Page 58 of Jett in Jeopardy

“Hey,” he said to Alistair. “I got the ice cream, but also bought soup and Jello. Soft things he can eat if his jaw hurts.”

Will jumped to his feet. “I like Jello!”

“After dinner, pal,” Finn promised.

“Thanks for doing that,” I said, drawing Finn’s attention. His expression darkened. This was the first time he’d seen me since Simon had ambushed me. While Alistair had come to see me in the hospital, Finn had stayed home with Will.

“Do I look that bad?” I asked, trying again to force a smile and a little levity into the situation.

Finn shook his head. “I’m just pissed someone did that to you.”

“You said a bad word, Dad,” Will said without looking up from his drawing.

Finn smirked. “Sorry, Buddy.” Then to me, “Have the police found the guy yet?”

“Not yet,” I admitted. I wished they would, and sooner rather than later. I hated to think about him out there, possibly watching me like he had been for months. Or what he might do or who he could hurt to get to me again.

“Do they have any idea where he is?” Finn asked.

I shrugged. “Not really. They think he’s still in Saltwater Cove, but can’t say for sure. They figure it’s just a matter of time before he does something to give away where he’s hiding.”

Before Finn could ask more questions, the front door opened again. Grier and Sawyer swept inside, carrying bags of takeout. Not only had they brought Thai food, but they’d also stopped at a fast-food place and picked up a Kid’s Meal for Will.

The sweet, spicy scent of the takeout followed them into the dining room, where they started setting out the food while Alistair went to the kitchen for plates. I got up, but Grier pointed at me, and I froze.

“Staywhere you are. I will bring you a plate.”

“I can do things,” I grumbled. “I’m not helpless.”

“You are just out of the hospital. Relax and let us help you. You helped me when my arm was broken.” I obviously should have, since it wouldn’t have happened if Simon hadn’t been out to get me. Still, I knew better than to argue.

“I made you something.” Will bounced over and shoved a folded piece of paper at me. I open it to a colorful assortment of stick figures.

“It’s a picture from when everyone came to our house at Thanksgiving. There’s you and me.” He’d drawn us in purple and blue crayon with him riding on my back. “And there’s Daddy and Alistair and Grier and Sawyer and Grandma and Grandpa and Spider. I didn’t put Milo Three in the picture because he’s a fish and stayed in my room.”

“Thank you, Will. I love it.”

“Do you want a hug? When I’m hurt, I always feel better when Dad or Alistair give me a hug.”

“I would love a hug,” I told him.

“Gently.” I heard Finn call from the dining room.

Will leaned in and carefully put his arms around my neck with just a light squeeze before pulling back.

“Do you feel better?” he asked, seriously.

“Idofeel better.” And I meant it. I felt lighter than I had when I’d fallen asleep in my room, and so grateful for all my friends.

“Better enough so that I can ride on your back again?” he asked, lowering his voice so only I could hear him.

Honestly, when he looked so cute, smiling sweetly, his over-long blond hair a mass of blond curls, it was hard to tell him no. I didn’t know how Finn and Alistair didn’t just give in and give the kid anything he asked for.

“I don’t think so,” I told him, hating myself a little, “but as soon as I’m better, I will.”

“Will,” Finn called. “Come sit at the table and have your dinner.”

“Speaking of holidays, do you guys want to come here for dinner on Christmas? This table is bigger, and Lana and Bailey are going to be here, too.”

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