Their Family Legacy. Lorraine Beatty

records were sealed, and that was a long time ago. We talked about this when you decided to move back here. It’s sad to say few people remember Bobby Lee or how he died.”

      “And what if the athletic director at Heritage High learns that the guy wanting to coach the students was driving drunk and killed his friend? How’s that going to look as a job reference?”

      “You’re letting Annie’s presence get to you. Or is it more than that?”

      He hesitated. “She made a comment today about family and how important it was to honor her aunt’s wishes.”

      “Understandable. Family ties are strong.”

      Jake pinched the bridge of his nose. “I suppose. I’m probably worrying for nothing. I’ve got to go. See you later.”

      He ended the call just as an email popped up on his phone. It was a notice from the Heritage High administration office letting him know his application had been received and was being processed. He wanted that job. It was the next rung on his way to achieving his goal. He only hoped that Annie’s presence at his school wouldn’t put his future plans at risk.

      The knot in his chest tightened as he drove to his meeting. The look on her face when she told him about how her husband died was burned into his mind. Was her husband’s death the reason she’d agreed to continue his sentence? Did she believe he should pay forever the way her aunt did? If she didn’t, then why wouldn’t she simply cut him loose? He parked his car and got out. How deep did her animosity run?

      Jake strode down the narrow hallway to the small room at the back of the old storefront in downtown Hastings. A dozen or so people were already there, milling around, and a few had already taken a seat in the rows of folding chairs. At the front of the room a man stood at a rickety lectern. He didn’t know anyone at this location but he knew their situation and he knew the routine.

      The man at the front called the meeting to order. After a few opening words, he asked if anyone would like to speak. Jake stood and squared his shoulders.

      “My name is Jake and I’m an alcoholic.”