Through the Darkness: Of Love and Loss Series Book One

39

Everett sat at his desk watching the clock, the burning, twisting sensation in his gut intensifying with each passing minute. He glanced toward his students, their heads bent studiously over their papers even though most of them sat doodling.

It was apparent none of them wanted to be here right now, including him. So, concentrating on anything other than what every nerve in his body screamed for him to do was impossible.

He bit the inside of his cheek and looked at the clock once more, then made up his mind. Standing so fast that his chair fell backward with a loud clatter, he smiled when everyone's heads snapped up at attention. "Due to the colder weather and our lack of firewood for the furnace—"

"But there's a giant stack of it right there, Mr. Monterose," ten-year-old Ginny Tadlock blurted out, pointing to the mound of firewood in question.

"Shhhh," twelve-year-old Mikey Mickelson hissed from the desk behind her, "don't you know he doesn't see real good?"

Everett bit back a grin. "Mikey is correct, Ginny. My vision's not what it used to be." He lowered his voice to a loud whisper, "But I do still have excellent hearing."

The students gasped and giggled, and Everett continued at his usual level, "Class is dismissed for the day."

Cheers erupted.

"Quiet... I trust each of you will be eager and ready to learn tomorrow?" He gave each of them an expectant look, waiting until they nodded in agreement. "Excellent. Now, should your parents question why you are home three hours earlier than normal, feel free to tell them this is an exercise in rewards and consequences. Tomorrow, should you continue to doodle on your papers—Andrew—there will be consequences since I am rewarding you today with early release." Passing his gaze over them once more, he smiled. "I see we understand one another. Have a good afternoon. You may go."

They bolted from their seats and scrambled to collect their belongings before racing out the door. Everett laughed and put his coat on, then let out a deep sigh at the thought of what lay before him.

He could no longer make excuses for putting off this visit. If he did, the chances of something serious happening to Carson only escalated. He knew that much from personal experience.

Everett rehearsed what he planned to say the whole ride over to the Wagner house, a modest two-story cottage at the end of Main Street toward the north end of town.

His heart hammered, and his hands shook as he parked the car along the curb. Then, taking a calming breath, he reached for his cane and made his way up to the front door.

Squaring his shoulders, he knocked, shivering from the cold, and waited. Several minutes passed before Carson's mother, Belinda, came to the door.

She opened it a crack, just enough for her to see who he was, then opened it further with a timid smile that ended with a wince when it opened her bruised and split lower lip.

Her posture held a defeated and broken quality that reminded Everett of his mother. But she also possessed a quiet strength in her pale blue gaze he couldn't help but admire.

Everett offered a smile in return, struggling to keep it in place after taking in her battered face. "Afternoon, Mrs. Wagner... thought I'd stop by and see how Carson is doing since he hasn't been to school the past few days."

Casting a quick look past Everett, Belinda motioned him inside. "He's been ill."

Everett nodded, seeing the half-truth for what it hid. "Is Mr. Wagner at home?"

Her face hardened, and she shook her head. "No, and if he dares step foot here again, I'll kill him with my bare hands." Fire burst to life within her gaze, and heated emotion filled her voice.

Everett's eyes widened, and his stomach clenched with dread. "Is it all right with you if I see Carson?"

Belinda swallowed, hesitating, before she finally gave a curt nod and led him through the house to Carson's room. Opening the door, she smiled. Her tone and eyes softened when she said gently, "You've got a visitor, Carce; Mr. Monterose is here to see you."

Everett entered the room and fought the urge to hunt Mr. Wagner down to teach him a lesson when his eyes fell on the battered and broken little boy lying on the bed.

Carson's body was covered in black and blue bruises, complete with two black eyes, his left one swollen shut with the upper lid cut. Splints and bandages covered his right arm, more bandaging wrapped around his upper torso.

"Hello, Mr. Monterose," Carson mumbled, averting his one-eyed gaze.

"Afternoon, Carson," he said softly, "I've missed seeing you in class the past few days."

Carson turned back to face Everett, studying him in silence. Slowly, his shoulders relaxed against his bed, "Sorry I couldn't turn in my state report like you asked. It's in my bag, though, if you want to take it."

Everett bent his lips in a sad smile. "Let's not worry about schoolwork right now. There'll be plenty of that to focus on when you're feeling better."

Carson coughed, then winced and clutched a hand to his ribs.

"I'll let you rest," Everett murmured, "would it be okay with you if I visited again?"

Carson cautiously nodded with a grimace. "Will you bring me my assignments so I don't get behind in class?"

Everett swallowed the lump of emotion clogging his throat before saying, "You bet I will."

Sighing, Carson closed his eyes, and Belinda ushered Everett out of the room, closing the door gently behind them.

"What'd Doc Gilbert say about his condition?" Everett quietly asked once they stood in the hall.

Belinda crossed her arms over her chest and clutched her sweater. Her eyes glistened with unshed tears, and she pressed her trembling lips together. Then, after a moment, she cleared her throat and said hoarsely, "He'll heal physically, but it'll take time before we know the extent of any other damage done."

Everett's left hand curled into a tight fist; his right clenched his cane so hard his knuckles popped. He wanted to hunt Bertrand down, make him pay for what he'd done to his little boy. "How can I help? Do you need food or anything?"

Her tears fell unchecked down her cheeks, and her voice was thick with emotion when she said, "I appreciate the offer, but we'll be fine."

He sighed, knowing by her rigid posture she'd never relent. He'd have to find another way to help them—and he knew just the thing. "Any idea where Bert is right now?"

A low growl escaped her throat at her husband's name. She studied Everett, her eyes narrowing for several silent moments before she looked at a point beyond his shoulder before meeting and holding his gaze. "Why?"

Everett's lips curled in a predatory smile. "Because there's someone I want to introduce him to."