Free The Way They Were by Mary Campisi Page B

the renovation at,” he glanced down, “4528 Harvest Glen in Syracuse, New York. On the morning of the accident, he was working alone, presumably before starting time. The accident report theorizes he slipped and fell fifty feet.”
    Her heart still ached when she thought of the fall. The coroner assured her Clay’s death had been quick and painless, but what about the second or two before he hit concrete? Had he known he was a dead man?
    “Kate?”
    She met Rourke’s gaze and willed him to understand the sacrifices Clay had made for her and Julia. “He was so excited to get this job. He said even though it was almost an hour away, there would be top pay and lots of overtime. He wanted to buy me new carpeting and a washer. We’d hit some rough spots financially. Julia was hospitalized last year with pneumonia and Clay’s insurance wasn’t the best.”
    “I’m sorry you’ve had a tough time.”
    “Clay used to say tough times built character. He never complained, just went to work, day after day, bad back and all.” She shrugged. “He’d just taken out loans to buy more equipment so he could bid on bigger jobs like the Harvest Glen one. Lot of good that did him.” She sniffed and said, “Know anyone who needs a crane and a dump truck?”
    “I might.”
    “I’ve got to move forward and do what’s best for Julia. It’s what Clay would want.”
    “Money.”
    “Only if it’s money that’s due us,” she corrected.
    His gaze narrowed. “According to whom?”
    “The lawyer. People in town. Everybody.”
    Rourke set his glass on the mug rug Julia had made in technology class last year. His whole demeanor shifted and it was easy to picture him in a boardroom negotiating multi-million dollar deals. “I’ve reviewed the reports from OSHA and the insurance company. They’ve both determined Clay’s death was an accident. I’m sorry, but nothing I’ve read indicates negligence on the company’s part.”
    “Mr. Dupree said they’re still responsible because it happened on their property.”
    “Do you believe that?”
    “I don’t know. Clay’s dead. They should be responsible for something, shouldn’t they?”
    “Because he chose to enter the property unsupervised?”
    “He was only trying to finish faster,” she blurted out. “For the company, and…” she could hardly get the words out, “for me.”
    “Of course you wouldn’t want him gone from home,” he said in a tight voice.
    Kate looked away. “Of course not.” Clay thought if he worked bigger jobs, he’d buy her a bigger house, a fancier car. He thought it would make a difference. “I don’t want to take advantage of a company just because they have the assets to make my life more comfortable. Nothing will bring Clay back, but maybe I can get what he wanted us to have, especially for Julia.”
    “Didn’t he have life insurance?”
    “Some. Clay was old school. He believed hard work and honesty would carry him through rough times. We’ll get social security and worker’s comp, but that’s it. I hate to think that’s all Clay was worth.”
    “I’m sorry Kate, but he was a fool for not taking care of his family.”
    “He took care of us, Rourke, more than most men would.” He didn’t leave us behind.
    “How much is the lawyer asking?”
    She hesitated. “He thinks we should ask for four million and settle for two.”
    “Have you ever been cross-examined?”
    “Mr. Dupree said it would never go to trial. He said the company would settle out of court.”
    “He’s guessing. What if the owner believes your Mr. Dupree is just trying to bilk money from him? What if he believes it’s his duty to do right and fight the case?”
    “He probably doesn’t even know somebody on his site was killed. Unless it’s going to get him bad press, then he’ll be trying to execute damage control. Or he’ll send his publicity minions to shore up any leaks. I’m actually surprised no one’s come snooping around here. Mr. Dupree