PART 9
By dawn, the storm had weakened to a gray drizzle.
Walter had fallen asleep in my recliner.
June sat beside the woodstove, Max at her feet.
At 7:18 a.m., three vehicles came up my lane.
One sheriff’s cruiser.
One county SUV.
And Colin’s gray pickup.
Of course he had arrived with them.
He climbed out first, wearing a fresh jacket and a face full of fake concern.
“That’s him,” Colin said, pointing at me. “That’s the guy. He kept them overnight. My grandparents have cognitive problems.”
Sheriff Holloway looked at me.
“Morning, Ryan.”
“Morning, Sheriff.”
Colin’s expression flickered.
“You know him?”
“Small county,” she said.
June appeared in the doorway behind me.
Colin instantly changed his voice.
“Grandma. Thank God. Come here.”
June did not move.
Max stepped into the doorway beside her.
Colin stopped.
“Call off the dog,” he snapped.
I looked at Max.
Max looked at Colin.
Neither of us moved.
Grace walked up the porch steps.
“Mrs. Bennett, do you feel safe here?”
June looked at Walter.
Then at me.
Then at Max.
“Yes,” she said.
Colin laughed.
“She doesn’t know what she’s saying.”
Walter came to the doorway with his cane.
“I know exactly what she’s saying.”
May you like
Then he stood straighter.
“I am old. I am tired. I am wet. But I am not confused.”
