Page 6 of Christmas in the Shadows

“I’m glad you came,” Gilbert started as the meat sizzled on the stove in front of him. “I had to run back to the school for a meeting, but I managed to slip away a little early.”

“You haven’t retired yet, huh? How long do you plan to be the football coach in this small town?” Certainly someone else had to want—and be qualified for—the position.

“Gives me something to do,” Gilbert shrugged. “Especially since I’m not fostering anymore.”

The man seemed to be doing pretty well for himself, Tex mused. This house was one of the nicer ones in town, not one that most could afford on a teacher’s salary. Gilbert had always had a refined taste for designer merchandise, whether it be a luxury car or high-quality leather furniture.

Tex swallowed hard, his throat suddenly tight. He didn’t like small talk. He didn’t want to pretend like this was normal, that being here was something routine.

“Look, you know me,” Tex started. “I’m never one to skirt around the truth. Is everything okay? I was concerned when I got your text.”

“I’ve always appreciated your honesty.”

“You usually go to Hawaii every Christmas,” Tex said. “I guess you’re not this year?”

Every Christmas, Gilbert would scatter his foster kids to various group homes in the area during the holidays. It was the one time of year he wanted to put himself first. That was what he’d always said, making it clear he deserved a break from his saintly actions of taking troubled youth into his home.

But that fact had made Tex dread every Christmas, still to this day.

“Yes, now that Anna and I are together, I decided to stay home this year.” Gilbert stepped from the stove and turned to him, his gaze heavy. “Truthfully, it’s Patrick I’m worried about.”

“Patrick?” Patrick Day was another boy who’d been here at Gilbert’s with Tex. He was a couple of years younger than Tex and had become like a true little brother to him.

Tex didn’t stay in contact with very many people from his childhood. But he had reached out to Patrick a few times just to see how life was treating him.

The man seemed to be doing well for himself. He’d always been smart, so it hadn’t been a surprise when he’d gotten into medical school. Last Tex had heard, Patrick had graduated and was now working as a general practitioner here in town.

“Is Patrick sick?” Tex asked. “In trouble?”

Gilbert shrugged and then shook his head, his gaze appearing lost. “I’m not really sure what’s going on with him. I’ve heard rumors there’s a lawsuit against him.”

Tex blinked in surprise. “What? Why?”

“Malpractice, among other things. Nothing confirmed.”

“Certainly that’s not uncommon in the medical world. Isn’t that why doctors have malpractice insurance?”

“In theory, yes. But he could still lose his license.”

“I’m really sorry to hear that, and I hope it’s not true.” Tex paused. “However, I’m still not sure what that has to do with me being here.”

“I was hoping you might help him. I know the two of you were close. If there’s anyone he’ll open up to, it’s you.”

Something uncomfortable jostled inside of Tex at the thought. “Of course, I’d like to help Patrick if I can. But we haven’t talked in years, and for me to waltz back in town and somehow try to offer advice . . . I’m just not sure how well that would be received.”

“Don’t you do private security for people?”

Tex gripped his coffee mug. “Do you think Patrick needs a bodyguard?”

“I heard he’s been getting threats. A smashed car window. Cryptic messages online.”

“Did he go to the police?”

Gilbert shook his head. “No. At least I don’t think so. Like I said, this is all word of mouth. But I’m worried about him. He needs someone who will be there to help him. I think you might be the only person he’ll open up to.”

Tex’s first thought was to dismiss the request. But maybe he should think about it. “I can’t make any promises. But I’ll see what I can do.”

Gilbert flashed a smile. “Perfect. I knew I could count on you. Of all the kids who stayed here, you were always one of the most dependable. I didn’t have to worry about you like I did the others.”

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