The Journey---Chapter Fourteen

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Chapter 14

Luke leaned into Reid seeking comfort by burying his face in the man’s chest.  Reid’s arms automatically wound themselves protectively around Luke and it was the immense trembling he felt coming off of Luke that kept him from losing all control.  “How is that even possible?” he asked through gritted teeth.



“Evidently he had help from another one of our officers, David Tate.  He volunteered to transport Nick from county lock-up to the federal prison in Statesville to await his trial date.  When he didn’t arrive on schedule, we tried to radio the police vehicle and didn’t get an answer so we put out an APB the vehicle.  It was found abandoned about ten miles outside of town.”

“How…how do you know Officer Tate isn’t missing somewhere?  How do you know Nick didn’t hurt him too?”  Luke asked in a voice so small it broke Reid’s heart.

Hal let Margo take this one.  “Somehow the Dash Cam was switched on and, although we have no visual, it is clear from the audio that they were working together.  They have been involved for quite some, Luke.  I’m so sorry.”

Luke turned to Reid.  “I need to go up to my room now.”

“Of course, let’s get out of here.”

“Wait, before you go, I’d like to make a suggestion.”

“Cal, let them go.”

“No, it’s ok, Dad.  What is this suggestion of yours, Papa?”

“Maybe it would be a good idea right now for you to get away, at least until Nick is caught.”

“I’m not running away.  He’s taken enough from me and this family and I won’t let him have control anymore.”

“I know you are trying to be strong, Luke, and I’m so proud of you…you have no idea how much.  I want you safe.  I lost my granddaughter to that bastard.  I don’t want to lose you too,” Cal said as silent tears ran down his face.

Luke carefully walked over to his Papa.  This was new territory as he’d never seen the man cry.  Reaching up and pulling him into a hug, he spoke softly into his ear.  “It’s ok, Papa.  You won’t lose me.  I’ll go, ok?  I’ll go.”  He pulled back and looked him in the eye.  “Now, what’s this plan of yours?”

After Luke returned to the comfort of Reid’s arms, Cal continued.

“I have some family in Brazos, Texas.  It’s an Indian Reservation and the family in question is my grandson, Joseph and his wife and children.  I’ll have the Stricklyn Oil jet fueled and ready within the hour and will make arrangements for Joseph to pick you up at the Waco airport.  He knows what’s been going on and I know he’d be very happy to finally meet you.  I’ve been talking about all of you to him for years.”

“But you never talked about them to us.”

“Your mother knew.  She met Joseph on a couple of occasions when she came to see me in Texas,” Cal shared, again getting choked up.

“Are you sure I’d be welcome there?”

“Absolutely…”

“Then let’s make it happen.”

“Cal, can you make the arrangements for two?”

“Reid, no.  You’re suspension will be up in just few weeks.  I have no idea when it will be safe for me to come back here.”
“I’m not going back there, Luke.  They held a meeting to decide my future at their ridiculous hospital and only took Bob’s word for what happened.  They never once asked for my side of the story.  I can’t go back…I won’t”

“Are you sure?”

“Haven’t you figured it out yet?  I’m crazy in love with you.”

Luke threw his arms around Reid’s neck and pulled him into a fierce hug with tears of grief and sadness having been replaced with tears of joy.


Chapter Fifteen: http://amydambly.livejournal.com/6139.html#cutid1