30. Chapter Thirty
Chapter Thirty
Revelations…He will wipe away every tear
Caleb
W arner lays his sleepy head against my chest, exhausted after running around trying to grab Dodger’s tail while squealing excitedly. Both Blaine and I have Zach and Zinnea outside too, attempting to distract them from all the officers milling around in the house. All we’ve succeeded in doing, however, is highlight how much we’re all missing Weston, making me question if God is hearing me…Does he hear my anguished cry? Earlier Blaine tried to talk me into demanding information from Harrison or Bristow about the case. Not Matt. Not Keir. He’s decided they’re leaving us out of the investigation, withholding what’s really happening.
But I’m afraid to ask. I don’t want to hear they have no idea where our son is, that Weston is lost to us.
I’ve always looked to Matt for an example. It’s not just because he’s thirty-six, holds a high-ranking position with the FBI, and can bring calm to a situation; it’s the way others look to him. Blaine is angry right now, but he’ll get over it. When it comes to Matt, he always does.
Zinnea hovers close to Zach. “Stay near us,” she hisses at him, taking her role as big sister to the next level because we’ve proven unreliable at keeping them safe.
For the last two days, our home has been a hive of activity. There are currently all kinds of police, FBI, and sheriff’s office vehicles parked on the road, in our driveway, and even at the vet clinic across the street. I almost miss it when Becca’s vehicle rolls to a stop behind a squad on the road. She walks our way with a covered casserole dish. Her head is down until she’s a few feet from where we stand discussing, yet again, who should talk to Harrison about the status of things. I’m not doing it, but Blaine is being stubborn and insisting I be the one. When she lifts her head to call out a greeting, I’m shocked to see her left eye blackened and scratches on the side of her nose.
“What happened?”
She begins to cry, telling us her ex-boyfriend found out where she has been staying. I ask if she’s called the police, although there are plenty here she could speak to. She starts to cry harder. “I don’t want to tell anyone. I’ll be fine.”
Blaine looks on with his arms crossed and eyebrows raised. I’m waiting for him to chime in. Even though Blaine is capable of watching the kids, I keep an eye on them as they move closer to the animal pen. Looking back at Becca, I say, “Is that a good idea? I mean, aren’t you scared he’ll come back?”
I’m not a pushy person. In most matters I’d prefer everyone gets along. It feels presumptuous to tell a new friend how they should handle a situation, but she’s been hurt. “When did this happen?” I take the offered meal from her saying thanks. It’s hard to give my full attention to her as I look around to make sure the kids are close by.
Blaine mouths, “What the fuck, dude” before catching sight of Warner trying to climb onto a bucket. He moves in swiftly to stop him as I turn back to her. “Becca, as a friend, I’m telling you anyone capable of doing that to you will do it again. Or worse.”
For several minutes, she gives me the history of her and the man who won’t let her move on. I’d be lying if I said I’m listening closely. My eyes are still tracking the kids while I try to keep my emotions in check. The pain of Weston not being here is overshadowing every thought, every action.
I nod as she goes on, but I’m being a terrible friend not staying engaged. She gets my attention, stepping closer and putting her hand on my arm. “I’m sorry. I came over to bring your family something to eat and tell you I’m always available if you need to talk. But instead, you’re the one listening to me.” She gives me a shaky smile. “Everyone at church has been praying for your little boy.”
She envelops my hand between her own. “Can I offer a prayer right now?” A part of me is resigned to it, and another part of me is taken aback she is thinking of me when she has other obvious problems.
“Thank you.” I try to clear the lump from my throat. “I’ve never needed God’s guidance more.
With lowered heads, she says softly, “In Your holy word, You have promised to hear those who cry unto You in their day of trouble. Listen to our cries for mercy and send us help from the sanctuary of Your grace…”
Blaine moves closer to us, Warner on his hip. I hear him mumble, “Not disrespectful at all…”
I don’t know what he’s referring to, but his snarkiness is at an all-time high. Becca says she’ll stop by tomorrow with more food. I miss the comment Blaine says after a huff of a laugh. She doesn’t pay any attention to it. Making sure Blaine sees I’m walking her back to her vehicle, I say, “It was really thoughtful of you to stop by, especially after what you’ve been through.”
“That’s what friends do. You’d do the same for me if you knew I needed you, right?”
It makes me feel even worse I didn’t press harder for her to report what happened between her and her ex. I would’ve a few days ago, but right now I’m on survival mode, praying God hears me.
Blaine gives me a stern look when I return from escorting Becca to her car. “Who and what was that?”
I explain, once again, she is my friend from church. It feels like he willfully ignores me when I tell him things sometimes. “She was part of the search party.”
“Big Gulp.” He sighs, shaking his head at me. “You don’t see it, do you?”
“See what?” Eden peeks out the window. Both Blaine and I turn to see her better. Wearing an old Belmont sweatshirt, a pair of yoga pants, and her hair tied up on top of her head, she looks far younger than her thirty years. Pain is evident in her eyes. When she sees us, she puts her hand on the window, leaning against it and shutting her eyes, her breath fogging the glass.
“If you’re a committed man, you aren’t giving attention to another woman, making another woman feel like she has a chance with you, giving emotional energy to them, or disregarding boundaries. You’re a married man.”
“That’s not fair, I’m committed.” Since when is being a friend to someone of the opposite sex such a problem? I almost remind him; Eden knows I’m committed, but he’s already halfway to the house. I follow, waving for Zach and Zinnea to join us.
I committed to Eden with all my heart and soul, but in return I only have a piece of her. The thought hits me hard. I’ve never doubted she loves me, but maybe, just maybe, her divided attention is starting to bother me.