Heal My Heart

S e v e n t y : S c o t t

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"Still nothing?"

The PI shook his head. "It's like he disappeared into thin air."

I clucked my tongue and nodded. I got back into my truck and punched the steering wheel. "Fuck!"

Kyle really was gone. And he'd left his sub dying in the hospital and saddled me with his kid. As if I didn't have enough going on! Not to mention the haunting guilt.

It was a well known fact that someone always acts nicer around others or when they know they're listening.

I could see my friend falling apart. I could see Bailey's mysterious bruises casually exposed. I had turned the other cheek--it was there business not mine.

But it was mostly for me. My friend couldn't be abusive. No way. Surely I had better tastes than that?

Who was the real narcissist here?

I hadn't told Puppy I was leaving, I realized suddenly. I hoped he had found an afternoon snack for himself. He always found me at two thirty when he was hungry.

We had snack together.

It was one of those few times where things were somewhat calm. I'd relieved Lisa of her normal duties and practically made her a nanny for the baby.

But I truly couldn't do it.

And if Kyle was really gone, I'd have to figure out what to do with the baby.

And explain to Puppy about his dying friend. 

And pay for Bailey's treatment.

Suddenly I wanted to run away too. Not that I would--I wasn't a jackass.

I made the decision to make the drive to Vermont and knocked on the door. It was fruitless--his truck wasn't there. I called his cell but his inbox was full--no doubt by my messages. I hung up and groaned. A chilly breeze blew, dead leaves rustling around me on the ground.

There was an eeriness around here that I didn't like. I was just glad I'd grabbed Charcoal as soon I found out. Even then by the time I got him he was dehydrated and malnourished.

I decided that I was going to break it to him today. The longer I held out the worse it would be. So I stopped at the toy store on my way back.

The sales clerk greeted with a smile. "Who are you shopping for today?"

"Uh my son." It came out easier than sub. "Sort of."

"Okay. What kinds of things does he like?"

"Anything to do with animals."

"Okay. We have a display of stuffed animals along back. We have some handmade farm sets from a local craftsman. Anything else?"

"He likes trains."

"Does he have a set yet?"

"He does."

"We have some expansions that fit nearly all models. They're on aisle six." She smiled. "I'll be right up front if you have any questions."

"Thank you."

I meant to get him something little to take the edge off. But my own guilt got the better of me. I bought him two train expansion packs. One with street lights, a new passenger cart, and four more people. And the other was seasonal. Faux-snow frosted trees and candy cane styled carts. The last one had a Santa on it.