No One to Trust - Iris Johansen [72]
Barry’s expression was serious as he drew back the arrow of his bow.
“Attaboy,” Judd murmured. “Now focus on the target.”
Elena stopped on the porch and watched the two of them aiming at a target pinned to a pine tree.
Barry let loose the arrow and then whooped as it hit the cardboard. “I hit it this time!”
“Yes, you did.” Judd gave him another arrow. “Now let’s see if you can get closer to the bull’s-eye.”
“Your son’s got a good eye,” Galen said behind her.
“Where did he get the bow and arrow? I had to leave his in Tomaco.”
“Judd made it for him. They’ve been bonding big time for the last few days.”
“I can see that. I’m grateful to him. I’ve not been much use to Barry lately.”
“You deserved some healing time.”
And they had let her have that time. No demands. Little conversation. Just peace. “Barry’s my responsibility. I can take over now.”
“It’s not hurting either Judd or me to baby-sit. We like the kid.”
“You haven’t heard from Chavez?”
He shook his head. “He didn’t come out of this too well. I’d guess he’s licking his wounds.”
“We didn’t come out too well either.” Her lips twisted. “I’m sure he’ll come sliding out of his cave soon and twist the knife.”
“Then try to enjoy the hiatus.”
She couldn’t enjoy anything at the moment. It was an effort to hold on to her composure and keep from shattering into a thousand pieces. But she was much better than she had been yesterday, she told herself. Healing took time. Tomorrow she would be better still. “Has Barry said anything about Dominic?”
He shook his head. “Not yet. Children accept changes better than adults, and Judd has been keeping him busy.”
“He loved Dominic. He’ll ask about him.”
“Don’t borrow trouble. Why don’t you go for a walk and relax?”
That was what Dominic had suggested on that last night, and she’d done as he asked. While she was gazing at the lake and letting nature soothe her, he’d been making his plans. Dominic loved everything about this earth, and he’d taught her to love it too. She would go down there and breathe the pine-scented air and look at the sky and the lake.
And, maybe, she would feel him there.
Dawn was pearling the sky.
Elena stood at the window of her bedroom and looked out at the lake. She had slept only intermittently during the night, but she knew it was no use going back to bed. When she slept, she dreamed of Dominic—and Luis.
It had seemed as if her life was on hold for the past few days, but that was bound to change. Chavez would call and it would all start again. He’d never stop searching, planning. Maybe he was on his way here now.
Don’t think about it. She shouldn’t take on any more burdens until she could handle what she had now.
She turned away from the window. It was all very well to tell herself not to think of what Chavez was planning. It was harder to block him out.
But Barry could help her. She would go and sit by his bed and watch him sleep. She would let all the wonder of him flow over her and she would be calmer. Not at peace, but more able to cope with her memories of Dominic and that phone call from Chavez lurking on the horizon.
She slipped on her robe and moved silently from the room to the one across the hall. She carefully opened the door and stood in the doorway.
Barry was huddled beneath his blankets, and she sat down in the rocking chair beside the bed. Children slept so deeply.…
She stiffened. But she should be able to hear him breathing.
She leaned forward and pulled back the covers.
Pillows. Not Barry. Pillows!
“No!”
She turned and ran toward the door. “Barry!”
“What the hell’s wrong?” Galen met her in the hall. “Is he sick?”
“He’s not there. He’s gone. I’ve got to find him.”
“He’s not in his room?”
“I told you he wasn’t. Chavez has taken him.”
“Hold it. You’re not thinking.”
“Of course I’m not thinking,” she said fiercely. “I’m scared to death. Barry’s gone.”
“What