Chapter #35: Something Beautiful

It had seemed like forever rather than a mere three weeks and some odd days. Ian was aquiver in anticipation as Ripley and Jesse drove him through almost forgotten roads to his front door. For the first time in his life Ian knew what home felt like and he had missed it.

Now there it was, his front door in sight and unobstructed from his position in the back seat of his new car. There it was, homey little stoop with flowers that he and his son had planted together trying their best to bud out. It was the most beautiful sight he’d seen in such a long time.

When the car came to a stop, it took every ounce of control Ian had not to race from the car, throw open the door, lock himself in and everyone out. He knew that was impossible. First and foremost he couldn’t run fast enough. He was also well aware of the fact that behind that door was a group of very well meaning, loving people that would be surrounding him like vultures on a fresh kill.

He hated feeling like that. It was one of the drawbacks of family, that new group he suddenly found himself meshed with. They would dote and coddle and drive him absolutely crazy. He really just wanted to be left alone, but he knew that it wasn’t possible. He didn’t resent the people in his life, only the situation he found himself in.

He wanted to be angry. He was, but he had not been allowed to vent it. He wanted to slam his fists and break things. Unfortunately he had neither the strength nor the basic manual dexterity to get much of that accomplished. The time would come. He was due and counting on one heck of a private hissy fit.

“Here let me help you.” Jesse said rushing to the car door and trying to help Ian get out of the car.

Ian put up his hand, the one not still encased in plaster. “Let me do it or at least try.”

Jesse smiled and nodded. He stepped back, but obviously not too far that he couldn’t be right there if something should happen. Ian sensed a change in the young man. He had taken a personal interest in Ronnie and, although a daily presence at the hospital, he was oddly silent.

Ian had to admit that getting out of the car was a whole lot harder than getting into it. The basic physical change was that now every breath wasn’t painful, a totally different kind of hurt had taken over—helplessness. His body had been dormant for three weeks. His balance was shaky at best, energy only happened in short bursts and he had to think carefully about every step, twist and turn.

He managed to get two feet on the ground. Using the car door as a fulcrum he pulled himself to his feet. Ian took a deep breath. The series of movements had zapped all his energy for the hour, but he was not about to admit defeat.

Ripley appeared in his peripheral vision and subtly slipped Ian’s new best friend in sight. Ian let go of the door with one hand and grabbed the black cane. He nodded, signaling that he was ready to head for the door. Holding the cane with his left hand, he positioned it to be the support for his right leg, knee encased in a heavy brace.

In fact Ian’s right side was pretty much stapled, plastered and wired back into place. He took a heavy “toddle” towards his front door. He looked ahead, aware of the eager anticipation peaking out behind every curtain of the house. He appreciated the restraint.

It was a long walk that twenty-five, thirty feet up the sidewalk. He had to stop a couple of times but he made it. His goal for the day was to make it inside the house and to the couch without any help. After that, he’d happily acquiesce to being waited on hand and foot the rest of the day.

There would be no party. He’d put the kibosh on that the moment he even suspected Tippy was daring to put one together. There would be lots of family and friends running in and out of the house, but the last thing he wanted were paper streamers and cake. He didn’t feel like celebrating something that should have been routine.

Ian teetered just a bit getting up on the stoop. He’d sort of lost his balance and twisted around to see both Ripley and Jesse frozen in terror like parents watching a baby take his first step. They didn’t think it was funny. He thought it was a riot.

“Keys, please.” Ian said when he got to the door. “Please, tell me someone has keys.”

“Oh, sure.” Jesse produced a set from his pockets, jiggling them until the proper one was produced.

Ian was once again thankful for the restraint of those on the other side of the door. Tippy and Ronnie both were probably being held down to keep them from running to it, throwing it open and carrying him the rest of the way in. He slipped the key in the deadbolt and heard the click. It was a beautiful sound.

“Uh, Ian.” Ripley stopped him before he shoved the door open. “You need to put the code in now or the door won’t open.”

“What?”

“The new security system…” he reminded him. “Everyone who has a key has their own code. For now, yours is your birth date; month, day and four digit year.”

“Not a good code if everyone knows it.” Ian smirked.

“I’ll show you how to reset it later on, and when you are ready I’ll explain how it works. For now just put in your birth date like a good boy and let’s get you inside.” Ripley shifted his feet.

Ian nodded his head. He was too tired to come up with a good comeback. He knew Ripley knew it. Ian stood looking at the keypad.

“Don’t tell me you’ve forgotten you’re birthday?” Jesse gently teased.

“Uhm…no…” Ian hated to admit defeat, but he didn’t see he had a choice. “I can’t lean on this damned cane and punch in the code at the same time.”

“Not a problem.” Ripley swiftly moved in close enough to put his big sturdy hands to each side of Ian’s waist, giving him the balance he needed to free one finger, lift the cane and punch in his birthday. As soon as he put his weight back on the cane, Ripley released him.

The door sort of beeped and drifted open. Ian pushed it the rest of the way with his left foot and looked in. “I’m home.” He sighed as he toddled a step inside to his foyer. It was too quiet. If he got the rest of the way in and people started jumping out from all over and screaming “Surprise” he would find the energy to have that hissy fit he’d been wanting to throw.

He heard Jesse and Ripley enter the house behind him, and Ian concentrated on the next few feet to the couch. Damn, it looked so good.

Ronnie was standing between the window wall and the couch, looking very much like a Weeble. He was admirably maintaining control. Someone had the aforethought to keep Tippy totally out of the living room, but Ian could sense her holding her breath and biting the back of her hand.

Okay, he was there all he had to do was turn around, aim his rear at the cushions and plop. Easier said than done. It took him a while, he just had to imagine one foot was nailed to the floor, and use his other to step his body around. The last completed movement seemed to take forever, and he heard his son, Jesse and Ripley all take a breath when he finally started to sit.

Ronnie did come over, and push an ottoman within his father’s reach so he could lift and rest his leg on it. As soon as that leg was up, and his butt was down all bets were off. People crawled out of the woodwork like roaches when the lights go out.

He was kissed, hugged, greeted, fluffed, lap blanketed and babied. He was too tired to put up a fuss. Everyone was trying very hard not to fuss, which of course made it all seem fussier.

It was good to be home. It was good to be surrounded by the warmth of love that radiated from that big boisterous group of people now trying to anticipate his every move without being noticed. It would take a while for him to get comfortable with it all.

They had come and gone unceasing to his hospital room. They had sent flowers, candy, cards and gifts. They had encouraged him and infuriated him by helping him stay within the limits of his confinement. Those limitations had not been erased only a longer chain had been linked to the doghouse.

Ronnie had made gingerbread. Tippy did her best to make a pot of tea. Jesse ordered pizza and the Tyson boys put on a “Welcome home Papa Ian” show. Ian laughed and sighed did a really good job convincing everyone he was glad to be home.

Everytime he changed position or rooms the hustle and bustle stopped dead in its tracks. Ian understood. It made him hold his breath, too, but he had to do it. He had to exercise the freedoms that Blue Richards had so thoughtlessly stolen from him.

He was tired of being the victim. It seemed to him that his entire life he had been the victim of a series of attacks, from within and without, and he was tired of it. Ian was determined as he regained his strength and his independence that he would never be a victim again, nor would he let his son be a proxy to it all.



Sparky Jarvis opened the door to her apartment, dropped her shoes by the door one at a time and sighed from the sheer pleasure of finally being home. It had been a strenuous day full of the frustrations of only answering phones and the joy of trying to find answers to some questions Ian had asked her to look in to.

“Hi, honey. I’m home!” She called out as she plopped on the couch and put her feet up.

“Dinner is almost ready.” The voice came back from the kitchen.

“Aunt Sparky!” Bellowed from a room somewhere in the house followed by the unmistakable energetic footsteps of her niece. She was practically blindsided as Vonnie leaped onto her and covered her with little girl hugs and kisses. “Are ya home?”

“No, honey. I’m just a figment of your imagination.” Sparky hugged and kissed back signaling the end of the endearments. “Did you have a good day?”

“Yah huh.” Vonnie nodded her head and pounced on the couch beside her. “Daddy and me went to the grocery store and he let me pick out dinner.”

“Mmm, corn dogs and Cheerwine?” Sparky asked.

“An’ mac ‘n’ cheese.” She put her hands on her hips. “How’d you know?”

“I’m just good at guessing.” She looked up and smiled at her brother, now appearing from the kitchen.

“Vonnie, go wash up for dinner.” He said watching his genetic shooting star whoosh from the couch and down the hallway. “How ‘bout you Baby Sis? Did you have a good day?”

Sparky nodded her head. “I hate answering the phones, but with luck those days are numbered. Have you heard from Ian?”

“He’s home.” Billy sat on the couch. “Everyone is fussing and coddling, driving him right up the wall, but he’s just glad no longer be tethered to that hospital bed.”

“I give him a day before he’s off doing lots of things he shouldn’t be doing yet.” Sparky rubbed her temples. “How far do you think they’ll let him get before they yank the chain back?”

“You know Ian, unless he’s doing a dozen things at once, he thinks he’s wasting his time.” He patted his sister on the leg. “Go wash up, dinner’s ready.”

“Yay, corndogs again.”

“Vonnie’s having corndogs. It’s Thursday, that’s her day to pick her meals. The adults are having pasta, garlic bread and a nice bottle of red wine.”

Sparky threw back her head and closed her eyes. “I am so thankful I’m an adult.”

“Do you want vinegar and oil on your salad or Italian?” Billy asked as he headed back to the kitchen and she down the hall to the bathroom.

“V and O, please.” She yelled back, stepping to the wall as Vonnie raced past her. “I take it they gave Ian his phone back.”

“I think he had to wrestle Tippy for it, but he’s got one. He said for you to call or text him when you got a chance.” She heard as she washed her hands and face.

Everything washed and cleaned, humans properly seated at the table and grace having been said, the three dug in. Sparky watched her niece slop a corn dog in a bowl of ketchup and shove as much of it as she could in her mouth. She assumed it was food on a stick and a messy procedure that appealed to the little girl. Surely it wasn’t the taste.

“Guess what?” Vonnie asked after a big barely chewed swallow. “Daddy and I are goin’ to California to visit Uncle Ian.”

“I know.” Sparky replied, enjoying the Alfredo sauce on her pasta. “This is great, from a jar?”

“No.” Billy beamed. “I made it myself. Good isn’t it?”

“Very.” Sparky sipped her wine. “So are you wishing now you’d gone back with Reese yesterday?”

“Yes and no.” He admitted. “There are still a number of things I need to get done here, and I think our little surprise is better delivered solo.” He twisted some pasta on his fork.

“Shouldn’t Reese have gotten home by now?” Sparky looked at her watch.

“Shortly.” Billy picked up a napkin and wiped the ketchup dripping off his daughter’s chin. “Girl, you are gonna drown yourself in ketchup. Be careful.”

“Yes, Daddy.” She smiled and went ahead and plunged her corndog back in the ketchup bowl and swished it around.

“He called about an hour ago saying he was starting the last leg. With good weather he’ll be there by night fall.”

“Did you tell him about the mail?” Sparky asked.

“I forgot.” Billy turned to his daughter, a little more sternly this time. “Young lady, eat and stop playing or dinner will be over before dessert.”

“Sugar, have some macaroni and cheese, too.” Sparky smiled at the four year old. “And take a bite of the corndog don’t just lick off the ketchup.”

Billy looked at his sister and grinned. “What is it about the women in this family and condiments?”

“What are you talking about?”

“You don’t remember the fit you pitched when Mom refused to let you take mustard sandwiches for your lunch at school?”

“Mustard sandwiches?” Vonnie crinkled her ketchup splattered nose. “Ewwww!”

“Fortunately we outgrow it.” Sparky said. “I need to call Ian with some information. I’ll find out what he wants to do about the mail.”

“So you found something out for him?” Billy drained his wine. “More wine?”

“No thank you.” Sparky continued to enjoy her pasta. “Sgt Cummings gave me a hard time at first, but then he finally put the file on his desk and left the room to take a phone call.”

“So you stole the information?” Billy scowled at his sister.

“No, I think he did it deliberately to help Ian. I got want I needed to help and Sgt. Cummings didn’t have to wade through reams of endless red tape.” Sparky swiped the last drops of Alfredo off her plate with the last bite of garlic bread. “I didn’t get a copy of it, but I got all I needed.”

“Enough to settle Ian’s mind?”

She nodded her head. “It makes a little more sense now, but in my mind opens up a new whole series of questions.”

“Oh, great.” Billy folded his napkin up and dropped it on his plate.

“I wonder if I should even pass on the information or wait until I answer a few more of my own questions.” Sparky reached for Vonnie’s dinnerware. “Are you finished, young lady?”

Vonnie nodded her head and burped. “Why don’t you go feed the kitties while I help your Daddy with the dishes?”

“’Kay.” She was off like a shot.

Sparky carried the empty plates to the kitchen and slipped them into the sudsy water. “So what would you do, Billy? You think Ian will let this drop?”

“Of course, he won’t let it drop.” He said rinsing soap off a plate and slipping it in the dishwasher. “Not unless it gives finality to the whole thing. You said it just brought up more questions in your mind. Is this investigation still open?”

Sparky shook her head. “No. The case is closed, and from their prospective I understand. It’s just this one stray loose end bothers me and I know it will bug the hell out of Ian.”

“You want to tell me about it?” Billy shut the dishwasher door and hit the start button.

“On the condition that this remains between the two of us. You cannot say anything to Ian until I decide what to do.” She squeezed excess water out of a dishrag and wiped off the table.

“My lips are sealed.” Billy came behind her with a dry towel.

“Are you familiar with the drug Rohypnol?” She turned at leaned against the counter.

“I’ve heard the name, but I don’t know what it’s for. Why?” Billy folded the used cloths up and dropped them into a laundry bag in the pantry.

“It’s more commonly known as the date rape drug.” Sparky told him. “It can be dropped into someone’s drink, has virtually no taste and within minutes causes, in some cases, a complete lack of inhibitions.”

Billy nodded his head and crossed his arms. “I understand. What does this have to do with...?" Billy’s eyebrows shot up. “Oh…”

“The autopsy on Kyle Osbourne not only showed that he had it in his system, but says he had ingested massive amounts within an hour before he died.”

“So he was abusing drugs?” Billy said.

“That’s the logical theory.” Sparky said. “But the autopsy stated there seamed to be little or no signs of long term abuse. So one of two things occurred. Having Ian around stressed Kyle out, so he popped something from the medicine cabinet hoping to calm down and got the opposite reaction.”

“But why would the Osbournes have something like that in the medicine cabinet?”

“My point exactly.” Sparky said. “Then there’s the other possibility, Kyle ate or drank something that was deliberately laced with Rohypnol.”

“Which brings up the questions who would do that, where did it come from and…”

“Was it even meant for Kyle?” Sparky sighed. Her attention was immediately diverted to the four-year-old sliding back into the kitchen across the hardwood floors in her sock feet.

“Kin I have pie now?”



Everyone seemed a little shocked when Ian announced there was somewhere he needed to go. They all looked at each other, exchanging glances of resignation. Ian let them exchange looks and headed, albeit slowly, toward the garage.

Ripley broke the ice. “Do you need to take anything?”

“Nope, just me.” Ian said determined not to stop.

“Okay.” Ripley reached for the car keys. “Right behind you.”

“Baby Doll, I’ll have dinner ready when you get back.”

“Thanks, Tippy. I won’t be long. Ronnie keep them out of trouble.”

“Give her my love.” The boy said.

Ian stopped and turned his head to see his son grinning from ear to ear. “I will.”

It took three times as longer to get in the car than arrive at the chosen designation, but the traffic wasn’t bad so the trip only took about a half an hour. Ian allowed Ripley to help him out of the car. The man knew his energy was wearing thin, but he also knew he wouldn’t rest until he’d gotten this trip over with.

“I’ll wait here for you.” He said, pulling his backpack to his lap and getting out a copy of the latest ‘Dresden File’.

“I won’t be too long.” Ian promised.

“You take as long as you want.” Ripley looked up from his novel. “Let me know if I have to break up a fist fight.”

“You’ve been here before?” Ian chuckled.

“Brought Ronnie and Miss Tippy yesterday.” Ripley grinned. “Now go on and don’t interrupt me, I’m getting to the good part.”

Ian nodded and caned his way into the room. He stood in the doorway a moment and looked at the nurse who was being given a hard time. “I see nothing has changed.”

The two women, one in scrubs and the other in a bed stopped their befuddling and looked in his direction. “She refuses to eat Mr. Ian.”

“If it’s anything like the food I’ve been being served I don’t blame her at all.” Ian hobbled toward them, the nurse pulling a chair next to the bedside so he could sit himself down.

The woman in the bed refused to look at him. Half her face was putty; the other was twisted into a snarl. Ian picked up the plate cover and looked up at her. “This doesn’t look too bad. You can’t really ruin scrambled eggs.”

“She’s been having a little stomach trouble. We thought some scrambled eggs might stay down a little better.”

Ian put the cover aside and did his best to scoot both the tray and himself closer to her. “Have you not been feeling well, Miss Glo?”

She still refused to look at him. Ian reached out and took her chin, gently pulling her head to face him. He smiled at her, her eyes still refusing to meet his. “Believe it or not, I missed you.”

What little of her mouth that worked properly opened. “Scared…me...”

“Scared me, too.” Ian rubbed the back of his fingers on the cheek he knew she could feel. “I’d have been here sooner, but they had me chained up until now. Forgive me?”

She rolled her eyes; one performed perfectly, the other jerked slightly. She sighed.

Ian smiled. “I like your hair.”

He could tell she was pleased he noticed. “Tippy.” She got out.

“You look beautiful, Miss Virginia.” She reached with the hand she could move and took the one of his that worked. Ian looked to the nurse. “Thanks Daisy, why don’t you give us a chance to catch up?”

“Miss Glo, I’ll be right outside if you need anything.”

Gloria snorted. Nurse Daisy smiled and disappeared. “Now between the two of us we’ve got one good body…”

He could swear she fought back a smile. “Why don’t we try some of these eggs?” Ian released her hand and grabbed the fork, spearing some and aiming for her mouth. “Okay, old girl, you’re gonna have to help me.”

She gave him the eye roll, but opened her mouth and allowed him to feed her. She swallowed and scrunched up her face. “Eggs…cold…”

“Breath on them.” Ian said, heaping more eggs back on the fork.

“Don’t…me…laugh…”

“Don’t make you laugh?” Ian said. “You laugh? I don’t think so.”

He headed the loaded fork towards her mouth. Gloria put her hand up and stopped him. Her eyes dropped to her lap.

Ian put the fork down and grabbed her hand. “I know, Gloria. I feel the same way.” He kissed the back of her hand and put his head in her lap. She put her good hand in his hair and stroked it.

“What…do…now?”

He sighed. “I don’t know, Miss Glo. I don’t know. Carry on? Is there anything else we can do?”

“Care…full.”

“It wasn’t my fault. I’m not sure what happened or why it happened but I’m going to figure it out and make sure it never happens again.”

“Ronnie?”

“He’s good, sends his love. I’m just thankful he wasn’t home.”

“Good…boy.”

Ian smiled, sat up and looked at her. “Great boy. I am so blessed.”

“We…blessed…” She definitely smiled that time.

“Did you like your sign language book?”

Miss Glo gave him a hand signal that made him laugh out loud.

“I thought so.” Ian grabbed her hand and made her stop flashing her middle finger. “Gloria, I need you to get stronger with me. Please try.”

She shrugged one shoulder. “Stop that.” Ian scowled. “I need you to get stronger so I can bring you home. I know you don’t like it here, but if you don’t try to care for yourself more I can’t get you out.”

“Why…”

“Just do it, you spiteful old dragon. If nothing else I need you to keep me safe from Ronnie’s cat.” Ian looked at the empty bed in the room. “So, do you like your roommate?”

He got a second helping of sign language. “Kill…you…”

“I thought you’d like it.” Once again, he put his hand over her outstretched finger. “Now, the nurse said you haven’t been feeling well. Are you okay?”

“Bug…”

“Just a flu? Are you sure?”

Gloria nodded her head and smiled. “You…”

“The meds make me thirsty and loopy, but I’m getting there.” She took his hand. “Thanks for asking. And now I have confession to make…”

She half grinned. “Good…dee…”

“I now know why you are so cranky before and after physical therapy. Between you and me, I’m not sure there is any reason to have body parts bent in those directions.” Gloria laughed out loud as best she could. He loved it when he made her laugh.

“After bringing me to tears, my therapist finally asked if there was anything they could do, so I suggested they wear black leather the next time so I could at least get some enjoyment out of it.”

“Naughty.”

Ian looked in her eyes. “I’m tired, Miss Glo. I so tired of all this.”

She nodded her head. “I…know…”

“It has to stop. I thought it all ended, but just when I least expect it…wham…there it goes again.” She pulled his hand to her lips and kissed it. “I have to protect Ronnie from it. I hired someone to live with us, to look out for us.”

“Big…guy…”

“Ripley, he’s out in the hall. Sweet wonderful man you would not want to mess with. Ronnie adores him. They play cards and board games. He lets Ronnie just climb all over him and I think he’d give his life for either one of us.”

“You…trust…”

“One of the few people in this world I trust with no reservations. Ironically, you’re one of the others so that doesn’t say much for my judgment of character.” She laughed again.

She got quiet, pulling his hand to her heart. “Clare?”

He shook his head. “I’m sorry. I thought she’d try and get in touch with everything that happened. If she did, no one told me. I’m sure she’s still in California. I’ll find her.”

“Don’t…bad…girl…”

“She needs to at least know that you are here, and that you are doing oh so much better.”

“No…please…”

“Miss Gloria? You don’t want to see your daughter?”

“Keep…you…safe…”

“I don’t understand, Gloria. Clare won’t hurt me. By this time she knows we have no relationship. I feel sort of guilty. I was mean and cruel towards her, but it was the only way I could think of to get her to understand it was over.”

“Big…girl…”

“I know. She’s a big girl. She can take care of herself, but I’m worried. She may be struggling here somewhere and need help. I can at least do that much for her.”

“Soft…tee…”

“Meany…” Ian stuck out his tongue at her. “I need to get back. It takes me quite a bit longer to get around these days, and I want to track down your roomie and see how she’s doing.”

Gloria winked. “She…good…”

“I’m so glad they were able to find an agency to help her out.”

“Liar…” She smiled.

Ian put his finger up to his lips. “Our secret.”

“Rose…”

“Is there a problem with her grand daughter?”

“Fired…”

“She lost her job?”

Gloria nodded. “Time…off…”

Ian slumped back in his chair. “They fired her for taking time off while her grandmother had surgery?”

“Don’t…tell…”

“Don’t tell anyone or Miss Inez doesn’t know?”

“Both…help…”

“Now who’s a softy?” Ian slowly raised himself up enough to lean over and kiss her cheek. “I’ll take care of it, don’t worry. Now, not this weekend but next, if you’re a good girl we are going to see if the doctors will let me bring you home…just for the day.”

“Home?”

“We always have a big dinner on Saturday that seems to last until Sunday. Would you like that?”

“May…be…” Her face brightened with a half smile.

“That’s only if you’re good, and keep working to get stronger.” He pointed his finger at her.

She pointed hers right back. “You…too…”

“Me, too.” Ian brushed his fingers again down the cheek he knew she could feel. “I’ll be back soon.”

“Who…cares…” she grinned.

“Same here.” He hobbled toward the door spying Ripley engrossed in his novel. Nurse Daisy was quickly at his side. “So what’s the scoop? She’s had a flu?”

“A little bug, but her system fought it off surprisingly well.”

“I got her to eat a couple of bites of that egg, but she was right they were cold. Maybe she’ll take some hot soup now?”

“I’ll try.”

“Is Miss Inez around?”

“Her grand daughter took her out for a stroll. Shall I tell her you were asking about her?”

“Please do, and say I’m so sorry I missed her, but I need to get home. This little outing has just about done me in for the day. You’ve not heard anything from Miss Glo’s daughter?”

“Not a word.”

“Next weekend, I want to bring her to my house for the day, overnight if the doctor will okay it. I’d like to turn it into a regular event, hoping it will give her a reason to get stronger and not be so fussy. You tell her doctor that I’ll be in on Tuesday and I expect a full report. He can call Blake and set up a time.”

“Of course Mr. Ian.”

“If she needs anything, day or night, do not hesitate to call me. Miss Inez, too.”

“Of course. And how are you doing? Miss Glo was a wreck. Don’t tell her I said that though.”

Ian smiled. “I’m doing well, but I have to work at getting my stamina back, just like the dragon lady. Is there anything that she needs? I’m sure one of the family will be here tomorrow and I’ll make sure they bring it.”

“No. I think she’s fine. She enjoys the company though, especially Ronnie. She just lights up whenever he’s around.”

“He has that affect on people. Well, you have a good day. Thanks for taking care of Dragon Lady for me.”

“Actually, it’s my pleasure. She’s not nearly as surly as she thinks she is.”

“I’m glad you’re here to take care of her.” Ian smiled. “Be sure you tell Miss Inez and Rose Marie I was here, and tell Rose to give me a call. It’s important.”

Before he could move or even indicate, Ripley was right at Ian’s side holding out an arm to help ease him back to the car. Despite the fact that he didn’t want to, Ian fell asleep before they got out of the parking lot.



Dinner was wonderful, although they all admitted they missed lunch lotto. Ian enjoyed his after dinner smoke, on the patio by the pool. He quickly rebonded with Ralphie, who was so excited he couldn’t stop peeing.

Ian had finally meandered back inside, realizing that meandering was going to be his full speed for awhile. He had made it back to the couch and was happily looking through notes for the two meetings he had the next day.

The doctors were allowing him four hours at work three days a week with one day off in between. Tomorrow he needed to take full advantage of his four hours. Although constantly being informed and making final decisions from his hospital bed, there a few things that needed to be done face to face.

As he made a note on top of his notes, he heard a little pounce to the arm of the couch. He looked out of the corner of his eye, and chose to ignore the sound. He finished reading his paper and slid the pile back in his backpack on the coffee table before him.

He sighed and leaned back, the pouncer now in full vision. “I wondered when you’d rear your head.”

Rodie curled her tail around her haunches and meowed. She cocked her head then scratched at the ribbon around her neck.

“I see Tippy’s gotten her hands on you.” Ian chuckled. “The bow is a little much.”

The cat stepped off the arm and gracefully moved herself to the cushion beside Ian.

“That’s close enough.” He put up his hand. “I owe you, but that doesn’t mean we bond or anything. You are still a rodent fur ball. You’ve shown you can use your evil for good, but I still have doubts.”

Rodie cocked her head, curled up in a ball and tried to get comfortable with the pink ribbon and bow around her neck. She gave up and looked up into Ian’s eyes.

“Look, we’re even okay?” Ian told her. “I scooped you up out of the barn when like an idiot you didn’t follow your family to safety, and you made me bend down when I was dumb enough not to know there was a gun pointed at my head. Even, got it? We no longer have that Hindu Karma thing hanging between us. Now, go away…”

Rodie scratched at the bow again. She fussed and preened, determined to get comfortable.

“Oh, alright.” Ian pouted. “Don’t take this as anything other than knowing what it’s like to be uncomfortable. There will be no touchy feely stuff between us, understand?”

Rodie stood up allowing Ian to fumble a bit and get the ribbon loose from her neck. She did take advantage of the situation and rubbed her fuzzy cheek against his fingers.

“You’re welcome.” Ian surprised himself by reaching out and lightly rubbing his finger down her fur. Rodie responded with a very happy purr, but didn’t dare take a step toward him. She did however take a swat at the ribbon now dangling from Ian’s hand. It made him laugh.

“What’s so funny?”

Ian threw the ribbon across the room, and the cat made a mad dash after it. “Nothing.”

He looked up to see a wide grin on Reese’s face. Ian grinned back. “Hey buddy, did you make it home?”

“I see you did.” Reese reached down and gave Ian a soft hug. “You look…well…happy to be out of the hospital.”

“I am.” Ian responded as Reese took a seat beside him on the couch. “You look sleepy. Did you get any rest at all?”

Reese snorted. “Of course. It’s a long trip to make in just a few days.”

“How are Billy and Vonnie?”

“Doing well. I’m going back in a few days, pick them up and bring them for an extended visit.”

“Why did you even bother to come back? You should have just stayed until they were ready. Honeymoon’s not over, is it?” Ian eyed him.

Reese blushed. “No, but I had something I needed to bring back for you.”

“Reese, I told you no gifts. I am certainly glad to see you but…”

“Oh shut up.” Reese said and gently shoved him. “You can thank me later.”

Ian heard a throat clear. He turned his head around to see Jude standing there, Ronnie melted into his arms. “Are you happy to see me or is that plaster in yer pocket?”

He tried to stand. Reese had to help, but within moments the three; Ian, Jude and Ronnie were all a mass of joy, tears and hugs.

Ian didn’t want to let go. Jude didn’t either and Ronnie surely wasn’t. There were a million unanswered questions, but all they could think of was making sure that the other was truly there, standing in their presence and not leaving their arms ever again.

“Son, you look like crap.” Jude said clutching Ronnie and holding Ian tight.

“You don’t look much better.” Ian couldn’t let go. He’d never needed someone so close in his life, but he finally had to let go or fall down. “Are you hungry?”

“I’ll be fine. Miss Tippy is heating us up somethin’.” Jude put his grandson down, and finally took Ian in both his arms. “You ever scare me like that again an’ I’ll beat you like you never been beat before.”

“I had to do something to get you here.” Ian closed his eyes and took a deep breath relishing the scent of a good memory of home. “Maybe I went a little overboard.”

Jude finally pushed Ian back, holding his head with both hands and taking a good look. “Look at you, all skinny and peekid. I thought that hospital was supposed to be fixing you up. Looks ta me, like they done a half assed job.”

“He looks so much better now, Grampaw.”

“Well, if you say so, but if I thought diff’ernt I’d have to go whoop me some fancy doctor butt.”

“Do it anyway.” Ian grinned. “I dare ya.”

Jude shook his finger at him. “Aw yer awright boy. Here, let’s sit down. This old man’s tard.”

Ian allowed Jude and Ronnie to help him back to the couch. “Why didn’t you tell me you were coming?” Ian wanted to know.

“I wanted it to be a surprise.”

“Everyone knew, but you Papa. We figured it was the best welcome home gift you could ever get.” Ronnie beamed.

“It is, Puppy. Thank you.” Ian turned back to Jude. “And now that he’s here, we’re not letting him go back.”

Jude put up his hands. “Let’s not argue, son. I just had to see you fer myself. This is some fancy place.”

“There’s plenty of room.”

“Shoot Grampaw, we got rooms we don’t know what to do with.” Ronnie bounced.

“Stand up fer me, Ronnie. Let yer Grampaw have a good look.” He smiled. “You have grown! Yer gonna be as purdy as yer Papa. I brought a little something fer ya.”

“For me?” Ronnie’s eyes lit up.

“Why don’t you run find yer Uncle Reese and help him bring in m’stachel?”

“You won’t go nowhere?”

“I’m right here, little man. The most I’ll go is to the kitchen when the food’s hot.”

“Okay, I’ll be right back.” Ronnie dashed out shouting for Reese.

Ian grabbed Jude’s arm. “So how are you doing?”

Jude nodded his head. “You and the boy’s the best medicine I’ll ever get.”

“You don’t look half bad for a sick old redneck.” Ian couldn’t help but wipe a tear from his cheek. “I’m so glad you’re here.”

Jude couldn’t respond. He just kept that tight smile on his face and nodded his head.

“Now, before Ronnie gets back, I’m just going to set the rules.” Ian was upfront and firm. “We’re going to make a few calls and find out…”

“Ian, I just want to be comfortable. That’s all. I ain’t gonna let my grandbaby watch me die. I ain’t gonna let you watch me die. I am here because I needed to see you and I miss the boy somethin’ terrible.”

“But while you are here, let’s just see what we can do to make you a little more comfortable.” Ian looked at him. “I can see the pain in your eyes, Jude.”

“Just as I can see it in yers.”

“Well, I’m due a handful of medication. What’s your excuse?” Ian raised one eyebrow. “You will not fight me on this Jude. I’m not going to make you stay, but as far as I’m concerned this is your home and quite frankly I’ve got you hostage for a little while.”

“Hostage?”

“How ya getting” home?” Ian smiled. “I know there’s not a lot of miracles out there, but let’s see if we can at least make whatever time we all have together as comfortable as possible. Will you let me do that for you? For Ronnie? For me?”

Jude nodded his head. “If it will make you happy, I’ll do just about anything.”

“Mr. Jude?” Jesse shyly interrupted. “Dinner’s ready.”

“Thank you.” Jude turned to Ian. “I have to admit, I could use a little bite. Do you mind?”

“You go right ahead.” Ian smiled. “I can see Mr. Subtlety there is sweating with a handful of pills he’s hoping I won’t put up a fuss about having to take.”

“You need me to pin him down while you shove ‘em down his throat? I got no problem with that.” Jude looked at Jesse for the first part and Ian for the second.

“No need. I won’t put up a fight.” Ian put out his hand and Jesse dropped a half dozen capsules in his hand. “But I’m going to warn you. I’m not supposed to know it, but one or two of these will knock me out for the rest of the night, so until I figure out which one’s which I will probably be a zombie by the time you finish your stew.”

“Well, as you pointed out.” Jude handed Ian a glass of water from the coffee table. “I ain’t goin’ nowhere fer a while.”

He stood and kissed Ian on the forehead. “I’ll go have me some supper, and you just relax and let us take care a you awhile longer. If nothin’ else I’ll see you in the mornin’.”

Jude got up and followed Jesse back to the dining room. “I cain’t get over how big this place is. It may take me a while to get used to it all.”

“Ian and Ronnie are so glad you’re here, Mr. Jude.” Jesse told him as he pulled out a chair for him at the table. “Thank you for coming. I think it’s just what everyone needed.”

“Ya’ll have taken good care of m’boys. I’m so ‘preciative.”

“Now, Ian didn’t make this.” Tippy said putting a steaming bowl in front of Jude. “But it’s pretty good if I do say so myself.”

“It was wonderful, Tippy.” Colton smiled and hugged his wife.

“Why don’t ya’ll sit with me while I eat?” Jude nodded to them. “I eat alone all the time. Comp’ny would be nice fer a change. I promise not to talk with m’mouth full.”

Tippy smiled and pulled out the chair across from him and took a seat. “How you feeling, Mr. Jude?”

Jude nodded his head as he took a spoonful of the hot stew. “This is good. Thank you.”

“Thursday’s are usually just simple meals for us. Weekends we do meals up right, a big family time. We’re excited to have you be a part of us now.” Tippy smiled.

Colton came back in the room with a second steaming bowl and placed it on the table. “The boys are bringing your bags in. Reese will be looking for some of his Mama’s stew soon.”

“They didn’t need to do that.” Jude looked up. “I just wanted one of ‘em to help Ronnie bring m’ satchel in so I could give him the little gift I brought em.”

“Hey, don’t you ever worry about having the young ones do the heavy stuff for you. That’s why God gave us children, to take the heavy load off those of us that aren’t quite so young anymore.” Colton smiled as he seated himself beside his wife.

“I guess they told on me?” Jude remained focused on his stew.

“Mr. Jude, that depends on what you’re talking about.” Tippy said softly. “The boys didn’t mean to embarrass you, but if you are referring to your health, then yes we know.”

“Ian needed someone to talk to.” Colton told him. “He’s become very important to us, and we’re glad that he felt he could share that with us. He was hoping we might know of somebody or someone that can help.”

Jude put his spoon down. “Well, I thank you for being there for Ian; Ronnie, too. Ian’s never been one to share his burdens. It does my heart good to know he’s learned to trust some.”

“No one has said anything to Ronnie about it.” Tippy put her hand on Jude’s. “He’s been staying with us. Ian made your wishes clear and we will always respect that.”

“I know that sooner or later, he’ll need to know, but right now…”

“Later is best for now.” Colton said. “Quickly before Ronnie comes running back in, I have referred Ian to a practice I know of. My best friend fought cancer for nine years. He was happy and comfortable right up the last minute.”

“It’s a group of doctors that specialize in this sort of thing.” Tippy smiled. “They never promise miracles, but they’ve got a sterling reputation working aggressive cancers with aggressive treatments. You’ll be in good hands.”

“Thank you.” Jude nodded his head. “You’ve taken such good care of Ian an’ m’granbaby. I don’t know what any of us would’a done without ya.”

“Mr. Jude…” Tippy looked at Colton, who smiled, and then looked back at Jude. “That’s what family is for. It took awhile for it to sink in with Ian, I hope you’ll be a little quicker to think of us that way.”

“We feel we already know so much about you.” Colton smiled. “I know we’re perfect strangers to you, but with Ronnie and Ian we all, the boys included, already think of you as part of us.”

Ronnie rushed into the dining room dragging an army issued satchel. “Is this want your looking for Grampaw?” He could barely contain the excitement.

“Why I do believe it is.” Jude put his spoon down as Reese sat down beside him and dug into his own bowl of stew. “Now, let’s see…” He dug around a little, finally pulling out two bright colored boxes, obviously wrapped by a man. He handed both of them to his grandson.

“Both for me?”

“Abs’lutely. Now don’t go getting too stirred up. They ain’t much.” He pointed to the biggest of the two. “Open that’n first.”

Ronnie ripped off the colored paper and his eyes lit up. “A art program for my lap top!”

“I know how much you like t’draw, so I had Billy go find me something where you kin do it right on yer computer.”

“That’s so cool!” Ronnie looked at the back of the box. “Says here I can print it out or email anywhere. Thank you Grampaw!”

“Let me see.” Tippy held out her hand.

“Now that other little box is sumpin’ old I found an’ thought you might like ta have.” Jude said as Ronnie ripped open the second box.

“Oh, Grampaw!” Ronnie looked in his hands. “They’re beautiful.”

“They was mine when I was yer age.” Jude said. “My daddy said that my Grampaw made ‘em fer me.”

Jude looked bittersweetly at the Indian and the Teepee made of copper. “They needs a good cleanin’. I found ‘em wrapped up in a old bandanna and tucked away in a box a Christmas stuff.”

“Your grandfather was a coppersmith?” Colton asked.

“That’s what m’ Daddy tol’ me. He died when I was young. I don’t remember him at’all. Knowing how important family is, ‘specially now, I thought I’d pass ‘em on.”

“I’ll take such good care of ‘em.” Ronnie looked up. “Someday, I’ll pass ‘em on to my little boy.”

Jude grinned. “You do that.”

“Let me finish eating, Ronnie and I’ll help you load that program on your laptop.” Reese said in between slurps.

“I’m gonna go show Papa!” Ronnie clutched the old toys to his chest and started to bolt, running right into Jesse. “Oops. I’m sorry.”

“It’s okay.” Jesse laughed. “Where you headed off to in such a hurry, Flash?”

“I’m gonna show Papa what Grampaw brought me!” Ronnie squealed and started to run.

Jesse grabbed him by the collar and held him spinning in place. “Too late, Bubba. Ian’s out like a light.”

Colton and Tippy looked at each other and high fived.

“I wouldn’t get too smug.” Jesse told his parents. “He’ll figure out which one it is, and it’ll be just like trying to give the cat a wormer. He’ll eat everything in the dish but the little white pill.”

“He won’t figure it out.” Colton grinned.

“I guarantee you he will.” Jess assured them.

“Tonight, I crushed it up and put it in his water.” Tippy giggled. “I figure we’ll find a way to slip it to him differently every night. Hopefully, by the time he figures it out, we won’t need to sedate him.”

“That’s awful sneaky.” Jude told her and grinned. “I like it!”

Reese looked up. “He’s not laying down flat is he?”

Jesse laughed. “No. He’s sitting up on the couch…” He giggled. “And your not going to believe this, so I got pictures…” He opened up his cell phone and passed it around.

“I think we’ve found his Christmas card.” Tippy laughed. “You know he’ll kill you if he ever sees that.”

She passed the phone to Colton and Reese, who almost choked on his stew. “We need to send this to everyone we know.”

“Oh no…” Jesse said. “I know good blackmail material when I see it.”

“Ooh…ooh…” Ronnie said with an evil smirk. “Send it to Uncle Blake. He can put it on
Papa’s desktop at work as his screen saver.”

Colton chuckled. “We can have a pool to see how long it takes him to notice.”

“What’s is it?” Jude was finally handed the camera. “Is that Ronnie’s cat?”

“Yup.” Jesse grinned. “Curled up in Ian’s lap sleeping away with him.”

“I never understood why he hates cats so.” Tippy said. “Any insight?”

“Well…” Jude wiped his mouth with a napkin. “I don’t think he ever cared fer ‘em much, but once’t a bully grabbed a stray cat by the tail, as I recall. He got the thing all riled up and started hittin’ Ian with it…”

“That’s awful!” Tippy was shocked.

“Miss Tippy, that jus’ one a too many awful things that got done to Ian.” Jude leaned back in his chair. “Ever’body on Lost Mountain was poor, but Ian an’ m’girls were the bottom a the heap. They was allus getting picked on and teased. Reckon that’s why they stuck together sa much.”

“I’m gonna go find a special place in my room for these.” Ronnie held up the copper toys, and was off.

Colton smiled. “That was the perfect gift, Jude, those toys.”

“I thought so. I think you should allus know where you come from. It helps to keep ya see a li’l better where yer goin’. I kin do that fer Ronnie.” Jude hung his head. “Wish I could do it fer Ian.”

Jesse pulled up a chair at the table. “Did you know his parents?”

“Just his Mama.” Jude said. “Nobody knowed anything ‘bout her. She was a orphan chil’ and the Ransom family tuck her in and raised her as they own.”

“And Ian’s father?” Jesse asked.

Jude shook his head. “A lot a people thunk it was me, wish I had that honor, but I don’t. All I know is Lylah, that’s Ian’s mama, runned away when she was a teenager. It tuck a li’l while, but they tracked her down an’ brought her back. She wudn’t home long afore we realized she was pregnant.”

“So it was someone she met then?”

“You are awful full of questions, Jesse.” Tippy looked at her youngest. “Usually I’m the one pumping for information.”

“Sorry.” Jesse said. “Ian never talks about his past much. Now that we’ve got a link to it at the table…”

“It’s fine, Jesse.” Jude assured him. “I don’t know that much more than Ian, but if I know the answer I don’ mind the question.”

“You know, there is a little mystery you may be able to solve for us.” Tippy remembered. “Have you seen the pictures in Ian’s locket?”

“Ian’s locket?” Jude looked at her.

“The one he wears around his neck all the time.” Reese said.

“Sorry, I ain’t never seed it.” Jude said.

“He said it was something his grandmother gave to him. There was a picture of a woman and a baby inside.” Tippy said.

“Ian assumed it was his baby picture and his mother, but it turned out if you looked close enough, the baby was a girl.”

“We think now it’s his mother, Lylah is that want you said her name was?” Colton added. “And maybe her mother.”

“Sounds like you got that mystery solved then.” Jude said.

“That’s not the mystery.” Tippy said. “The locket got dropped in chocolate sauce or something one night, and we found out the scratches on it was actually an engraving.”

Jude sat up. “Don’t tell me. It spelled out his name?”

The family all looked at each other. “How did you know?”

“Then Billy hain’t said nothing to you ‘bout the pitcher?”

“What pitcher?” Tippy asked.

“You mean that silver peuter pitcher that belonged to Ian’s Aunt Hil?” Reese asked.

“That’s the one.” Jude confirmed.

“You found that?” Reese asked and Jude nodded his head. “We assumed it was gone. Ian gave that to Janie and the last we saw it she carried it over to the house.”

“Well, that ‘splanes that mystery.” Jude said. “Billy’s daughter found it out in the field, and we put it in stuff ya’ll brought back after we cleaned up.”

“It must still be in the boxes.” Tippy said. “There are a bunch of boxes in the little room off the pantry.”

“Billy and I brought them all in a put them there until Ian was ready to go through them.”

“Then everything happened and they’re still just sitting there.” Jesse said.

“Well that pitcher’s got Ian’s name engraved on the bottom.” Jude said. “Don’t rightly know how no one ever spotted it afore.”

The Shores all exchanged glances.

“Is it possible that Ian’s Aunt Hil had the pitcher engraved?” Tippy asked.

“I reckon it’s possible, but quite hones’ly I don’t think she’d ever think ta do that, and I don’t rightly know where’d someone’d go in Lost Mountain ta have it done.” Jude rubbed his hand across his chin. “Plus, if Miz Hil had the money to do that sorta thing, I doubt that puttin’ somebody’s name on the bottom of a old pitcher would pop right into her head.”

Tippy nodded. “We thought maybe Ian’s grandmother might have had his locket engraved. The lettering was so worn and faded, we didn’t notice until Ian’s little mishap with it.”

“Is it possible the two are connected somehow?” Reese looked up finishing his stew.

“Well, I don’t rightly know fer sure. I don’t know nothin’ ‘bout a locket, but as fer as that ol’ pitcher goes, Miz Hilary always had it. Sat right up on the window sill unless it was a holiday er a special occasion.”

“Both could have been handed down from some family member.” Colton said.

“Certainly, but why would Ian’s name be on them? Anyone who owned those two pieces surely never even imagined Ian, let alone had the foresight to engrave his name on them.” Tippy drummed her fingernails on the table. “Well, we won’t solve that mystery tonight. Let me wash up these dishes, and then Mr. Jude, I’ll help you get settled in.”

“Thank ya kindly.” Jude smiled.

“Let me give you a hand.” Colton followed his wife into the kitchen.

“And if you’ll excuse me.” Reese stood up. “I’d better go help Ronnie with that Art program like I promised.”

“Guess that leaves you an’ me, then Jesse.” Jude smiled. “So ‘xactly what’s on yer mind?”

Jesse smiled. “Nothing, sir. Just curious. It’s not often that you meet someone with a connection to someone who doesn’t seem to have much of a past.”

“You talkin’ ‘bout Ian?” Jesse shyly nodded his head. “He’s got a past son. It’s just that most of it, sorry to say don’t bring up a lot of happy mem’ries.”

“I understand that.” Jesse smiled. “I guess sometimes I just feel bad. It seems we all talk about something from our past, or relatives…”

“And when you do, you can see that look in Ian’s eyes.” Jude nodded his head slightly. “I’m trying to help with’at. I’ve searched ever inch of Hil’s place and mine. I was sure they’d be somethin’ that could at least tell us where to look.”

“You’ve found nothing?”

“Nary a thing. Lylah’s bus ticket stub is even missin’.” Jude said.

“Bus ticket?”

“When Ian was born and agin when his mama died, we tried to track down his Daddy. The only thing any of us knowed was she went to a little town down South. Thought if nothin’ else someone might recognize a picture of ‘er.”

“You have a picture of Ian’s mother?” Jesse couldn’t hide the shock.

Jude smiled. “Twernt many that I recall, but I did find one.”

Jude reached for his wallet and pulled out a creased photo and handed it to Jesse. “That’s Lylah and Ian. He was six months old, er that’s what someone wrote on the back.”

“She was beautiful.”

“Ian looks s’much like her. That coal black hair, and them eyes. His’n’s a little more blue. She was a tiny li’l slip of a thing. Reckon Ian must get his height from his Daddy.”

“He’s just a little above average.”

“But his Mama was tiny, tiny, tiny…barely five foot.”

“And you don’t know anything about his father at all?”

“Lylah wouldn’t discuss it, only that she loved him with all her heart. She’d a prob’ly stayed wif him, but Miz Lillian, that’s the woman who raised her, tracked ‘er down and drug ‘er back, kickin’ and screamin’ the whole way.”

“You don’t know where she went?” Jesse handed the picture back.

“Not fer sure, but seems I remember Miz Hil sayin’ something about Texas. That’s why I was hopin’ ta find that bus ticket, might give Ian a place ta start lookin’.”

“You’re going to give that picture to Ian?”

Jude nodded his head. “You know he didn’t even know her name fer sure until Miz Hil died and we sit down an talked. I don’t reckon he’d ever even see’d a picture of her.”

“Jude, would you let me do something if I asked you?”

“Well…depends on what it is.”

“Would you let me have that picture?” Jesse saw the look on Jude’s face. “I thought I could take it over to my computer at home and work on it some. It’s badly faded. It’s kind of a hobby of mine, restoring old photographs. I could blow it up and clean it up, make it look like it was brand new.”

“You kin do that?”

Jesse smiled. “Sure. It’s actually pretty simple. I could have it done by the time I turn in for the night. I’ll get a frame for it and we can wrap it up. I think Ian would love to have a picture of his mother.”

“I reckon that’s be wonderful, Jesse.” Jude said. “I’d be happy ta pay ya fer yer trouble.”

“Absolutely not.” Jesse slipped the photograph Jude handed over into his shirt pocket. “My payment will be the look on Ian’s face when he sees it.”