he was part of the furniture.”
    Old Harry swiveled on his stool, wagged a finger in Nick’s direction, and swayed a little dangerously. “Watch yer tongue, young Cooper.”
    Nick tipped his head. “Sorry, Harry.”
    Harry raised his glass and nodded before swiveling back around. Jed studied Nick. “So, how’s it going, man? You happy to be back home or what?”
    “Thrilled.” Nick frowned as the ale settled on his empty stomach. “Can I get a burger?”
    “Sure thing.” Jed turned toward the woman behind the bar and bellowed, “Lila, burger up!” He scratched at the scruff on his jaw and tugged on the grimy white apron that barely covered his belly. “What brings you back to the island? Life in the real world too boring?”
    “Not exactly.” Nick