Jake paid Becky, a shy fifteen year old and one of their best babysitters. She lived only a few doors down the street. Wyatt and Emily always reported having a wonderful time with her.
On the way home from the hospital, Jake and Abby agreed to be strong for the sake of the kids. It wasn’t fair to allow grown-up concerns to filter down to them.
But everything went out the window when Wyatt ran up to his mother. Abby scooped him up for a hug then started crying. Jake immediately sent Abby upstairs to collect herself, then dealt with the sitter.
Becky was a bright kid. She knew enough not to ask how the visit to the hospital had gone. She thanked Jake for her babysitting money and left.
Jake closed the door behind her then walked into the living room. Emily was sitting on the couch reading.
“Where’s Wyatt gone?” Jake asked.
“To his room. Playing video games, I think.”
“How’re you doing?”
“Good. What’s wrong with Mom?”
“Mom’s okay. It’s just tough sometimes.”
“What happened at the hospital? What’s wrong with Wyatt?”
“Oh, just some routine stuff. Some more tests and things. Wyatt’ll have to stay at the hospital for a bit. Nothing for you to worry about.” Jake wondered how much he should tell a seven year old. Emily was perceptive beyond her years, but it wasn’t just a matter of understanding; it was a matter of carrying a burden. A seven year old shouldn’t have to contemplate losing her little brother.
“Yep, but don’t worry about it. Everything is going to be fine.”
She made a funny face. “You’re the one who keeps saying I’m worried. That makes me more worried than anything.”
Jake grinned. She’s so smart. “Are you being sassy with me?” he asked in mock anger. “Do you want to suffer the wrath of the tickle monster?”
Her face lit up. Jake hunched over, wiggled his fingers menacingly, and moved close to her.
“Dad!” she screamed. “No!”
Jake kept wiggling his fingers. “I can’t stop it!”
Emily dropped her book and jumped to her feet. “No!” she pleaded, laughing.
Jake lunged at her. “Must … tickle … sassy … girl.”
She ducked away and ran behind the couch. “Help!” she yelled.
Jake took a step toward her, and Wyatt came flying into the room. He had a sixth sense for commotion.
“I’ve got him!” Wyatt yelled and tackled one of Jake’s legs.
“Noooo!” Jake screamed, pretending to be in pain. “You’ve got me!”
Emily ran over and pushed at Jake until he fell onto the couch. Both kids jumped on top of him, trying to pin him down while avoiding his writhing fingers.
“You can’t stop me,” Jake hissed through clenched teeth. “I will have my revenge on you.”
“No you won’t, butthead,” Wyatt answered as he wrestled with one arm.
Jake stopped fighting and became serious. “Wyatt, buddy?”
Emily sensed the change of tone and stopped struggling.
Wyatt’s eyes met Jake’s.
“Wyatt,” Jake started again, “what did we say about calling people butthead?”
“Not to.”
“Right. You’re saying that way too much. Can you please stop?” Butthead had become one of Wyatt’s favorite words. Abby and Jake still hadn’t figured out where the boy had picked the word up.
“Yes,” Wyatt said reluctantly.
Jake noticed that Abby had come out of the bedroom upstairs and was standing on the staircase watching them.
“Thanks, buddy,” Jake said. Then he smiled broadly. “Now you two stop being such buttheads or I’m going to have to really get you.”
Emily gasped then laughed. Wyatt squealed, and the fight was on again.
Over the din of Jake and kids the phone started to ring. Abby went in and grabbed the phone in the kitchen, and a few seconds later held the receiver out to Jake.
“Jake,” she called urgently. “It’s Benicio!”
He frowned. When they’d talked a few weeks ago, Ben was headed to Cambodia. He never called when he was on one of his exotic assignments. Jake took the phone.
“Kids, let Dad talk on the phone now,” Abby said. “It’s Uncle Ben, and I think it’s long distance.”
“Hey, Ben!” Jake said.
“Hi, Uncle Ben!” Wyatt and Emily screamed.
Benicio laughed. “Say hi to the kids for me. How are you doing, Jake?”
“I’m okay.”
“How’s Wyatt?”
Jake paused. “Probably should talk about that later. Abby and I just got back from the hospital. Wyatt has to be admitted tomorrow.”
“Sono spiacente. I’m sorry. If there’s anything I can do to help you just name it.”
“Thanks buddy. We’ll get through it. So what’s going on? I thought you were in Cambodia?”
“I was but I’m back. I’m actually just at the border going into New Brunswick.”
“You’re kidding. Are you headed this way?”
“Jake,” Benicio said, “I think I’m in trouble. I may need your help.”
“What’s going on?”
“It’s something I’d much rather talk about in person.”
“Sure,” Jake said. “You’re always welcome here.”
Benicio hesitated.
“What is it?” Jake pressed.
“I think I’m in trouble with the church. It might be pretty big.”
“Whatever it is, you can handle it,” Jake said. “And you can count on me to help.”
“I really appreciate it. Grazie.”
“When are you going to be here?”
“I would guess we could be there tomorrow night or Monday at the latest.”
“Monday’s a whole lot better for me,” Jake said, thinking he had to take Wyatt to the hospital on Sunday. He hadn’t even noticed that Benicio had said “we.” “Why don’t you come by my office? You know where it is.”
“Okay. I’ll see you then.”
Jake slowly walked to the kitchen and dropped the phone in the wall cradle. He couldn’t imagine what trouble Benicio could be in. Then he noticed Wyatt and Emily hovering, just waiting for the action to start again.
Jake bent over slightly and adopted his most menacing expression. He wiggled his fingers at them and said, “Okay, who wants some of me?”
Benicio hung up and stared at the phone. He felt horrendously guilty for calling Jake. The Tunnel family was having such troubles with Wyatt that imposing on them was unforgivable. Not only that, but Benicio hadn’t told Jake what was going on. He hadn’t even mentioned Matthew.
He looked at the rental car. Matthew was in the passenger seat, staring out the window. Benicio turned and looked down the road at New Brunswick. He decided he better get moving.