A Time to Remember

“I don’t know about that. I heard he won’t talk.”

Brett wouldn’t talk? He leaned down, trying to hear more.

“You mean he couldn’t tell them what happened?”

“Nope. Didn’t say a word.”

He smiled, nodded. That was his friend, his very best friend, Brett.

Brett wouldn’t tell them. Brett loved him. And he loved Brett. He’d just have to find him and bring him back. This time she couldn’t come. She didn’t belong.

He waited. More people came. Finally they carried her away. He waited and listened and watched, and when there wasn’t a sound in the forest, he slipped out of his hiding place and hurried back to the special place. It was pitch-black, but he needed no flashlight. He knew the way like the back of his hand. As he walked, he thought about what to do next.

Brett was with his daddy.

He remembered their talks, remembered about the horses and the long road and the big house.

He’d go back into town, listen to what the people said.

And then he’d find Brett and bring him back.

They belonged together.

Chapter Two

In the soft butter sun of midmorning Gray picked up the receiver.

“Hello?”

“It’s good news, Gray. We found her. In the ravine. Her clothes are tattered and torn, her body is a mass of cuts and bruises, but she’s alive.”

“What aren’t you saying?” Gray knew there was more. He could feel the tingles of apprehension winging over the airwaves.

“Right now she’s unconscious. Marissa has a head injury, Gray, and a pretty good-sized cut. I put in seventeen stitches.” Luc’s voice relayed his concern. “I think you’d better pray, buddy.”

Pray? Ask God again, when He hadn’t answered last time?

He pushed the frustration aside, concentrated on the words. Gray frowned.

“You’re saying she fell and hit her head?”

“Or was struck—from behind. The police found a bloody branch.”

“He followed her?” It was a nightmare from which he couldn’t seem to waken. “Why? He never took her money from the car. That was left inside, with her purse. At least, that’s what the sheriff said.”

“I don’t know why someone would have hit her. Maybe this guy’s a wacko. Maybe he wanted something else. We’ve given her a full examination, ordered scans, the whole bit. The main thing for you to remember is that she’s back.”

“I’ll come right away.”

“No, let Cody sleep. I promise I’ll phone as soon as she wakes.”

“You do that. Get her anything she needs, Luc. Anything. It doesn’t matter how much it costs.” He couldn’t say any more for the blockage in his throat.

“You know I’ll take care of her, man. Depend on it.” Luc’s voice was filled with promise. “How’s your son?”

“Cody hasn’t slept all night. His eyes close and he almost lets go, but then something jerks him awake. I’ve been watching him. Maybe he needs a shot or something?” Never in his life had Gray felt so helpless, so out of control.

“No, I’d rather not sedate him. Let him get through this on his own first. Later, if he needs something, we’ll administer it, but until we know more, I think he’s better to get reacquainted with his dad in his own way.”

“Yeah, okay. Thanks, Luc.”

“My pleasure, man. My pleasure. I’m just glad they’re home.”

“Yeah.” Gray hung up, caught sight of Cody standing in the doorway and beckoned.

Cody raced over, then stopped. He glanced at the phone, frowned his question.

“That was Dr. Luc. Remember him?”

Cody nodded, one eyebrow quirked upward.

“He phoned to tell us that they found your mom. She hurt her head and they’ve taken her to the hospital for tests, so we can’t see her right now. But once the doctors fix her up, she’ll be fine.” I hope.

Cody stared at him, his confusion evident.

“Mommy’s going to get all better, Cody. Do you understand?”

Tears dripped from the little boy’s tanned cheeks, but his gray eyes shone like hammered silver when Cody finally nodded his comprehension.

“Right now I think you’d better get some sleep. Okay, son?”

Cody shook his head, adamantly refusing.

“You’re not tired? Well, do you want some breakfast?”

Cody shook his head again.

Well, what then? There must be something a father could do for his kid. Gray studied the beloved face for several moments before understanding dawned.

“You want to go see Mommy?”

Cody grinned.

“Okay, sport, we’ll go. But I don’t know what you’re going to wear. You’ve grown about three inches. I don’t think any of your old stuff will fit.”

Cody grabbed his hand and dragged him toward the stairs up to his room.

“Yeah, you’re right. We’ll find something. After all, what do clothes matter when your mom’s back? Let’s go see Mommy.”