Fourteen Days(79)

Richard smiled tightly. “It wasn’t the easiest thing for someone to try to believe. My own wife thought I was crazy. Hell, even I thought I was crazy. But I knew I had to do something. I couldn’t just leave it. And there wasn’t much chance of convincing the police until I was one hundred percent certain.”

“But that bastard could have killed you, Richard. He had a bloody shotgun pointed at you.”

Richard nodded as he recalled the incident with revolt. “I know he did. But I’m still here, and you’ve got your boy back.” He peered inside the buggy at Dean as he slept soundly. “How is he? How’s his hearing?”

Carl smiled, looking down at him as well. “He’s great and his ears are fine. He’s a very happy little boy, always grinning and laughing. Just like his mother. He even looks like her. He has the same eyes, same mouth.” Carl looked like he was fighting off a bout of tears. “He’s amazing. I can’t believe he’s here. Safe.”

“I’m glad. At least he’ll never remember what happened. At least his first memory will be of you.”

Carl nodded as he adjusted his son’s blue blanket, which was draped over him. “So anyway,” he said, looking back up at Richard. “I just came to say thank you and to ask if there’s anything I can do to repay you for what you did.”

“You don’t need to repay me, Carl. All I wanted was to get him home safely to you, and I did. I don’t need anything else from you. Honestly.”

“There must be something I can do. Anything. I owe you so much.”

Richard shook his head. “There’s nothing, really. Please, just look after him and be happy again. That’s all you can do for me. You’ve both been through so much. Just keep him safe.”

“All right. Thank you.” He let out a long breath. “Right, well, I’ll leave you to get back to your life. You know where I am if you change your mind, or even if you just want to chat. Or see this little one. You’re always welcome. And I promise—no baseball bats.”

Richard smiled and shook Carl’s hand. “Thank you. I might take you up on that offer one day.”

“Well, I suppose I’ll see you then.”

“Thanks for coming ’round. I really appreciate it, Carl. Take care of yourself.”

“I will. No worries.” He turned away and started to leave, pushing the buggy in front of him. Richard began to close the front door, his stomach still in knots. “Is she still here?” Carl said from the pavement.

Richard turned to him. “Sorry?”

“Christina. Is she still here? In your house?”

Richard paused, unable to think of a suitable answer.

“I’m sorry,” Carl said, as he wheeled the buggy back over to the door. “I just need to know.”

Richard shook his head. “No. I’m sorry—she’s gone. She left when you got Dean back.”

Carl’s chin started to quiver. “That’s good.” He rubbed a tear from his eye as he sighed. “I’m glad. I just hope she’s found peace. I hope she’s happy.”

“I hope so too. Are you sure you don’t want to come in? Maybe for a coffee or something?”

Carl glanced past Richard inside the house. “No, it’s all right. I don’t think I can face it right now. Too much has happened here. Too many bad things.”

Richard nodded sympathetically. “I understand completely. But this is a happy home now. What happened here is in the past. My wife and I will make new memories in this house. The present is what’s important. Giving Dean a great life is what’s important. And just make sure you tell him how wonderful his mother was.”

“That goes without saying.”

“Good.”

Carl nodded and then started to walk away again. “Thanks, Richard.” He then stopped and turned back. “You’ll let me know, right?”

“Let you know what?”

“If she ever comes back. You’ll let me know, won’t you?”

Richard hesitated. He could feel Carl’s desperation in his tone, his need to feel Christina’s presence at least one more time. “I will.”

“You promise?”

“I promise. I’ll let you know. But she won’t come back, Carl. She’s gone. She’s done what she set out to do. She’s gone to a better place. I’m certain of it. And you will see her again. You both will.”