Liam
We hit the diner mid-morning. Jenny and Poppy slid into a booth while I grabbed coffee and called Forest.
He answered on the first ring.
“Tell me something good,” I said.
Silence.
“Forest?”
“We didn’t find him at the carnival,” he said finally. “But he was close.”
My grip on the phone tightened. “How close?”
Fraiser’s voice came over the line this time, grim and low. “Close enough to know what kind of truck you’re driving.”
“I’m calling Troy; he lives about an hour from here. He can bring me another vehicle, and I’ll have Dad’s delivered back to Fraiser Mountain.” There was silence.
“So you and Troy are talking?” Forest asked.
“Not yet, but we will be.” I hung up and called my brother. I remembered all of their phone numbers. Before he could speak, I explained what I needed and where I was, then hung up. Thirty minutes later, Troy and James pulled into the driveway in a new black SUV.
“We were close by, so it didn’t take as long,” James said.
I nodded and looked at my brother Troy. He didn’t look very well, as if he were sick. “What the hell is wrong with you? You look like shit.”
“It’s good to see you, too, brother.”
“Why would I say it’s good to see you? You married my fucking fiancée.”
“You should be thanking me; she was a bitch. I saved you a few years of misery.”
I am relieved I didn’t marry her. What’s wrong with you?”
“He has cancer, now let’s get inside before we are spotted,” James said. We’ll take Dad’s truck, and the guy can follow us around for a while. I hope you ditch this guy.”
“We will. This is Jenny and Poppy. These two YoYos are my brothers. James Henry and Troy James.”
I watched Jenny and Poppy try not to laugh, but they couldn't help it, and that was exactly what I wanted.
“So all of you are named after your father, and your last names are also James?” Jenny asked.
“He didn’t want any of us to get our feelings hurt,” James said. I caught Troy as his legs collapsed. Jenny didn’t hesitate; she took over.
"You should be in a hospital,” she said, looking at Troy. She asked him a dozen questions. “I want you to go see my partner. I’ll call ahead. That way, you will get right in.”
“So you’re a doctor? I asked, looking at her.
“Yes, I’m a cancer specialist.”
I hugged both of my brothers before they left in my Dad’s old truck. I was no longer so angry at my brother. I was thankful he did what he did.
“Do you think he’ll make it?” I asked.
“Yes, he’ll be his old self in no time,” Jenny said, hugging me, and then Poppy hugged me too.