Cooper’s phone rang. He answered. Not caring how dull and listless he sounded. ‘Yeah? What’s up?’
It was Jackson.
‘Hey Coop, listen I’ve got some news for you.’
‘What are you talking about?’
‘The collecting bags you gave me. I think I’ve found something.’
Looking out of the car window, Cooper couldn’t keep the disappointment out of his voice.
‘Jackson, it’s over.’
‘You’re kidding me?’
‘No, we pulled out, two days ago. I’m back in the States.’
‘You should’ve called.’
‘I know… sorry. The minute we landed I just took off. I haven’t spoken to anyone since I got back. I needed to chill. I didn’t want to deal with Granger or the situation with Maddie and I.’
‘No, look, it’s fine, but I still think you should come over and hear what I have to say. You at the ranch?’
‘No, I’m in Western Maryland, I was just going to continue to disappear.’
‘Then before you do, come over here and decide for yourself. I don’t think you should throw the towel in so quickly.’
Remembering his promise to Jackson about getting clean, which he would, but not right now because now wasn’t good, Cooper swallowed the pills he had in his mouth. ‘It’s not as simple as that.’
‘Coop, when I was in the hospital you told me how much you wanted to get a result from of all this. You believed in the cause. Remember? Now you’re giving up? That just isn’t you.’
Cooper gave a half smile. Grateful for Jackson’s pep talk. It was good to hear his voice. Always was.
‘No, it’s just sometimes I have to learn to accept when over means over.’
‘Oh come on, Coop. What harm can it do, hey?’
‘I dunno.’
‘Well I do. Look, you were right. Most of that stuff you collected was junk, but remember those three pieces of clay pot?’
Cooper scratched his head. Everything was becoming a blur. It was like he didn’t know what was real anymore. ‘Kind of.’
Jackson pressed on. ‘Oh come on, you must remember. Two of the pieces had copper wire embedded in them, and the other piece was identical but without the wire. Remember now?’
‘Yeah, I guess.’
‘Well, I think you might be real interested in what I have to say. And besides, it’d be good to see you.’
Cooper didn’t reply immediately. Just looked out across the rolling countryside, watching a mourning dove searching for seeds. ‘Alright, but this is about seeing you, nothing else. I’ll be with you in a couple of hours.’