Chapter 39

Jeremy picked up almost instantly, sounding like he'd been expecting her call. "Do you know where Shawn went?" Kathleen asked. "You don't have to worry," he replied calmly. "He's fine. His health is stable. He'll come back later." That assurance helped Kathleen relax a little. As long as Shawn was safe, that was all that mattered. She sat on the couch, waiting for him to come home. At a little after 10:00 pm, she finally heard the front door open. Shawn walked in and saw Kathleen standing a few feet away, watching him. Their eyes met. He looked like he'd been walking through snow, with a quiet desolation clinging to him. "I already told Judy you're home and safe," she commented. "Get some rest." She didn't ask where he'd been or bring up the fact that he'd been unreachable all day. He was back, and that was all that mattered. Shawn watched her turn into the bedroom and close the door. She truly didn't plan to ask anything. All the excuses he'd prepared on the way home were s