The Discovery, A Novel Read Online Free PDF Page A

with me.”
    “No way,” she said. “Really? Oh, Michael, that’s wonderful!”
    I clicked the remote button and watched the ornamental iron gate open in my rearview mirror. I looked at the gorgeous courtyard through the windshield, the exquisite Charleston Single House out my left window, the beautiful wife sitting beside me. Suddenly, a strong desire hit me. As I slowly backed out of the driveway, I shared it with Jenn. “This car is all wrong.”
    “What?”
    “This car does not belong at this house.”
    “What are you thinking?”
    “It’s time,” I said. “As soon as you fly home, I’m going to find the nearest Mini Cooper dealer and trade this old buggy in. Get that one we’ve been dreaming about the last few years.”
    “The blue turbocharged Cooper S?” she said. “The one that’s all decked out, with the white roof and white stripes down the hood?”
    “The very one.”
    “You’ll do no such thing,” she said.
    “Why? It would look perfect in that driveway.” I pointed as the iron gate closed.
    “You’re not going to buy it after I leave. We are going to go buy it together, before I leave, and I’m going to drive it every minute until I get on that plane.”

    There are so many great places to eat in downtown Charleston. This time we picked Tommy Condon’s Irish Pub. Can’t go wrong there. It’s got all the ambiance you’d expect in such a place. Even the live music is worth listening to. I finished off some fish-and-chips and Jenn ate half of her Irish Cobb salad. The conversation was light and fun, alternating between the fact that we could actually afford to buy a new Mini Cooper and the book deal conversation I’d be having this afternoon with Rick Samson.
    I already had two or three novel ideas roughed out. I wondered which one he’d want to start with. It would be amazing to write a book, whichever one, knowing it was already under contract. Who gets an opportunity like that? Just after I paid the bill, my cell rang.
    “Is it him?” Jenn asked.
    I didn’t recognize the number, shook my head no. “Hello?”
    “Is this Michael?” A woman’s voice, older.
    “Yes it is.”
    “This is Helen, your grandfather’s housekeeper. You probably don’t remember me.”
    “No, I do, Helen. I remember you. We didn’t get to talk at the funeral, but I saw you there.”
    “I’m so sorry for your loss. Your grandfather was the most amazing man. A complete joy to work for.”
    “Actually, that’s why I called earlier.”
    “Yes, I got your message.”
    “I saw your schedule on the refrigerator.” I paused, trying to think of a nice way to say this.
    “I guess I forgot to take it down,” she said. “I came in a few days ago to clean for the last time. I hope everything was satisfactory.”
    “It was very nice, spotless, actually.”
    “Thank you. I only worked for him a few years, but . . .”
    “So, are you . . . no longer coming over?”
    “I guess you didn’t hear. Your grandfather, bless his heart, I mean, I didn’t expect it at all. He set something up with his attorney and gave me a severance package that commenced the day after he died. The most amazing thing.”
    I should have figured my grandfather would take care of her too.
    “He put some money in an annuity that will keep paying me what I was getting paid until I’m old enough for Social Security. That’s just a few years from now. With that and what I’ve been able to save, I won’t have to work again. Isn’t that something?”
    “I’m so happy for you,” I said. “He was incredibly generous, to all of us. I guess you heard he left me the house.”
    “I knew that was coming. He talked to me about that a number of times. You need someone to work for you? I know some great friends who do that for a living. I could make some calls. One or two I have in mind would do an excellent job for you, good cooks too.”
    “That’s very kind of you, Helen, but I think we’ll just take care of things