The Light Between Us Box Set by Thomas Grant Bruso

Author:Thomas Grant Bruso [Bruso, Thomas Grant]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: JMS Books LLC
Published: 2017-07-02T23:00:00+00:00

Chapter 21

After lunch, I help my mother and Barbara clear the table and load the dishwasher as my father and Jim settle in the Lazy-Boy recliners in the living room for a football game.

Except for my sister, who tells me she is going for a long walk around the neighborhood.

Our two mothers set up a table in the dining room for a game of Pinochle.

I pull Philip aside in the hall and let him know that I am heading over to Bret Hick’s place. “I’ll make it quick,” I say, handing him the gift box Bret gave me.

“All right,” Philip says hesitantly, staring down at the writing pen inside.

“He’s a different boy,” I tell him. “He’s coming around.”

Philip squeezes me tight enough to let me know he is here for me. “I’ll keep an eye out for your father,” he says.

“Thanks. I’ll be back shortly.” Before I leave, he tells me he’s going to check in with the guys at the police station about his current case.

“As long as you don’t have to go in,” I tell him.

“I promise.”

* * * *

Pickard Street seems deserted as I turn the corner to Bret Hicks’s house fifteen minutes later.

I walk up to the front door and knock. Memories from the past few years flash in my mind.

I look across the yard to my former house. I am suddenly reminded of my past life with Russ, and the new beginning with Philip. Movement from behind the Hick’s front door jars me out of my trance, and a friendly face pokes out from behind the lace curtains.

Janice Hicks.

When she opens the door, she says, happiness in her voice, “Christian. This is a surprise. Come in. Get out of the cold.”

“Is it a good time?”

She smiles weakly. “It’s a pleasant surprise.”

“I was in the neighborhood,” I say, remembering my promise to Bret.

“We’re just about to eat. Would you like stay for dinner?”

“No thanks,” I answer, closing the door behind me. “We’ve already eaten.”

Fresh baked rye bread and simmering garlic smells fill Janice’s toasty-warm kitchen.

“I’m really glad you’re here,” she says. “Have a seat. Can I get you something to drink? I’ve just brewed a fresh pot of coffee.”

I take a seat at the kitchen table, which is adorned with a red and white Christmas tablecloth and festive candles. I glance up at Janice. “Coffee would be nice. Thanks.”

When she turns and saunters over to the counter, I take in the cluttered kitchen and lean forward to stare down the dimly lit hallway. Bret is nowhere in sight.

Janice turns and hovers over me with a piping hot coffee cup in hand. “If you’ve come to see Bret, I’m afraid he’s not here. He left an hour ago, but he should be back soon.”

“I actually came to see you.”

She stares at me inquisitively and sits down across me. Her voice is thick with regret. “Quite honestly, I didn’t think we’d ever talk to each other again after last year’s fiasco.”

I lean my elbows on the edge of the tabletop.

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