He opened the door before Jackson knocked.
“Hey,” Jackson said. Hank noticed Jackson’s clean-shaven face. For the first time in months, he looked like himself. “Can I come in?”
Hank gestured with his head then closed the door behind Jackson. “Grab a seat.”
“Where’s Jenny?” Jackson glanced around for signs of life.
“Out for a run.” Hank collapsed into the recliner. “We’ll be visiting our mom later today.”
“Hank, I’m sorry. I know how much you wanted to keep her here.” Jackson squeezed the thick manila envelope he’d been carrying. “What’s the doctor say about your wrist?”
“Meg got me in to see a big shot at Yale who used some new kind of pins set inside the bone. It’s supposed to shorten the recuperation period and improve my chances for a full recovery. I really hope it works. In any case, I’m not to use it much for the next eight-to-ten weeks. Hurts like a son of a bitch, though.”
“It’s my fault.” Jackson plopped onto the sofa and leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees after setting the envelope on the table. “I’m sorry for how I acted, and for the way I’ve been treating you and the crew the past several months.”
“I appreciate the apology, but I’ve got bigger things on my mind right now, like filing for disability, and praying therapy gives me back my hand.”
“Shit, Hank. My fuckup really screwed you over, and I want to make it right.” Jackson scrubbed his hand over his forehead. “I know you’ve spoken with David.”
Hank nodded and frowned.
“So you know Doug’s suing me for assault?”
“Yes,” Hank replied. “I’m not surprised, given the way Doug felt about you. Man, I wish you’d have kept a lid on your temper.”
“I know. He provoked me, though. It’s not like I hit him. I just grabbed his shirt. He shoved me . . .” Jackson stopped and waved his hand. “Sorry, I know I still should’ve walked away. Now I’ll be paying for it by racking up attorney’s fees.”
“I think your bigger problem will be keeping the projects on schedule with another man down.”
“Well, that’s part of the reason I’m here.” Jackson inhaled through his nose and nervously tugged on his earlobe.
Stunned, Hank held up his lame arm. “You don’t expect me to work now, do you?”
“Not as a carpenter, no. But I have a proposition for you.”
The last St. James proposition I accepted broke my heart, Hank thought warily. “This oughta be interesting.”
“I guess you haven’t spoken with Cat about Vivi’s birthday party.” Jackson grimaced. “My family basically turned dinner into an intervention.”
“No kidding?” Hank rubbed his good hand across his left cheek. “Sorry I missed it. Did anyone get through to you?”
“Vivi and her crocodile tears,” Jackson said. “She’s pregnant, by the way.”
“Really?” A stab of envy punctured the happiness he felt for her and David. “So you’ll be an uncle soon.”
“Yes, which is one reason why I need to get my shit together.” Jackson stood and started pacing. “I’m not an alcoholic, but I’ll admit to drinking to reduce stress and tune out. Guess I can’t honestly say it hasn’t affected my judgment at times, and my relationships. So, I’m going to make some changes.”
Hank didn’t think Jackson fully comprehended the extent of his problem, but at least he was taking a step in the right direction.
“I’m glad, Jackson. I’m sorry it took all this to get your attention, but better late than never.” He leaned forward. “Still, what’s that have to do with me?”
“Well, I could really use your help.”
“How so?” Hank frowned.
“I want to get out of town for six or eight weeks. Go someplace where I can get some help, clear my head, and work through the things that pushed me off balance. You know our projects and the business basics, and the crew respects and trusts you, so I thought you could take my place while we both recover. I’ll pay you my salary, give you a bonus to help offset the cost of your mom’s new accommodations, and I’ll get the bookkeeper to come in more often to help with the paperwork.”
Jackson stopped himself and glanced at Hank. “You’re the only person I trust, and it would make me feel better if you’d let me compensate you somewhat for what’s happened. I’d still be available by phone when needed. Maybe we could set up weekly conference calls or something. And, when I come back, you can keep working for me unless you find something else you’d rather do.”