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She sipped her tea, hoping to settle the anxiety rumbling in her soul. |
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"From the sound of his behavior, he might have been on something. The boys said he went at them like some kind of a wild animal." |
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By the time Calvin arrived, she decided she would call the doctor. |
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Calvin got home a little before six. "Where is he?" |
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"Taking a shower." Terry was at the kitchen table with a cup of tea, holding her head. |
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Another killer headache. He wished she'd get that checked. She got them daily now. It was probably migraines but he still wished she'd see a doctor. "What happened?" |
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Terry looked up at him through tired eyes. "I think he's all right," she began. "I guess he had a fight with some kids in the woods." |
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"Bobby, Jackie Stoneburner and Michael whatever his last name is." |
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She nodded. "Some scrapes and bruises." She took a sip from the teacup. |
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Her manner suggested that there was more. "But . . . ?" |
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"No, I think he's going to be fine. I wanted to take him to Emerson for a checkup but he got hysterical." |
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He studied her a moment. "You're holding something back." |
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She looked away for a second, then back at him. "Betty Gorawlski called, Bobby's mother. She claimed that Matty attacked them, and Bobby got his face messed up. He may even have a scar. I guess Matty scratched him." |
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"Good! The little shit's had it coming." |
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"It's nothing to celebrate. She said he went at them like a . . . a wild animal, that he was completely out of control." |
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"Three against one, I would have gone wild too." |
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"That's not what she meant. She meant wild like on drugs." |
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"Drugs? He's not on drugs, for God's sake. He's twelve years old." But he felt the conviction drain from his words the moment he |
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