Page 72 of Cold Vengeance

TONY PICKEDWATSON UPand put him on River’s bed. Then he covered himself with the folded blanket at the foot of the bed while Watson turned around several times and lay down. Tony stroked his soft fur for a bit before he put his head on the pillow and stared up at the ceiling. The fire had upset him more than he’d let on to anyone. His home was gone. He couldn’t even allow his mind to take an inventory of the possessions he’d lost. He was grateful that he and Watson were okay, but ignoring the losses he’d suffered was impossible. Photos with his family, awards from the academy, the Bible his parents had given him when he graduated from high school.

“Stop it,” he said quietly. “They’re just things. None of them are worth Watson’s life—or mine.” Still, there was a deep hurt inside him, one that he would have to deal with at some point. He turned his head when he heard someone knock softly on the door.

“Come in.”

The door opened, and River stepped into the room. “I wanted to check on you before you go to sleep. I heard you coughing.”

Tony had been coughing on and off since last night but really hadn’t been paying much attention.

“Sorry. The EMT said it might last for a while. I think it’s getting better.”

“You mentioned at lunch that you had a headache. I brought some aspirin.”

Tony sat up. “Thanks. Another symptom of smoke inhalation, I guess.”

“Maybe you should have gone to the hospital,” River said. “Had them check you out.”

He shook his head. “Not necessary. Really. I’m fine.”

She handed him the aspirin and a water bottle. He quickly swallowed the pills and put the bottle down on the table next to the bed.

“So, are you nervous about tonight?” Tony asked.

River sighed. “To be honest, with everything going on, I haven’t had a lot of time to think about it.”

“Yeah, that was my plan. The fire was just my attempt to keep you occupied so you wouldn’t have time to worry about your dad coming.”

“Wow,” River said. “That’s a lot of dedication. Starting a fire in your apartment complex just to make the confrontation with my dad easier. You really went above and beyond.”

Tony nodded. “Yeah, I thought you’d be impressed.” He felt something on his leg and looked down to see Watson moving up closer to him. Tony moved his hand and patted Watson’s head.

“You’re silly,” River said. “When I allow myself to think about tonight, I do feel nervous. Even a little sick to my stomach. But I know this is going to happen, and I have to face it. It’s been so long, and I’ve resented my father so much...” She sighed. “It’s like you said, there are scars. It might not be easy. I might feelafraid, but I know God will get me through this. I can’t allow feelings to dictate my life.” She hesitated a moment, then said, “I want you to know that having you by my side ... Well, it means more than I can say. I plan to draw on your faith—and your strength.” Her eyes searched his. “Thank you, Tony.”

“You’re welcome.”

Watson wiggled up close to River and licked her hand. She laughed. “Sorry. With you and Watson by my side.”

Tony laughed at the goofy dog’s antics.

“You still haven’t called your parents, Tony,” River said, her tone serious.

“I know. I’ll phone them when I get up.”

River frowned at him. “Is there a reason you’re putting this off?”

“Yeah. Telling them there was a fire in my apartment after what my dad went through? The burns he endured after saving that little girl all those years ago? I guess I’m afraid it will bring it all back.”

“But you’re okay. They’ll be so happy to know that.”

He smiled at her. “We both understand triggers. Don’t you think this will be especially tough on them?”

River sighed. “You’re right. I’ve been dense. I should have realized it.” She put her hand on his arm. “I guess we’re all going to have to face our fears today.”

“At least we won’t be facing them alone.”

River nodded and gazed into his eyes. Tony saw something in her expression that chased away his concerns and made him feel that he could do almost anything.

CHAPTER

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