In Their Blood by Sharon Potts Page B

certifications on one of the walls were dwarfed by a red and black banner of the University of Georgia Bulldogs, and the shelves of the credenza housed numerous trophies and plaques. A chessboard near the edge of the desk had what appeared to be a game in progress. The chess pieces looked as though they were made from real ivory. Jeremy picked up a white pawn. Bud liked football and chess. An intellectual jock. Was that an oxymoron?
    Jeremy put the pawn back down, noticing as he did a worn leather belt hanging from a hook on the side of the credenza. Its incongruity with the rest of the room caught him by surprise.
    “Jeremy, my boy,” Bud said in his hearty southern drawl. He strode into the office, dropping some folders on his desk, then turned to shake Jeremy’s hand. “Well, look at you.” Bud rubbed his own clean-shaven chin. “A bit of a change from a couple of days ago.”
    Jeremy was able to take in details that had been a blur at Enrique Castillo’s house, when Jeremy could hardly tell one person from another. The partner was still a handsome man despite looking as though he’d enjoyed a few too many client lunches and dinners. Beneath his crisp white shirt, Bud’s broad football bulk had shifted from his powerful arms and chest down to his stomach. His face looked almost bloated, like a chipmunk’s before its winter hibernation, but his graying blond crew cut and the once square jaw gave Bud a marine-like mystique.
    “I want to thank you for seeing me, Mr. McNally,” Jeremy said.
    Bud took a step back as though he’d been slapped. “Mr. Mc-Nally? Since when have I become Mr. McNally?” He widened his light gray eyes, set deep into puffy, drooping eyelids. “You’ve known me since your mama brought you here in your stinky diapers.”
    “Well, I’m actually here in a professional capacity.” It was more difficult than Jeremy expected, presenting himself as an adult to people who still carried associations of him as a child.
    Bud raised his eyebrow. “Professional capacity? Well, that’s fine, but I still prefer Bud, even in a professional capacity. Maybe I’m kiddin’ myself,” Bud said, sitting down on his leather chair, “but Mr. McNally makes me feel old.”
    “You certainly don’t look old.”
    “A charmer. Just like your mama.” Bud smiled, but in the next instant he was serious. “If you don’t mind, Jeremy.” He leaned forward and lowered his voice as though there were people around who might overhear them. “Before we get on with the reason for your visit, I must ask. How’s your sister? She seemed terribly upset at the funeral.”
    “She’s doing a little better, thank you.”
    “I understand she was the first on the scene. That must have been very traumatic for her.”
    “She doesn’t remember much about what happened. It’s like she’s blocked it out.” Jeremy pulled on his collar. “I guess that’s a good thing.”
    “Yes. It’s a godsend how our minds protect us from pain.” Bud folded his hands. “And you, Jeremy? How are you dealing with everything?”
    “I’m just trying to get through one day at a time.”
    “Of course you are. Of course you are.” Bud leaned back in his chair. “So tell me, my boy, what can I do for you today?”
    Jeremy was caught by the abruptness of the transition and tooka moment to compose himself. “You mentioned at the Castillos’ to let you know if there was something you could do to help me and Elise.”
    “And I meant that, Jeremy.”
    “Well, I just found out my parents’ wills appointed me Elise’s guardian.”
    Bud’s facial expression didn’t change.
    “I guess you know, I haven’t exactly been the stay-at-home type. I took some time off from school, and I’ve been traveling.”
    “Understandably. Senior year can be a terrifying time. Wondering what you’re going to do next. Whether your parents’ lives is what you want for yourself.”
    “Exactly. And honestly, I wasn’t ready to make those