Page 53 of Finding Basil
“There will be a line for that, but…I can’t think of it. I can’t, I just…”
“Man, he loved Basil a lot. I hate thinking it too, believe me.”
They drove around the streets of Foggy Basin, then took off into the outskirts. They slowed at each house, and Juan told him why. “Basil knows everyone. Everyone loves him.”
“For good reason.”
“Yeah, I think it was that gross love at first sight for you and him, huh?”
Herb smiled through his worry. “Not quite, but close. He’s…he’s so good. So handsome. He’s the complete package.”
“No details.”
Herb laughed and said, “No details.”
“He’s into you, big time. Like, man, I’ve never seen him so into anyone. You know that, right?”
Sensing his worry that Basil had left him for Steve, Juan was assuring him it wasn’t true in a way that only a brother could do.
“I…I thought so, but what if…?”
“No, man. He’s gone, and you know why we’re worried? Because he’d never leave us without a word and he sure as fuck wouldn’t leave you without a word. He’s in love with you, man!”
Herb wanted to cry with relief, but just because Juan said it, didn’t make it true.
“I want to believe that more than I’ve ever wanted anything, but until we find him, it’s going to be on my mind. I can’t help it. We’re so new, Juan. I mean, very new, and we moved really fast. He could have woken up and decided it was a bad idea to move that fast with someone he barely knows.”
“Would you think that?”
Herb shook his head slowly. “Never.”
“Then give him the same credit you give yourself.”
Herb glanced over at him to say, “Sorry. I know I should.”
“Drive on, and let’s find him. He’s gotta be here somewhere.”
Chapter Fourteen
Thecallcametwohours after they went out looking. It came to Juan, but he placed it on speaker.
“What’s up, Mom?”
“The sheriff called, and he finally got a hold of the hospital. They were reticent about giving out the information, but finally, he said he wasn’t asking about Steve’s illness, just whether his companion was still there. Basil dropped him off and didn’t stay, but the sheriff feels like he was heading home, surely.”
Juan and Herb’s eyes met after Herb parked the car. Herb asked, “What is he planning to do?”
“The sheriff? Nothing. He said he’ll put out a watch for the truck and for Basil, but he cannot, by law, put out an APB or anything until twenty-four hours are up.”
Juan turned bright red as his anger flared. “Mom, that’s bullshit!”
“I know, but it’s the law. Now you know why your abuela doesn’t trust the police.”
Herb said, “I’ll talk to him. Maybe…maybe he just needs some convincing. Let me ask you, Michelle, if you are okay with me turning Basil in for breaking into my house.”
Juan smiled at him as Michelle got angry, at first. “That’s the lowest thing in the world, Herb! Why would you…?” The line went silent for a few seconds. “That would make him look for Basil officially.”
“Yes, ma’am.”
