Page 44 of Shadow of Doubt
“I’ll wrap a towel around the washcloth and can keep refreshing it too.” Brooklyn jumped up and went to the small linen closet by the door. She took out several washcloths and a few hand towels to have them all at the ready.
“You’re amazing, you know that?” Sandy said. “We’re in lockdown, this creep who’s been trying to kill you likely just tried to break in, and you’re worried about me and ready to help.”
Brooklyn got the water running. “It’s nothing. I already think of you as family, and since I’ve been away from mine for years, it feels good to have a connection.”
“Isn’t it amazing the connection God can provide in such a short time?” Sandy smiled. “I think of you as family too.”
Brooklyn let the water get as hot as she could take it, soaked the cloth, rang the fabric out, and then wrapped it around Sandy’s hands.
“Ooh, thisisnice.” she gave a sincere smile.
Eryn knocked on the door. “Colin and Dev are approaching outside.”
Sandy let out a breath.
Brooklyn wrapped a towel around Sandy’s hands and held them. “Hopefully all is well, and we can get you to bed.”
“I’m tired, but I’m not sure I can sleep after all the excitement.” She leaned back. “Besides, I’d like to hear what Colin thinks is going on.”
Brooklyn wanted to hear, too, but she didn’t have a chronic disease that was in a flare-up. She wouldn’t argue with Sandy now, but once they were safe, she would broach the subject again.
A loud pounding sounded on the door.
“Open up, Brooklyn. It’s Colin.” His deep voice sent a wave of relief through Brooklyn. She twisted the lock and pulled the door open.
He ran his gaze over her from head to foot. “You okay?”
“Fine, but your mom’s fingers are painful, so I’m trying to warm them with a washcloth. Now that you’re here, I’ll get her to the couch and get the heating pad going.”
He held up a hand. “Not quite yet. I need you to stay here while I check the fence perimeter for any damage.”
“Damage?” She made sure to keep her voice down for Sandy’s sake when it wanted to skyrocket. “Do you think Kane got in?”
“No. Just taking every precaution.”
She let out a breath slowly so Sandy wouldn’t catch it. “Then can you bring the heating pad in here?”
“Sure thing.” He looked over Brooklyn’s shoulder at his mother. “Anything else you need or want, Mom?”
“For everyone to stop worrying about me.” She waved her wrapped hands. “Go do your thing. I’ll be fine.”
“I’ll be back with the heating pad, and then I’ll let you know when it’s clear to come out.” He spun and marched away.
“Such a whirlwind.” Sandy stared at the door. “He’s always been an intense person.”
Brooklyn wanted to know more. “Even as a little kid?”
“No, not as a little kid.” She smiled as if memories were assaulting her. “He was easygoing and so joyful. Until his dad passed away. Then he thought he had to be the man of the house.”
“How old was he?”
“Nine, and Devan was seven.”
“That must’ve been hard.”
“I won’t lie.” Sandy rested her towel-wrapped hands on her knees. “It wasn’t easy. Especially since it was so sudden.”
“Do you mind if I ask what happened?”
