What Once Was Lost by A.M. Leibowitz

Author:A.M. Leibowitz [Leibowitz, A.M.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: gay romance
Publisher: MLR Press LLC
Published: 2016-12-11T05:00:00+00:00

4. MONDAY

It was well after midnight, and Casey could hardly keep his eyes open. He flopped into a chair in the main living area of the cabin. Only the stress of the situation was keeping him awake at that point. He thought he owed it to Ryan to stay up all night waiting, but he was beginning to feel sick from exhaustion and anxiety. Brook put a hand on his shoulder then retreated to the other side of the room, phone in hand.

Annie scowled at Brook then turned her attention to Casey. “I don’t know why you brought him, anyway.”

Taken aback, Casey replied, “I told you. He’s Ryan’s other father. You didn’t seem to have an issue when we showed up.”

“Well, now I do. He’s been on his phone constantly, and he’s been no help at all,” she hissed.

Casey was too tired for an argument out of nowhere. “That’s because they told us to stay out of it. What is your problem all of a sudden?”

“If it weren’t for you and your constant misery over that ass, my kid would be here right now,” she snapped.

“What?” Casey asked.

“You heard them.” Annie waved her hand at the door, indicating the search-and-rescue team. “They think the boys ran away. Ten to one Ryan took off, and Taylor followed him. You said yourself Ry was in a miserable mood because of you and Brook.”

“You’re blaming my kid for this?” Casey stared up at her, open-mouthed.

“No, I’m blaming you and your endless drama.”

Chuck stepped in between them. “Enough. I’m not thrilled with Brook’s being here either, but this isn’t helping.”

Annie sagged against him, and he folded her into his arms. Her shoulders shook, and it was several minutes before they let go of each other. “I’m sorry,” she said to Casey.

“Me too.” Casey ran a hand over his face.

“You need to get some rest,” Chuck said. “We all do. There’s nothing else we can accomplish tonight.”

“I know,” Casey mumbled, rubbing his eyes.

Annie backed off. “I guess you’d be welcome to stay here, but he certainly isn’t.” She jerked her head in Brook’s direction.

Casey considered her offer. He would be nearby in case Ryan and Taylor made it back in the middle of the night. A quick glance at Brook, though, and Casey’s mind was made up. Annie had made it clear her hospitality didn’t extend to him, even though it should have. Casey needed the distance from Annie too—her emotions on top of his own were more than he could handle. When he saw Brook end his phone call, Casey nodded at him, and Brook returned it.

Brook cleared his throat. “I have reservations at a motel in Tupper. You’re welcome to join me.”

“Thanks. I, uh, think I’ll take you up on that.” Casey stood up and gave Annie a long look then wrapped her in a tight hug. “I just…I can’t, Annie. Call me if something happens. I’ll be back first thing in the morning.”

“Okay,” she whispered.

He stepped away and followed Brook. When he

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