Page 50 of Vanish From Sight

“Ray, just let me take you to the hospital.”

“No. You do that, I’ll do it again. I swear.”

Noah stared at him as heat pumped into the cab. “I can take you home.”

“No, Tanya will return if she’s not already there.”

“Then dad’s or Maddie’s?”

“His place is out of the question. Somewhere else. It can’t be family.”

“Ray. C’mon. People are looking for you.”

“Please. Noah.”

Ray shivered hard.

Noah shook his head. “Damn you!” he said under his breath. He was sure his brother heard. He wanted to pepper him with questions. He wanted justification for the attempt. To understand why he didn’t reach out. But there was none. He didn’t smell of alcohol. He sure as hell knew Ray wasn’t on drugs.

He understood falling into a dark place, he’d been there many a time himself, but this… Noah shook his head as he reversed and peeled away into the night, taking him to the only person who he knew would say nothing.

The familiar sightof dense forest along with the smell of pine needles and damp earth brought a degree of peace. Tucked away, not far from the clearing that had once held Alicia’s cabin, was the abode nestled near the edge of the lake with the small dock stretching out into the water.

Noah eased his brother out and carried him toward the home. A small light outside the door illuminated the wraparound porch and two Adirondack chairs. Noah knocked and after a few moments, the door opened to reveal Ed Baxter. The old-timer looked surprised, but then scoffed. His expression changed to concern upon seeing Noah holding his brother. “Do I look like a damn hospital?” he snapped.

“Sorry, Ed. He didn’t give me much choice,” he replied, unable to hide his own anger.

“I would ask if you’re out of your damn mind but I think we established that months ago.” He moved out of the way. “Bring him in.”

Without saying another word, Ed ushered them deeper into the cabin.

The warmth of a roaring fire and the smell of woodsmoke washed over them.

Ed helped Noah lay his brother on the couch, then he shuffled away to gather a few blankets and towels.

“Get him out of those wet clothes,” Ed said.

Ray’s strength was all but gone. As Noah peeled the layers off, he could see the fear and exhaustion on his brother’s face.

“I’m sorry, brother. I’m really sorry,” Ray repeated.

Behind them the fire crackled, casting a warm glow throughout the room.

Noah stepped back as Ed took over, covering Ray then giving him some water. Ray’s eyes closed; his shivering barely noticeable.

Noah watched from the fireplace, turning back every so often.

“You!” Ed jabbed a finger at him. “Outside. Now,” he said in a demanding tone.

He followed him out the rear sliding doors, then closed them for privacy.

“What the hell is going on, Noah, and when did you return?”

“Two weeks ago.”

“Two weeks? And only now you decide to show up. With another problem, I might add. I’m pretty sure the last time you were around, I ended up with a concussion and several days in a hospital.”

Noah couldn’t hide his amusement.