Page 69 of Cold Vengeance

“She’s right, sweetheart,” Rose said. “Tony just needs a little time.”

River realized Mrs. Weyland and her mother were right. Tony had spent months trying to protect her from the Strangler’s apprentice.Feeling as if their roles were suddenly reversed was an adjustment. But she knew him well enough to be certain Mrs. Weyland was right about something else too. He would definitely figure it out. He was smart, and he knew how to hear from God. She smiled at her mother, grateful she seemed okay today after last night’s incident.

“Thanks,” she said. “You’re both right. But we need to give him a place to live until his apartment is renovated. I hope he won’t try to leave. I want him to feel comfortable here—with us.”

“He does.”

River jumped at the sound of Tony’s voice and turned to find him standing behind her.

“I’m sorry,” he said sheepishly. “I’m upset about the fire, especially since it seems someone started it on purpose. At first, all I thought about was how grateful I was that Watson and I survived. But today at the store, I began to realize just how many things I was going to have to replace. All the things I lost. Then I started to worry about where I was going to live. Should I move somewhere else, or should I wait until my apartment is restored and go back? It upset me. I’m sorry I was rude to you, River. I hope you’ll forgive me. I truly appreciate everything you’re doing to help me.”

“Of course, Tony. And I understand. It’s okay to get upset. You’ve been through a lot.” She walked over and took his hand. “I think sometimes, as Christians, we think it’s wrong to have a human reaction. It isn’t. God understands. You’ve told me that many times. So you can be mad. To be honest, I’m mad too. I hope they find the guy who did this and send him to jail for a long, long time.”

“Yeah, me too.” Tony squeezed her hand. “I would love some lunch. After that, I think I need to get out of your way.” He gazed at Mrs. Weyland and Rose. “I don’t want to be in the way during your special dinner tonight. Maybe I can hide out in thebasement or somewhere else while you have company. I hear there’s a bed downstairs?”

“We’d really like you to join us for dinner,” Rose said. “It would mean a lot to all of us to have you there. And you can continue sleeping in the living room, you know. The basement might be a little cold right now. I think the vents are closed. It might take it a while to warm up.”

“I just don’t want to intrude on your family dinner, Rose,” Tony said.

“But youarefamily to us,” River said. “I already told you that. Besides, you made me a promise, remember?” She wanted him there—no, needed him with her. Tony kept her grounded, and tonight was going to be hard. She was certain he knew that, but he wasn’t certain if Rose and Mrs. Weyland felt the same way she did. Obviously, that concern had just been laid to rest.

He looked down at her. “Okay. I’d be happy to be there. If I can help...”

“Don’t be silly,” Mrs. Weyland said, rising to her feet. “I’ve got everything well in hand.” She frowned at him. “You look a little peaked. I imagine the EMTs last night told you to rest today, right? I have a niece who was in a fire and inhaled smoke. That’s what they told her to do.”

Tony looked a little sheepish. “Yeah, they did.”

“Why didn’t you tell me that?” River asked.

“I don’t know. I feel okay, and I assumed they tell everyone that.”

River shook her head. “Why don’t you lie down in my room? There’s a blanket at the foot of the bed. Pull it up over you.”

Tony nodded. “Thanks. I am a little tired. I’d like to talk to you first though, River.”

“Sure. Why don’t you go sit down in the living room, and I’ll bring you a plate. I’ll make both of us a sandwich, okay?”

Tony nodded, but instead of walking away he said, “Thankyou. All of you. And Rose, thank you for welcoming me into your home.”

“Oh, Tony. We’re all glad you’re here,” Rose said, smiling. “My daughter is right. You really are a part of the family. I’m very glad you’re in our lives.”

Tony nodded and left the room. River could see that he was moved. She went over to her mother, leaned down, and then kissed her on the cheek. “Thank you, Mom,” she said. “That was so nice of you.”

Rose patted River’s hand. “I meant it, sweetheart. I’m so happy you moved here. I know it might not have been what you wanted to do, but I’ll always be grateful.”

River glanced over at Mrs. Weyland, who smiled at her. She was certain they were both relieved that Rose seemed okay today. If only she was this way tonight. But sadly, neither one of them could count on that.

CHAPTER

THIRTY-EIGHT

After River and Tony finished their sandwiches, River took their plates into the kitchen. Mrs. Weyland gave her a plate of cookies, which she took back with her.

“Tony, have you called your parents and your sister yet?”

He sighed. “No. I’ll do that here in a bit.” He looked down at Watson, who was staring at him without moving.

“What does he want? Is he hungry?”

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