Page 30
“Go home. I’ll see you around seven.”
He went to the door, then stopped and turned back to her. “So, who…?” He shook his head. “Never mind. I don’t want to know.”
“Are you sure?”
He opened the door. “I’m sure.”
Milo left the office and headed for his car. He massaged his temples for a moment, then started the car and drove out of the parking lot.
Wilda had said her house was small, and it definitely was. It was a newer house by Bridgeport standards, which meant it was less than thirty years old. There wasn’t much new construction going on in the town of Bridgeport, Idaho.
Milo parked on the street and left Frenchie in the car. As he started to knock, Wilda opened the door.
“Hi.” She looked closely at him. “Oh, goodness, you’re sick.”
“Yeah. Afraid so. How’s Caleb?”
“He took a long nap when we got home. He’s currently watching a movie with a popsicle, the only thing I could get him to eat.”
“Okay, good.”
“Do you want to say hi?”
“I don’t want to disturb him, and you don’t need me spreading more germs around.”
“Well, thanks for checking on him. Can I do anything for you?”
He blew out a breath. “I’m going to go home and take a nap, too. Rachel will be coming by later to pick up Frenchie, so I’m sure she’ll insist on making me eat something.”
“I hope you feel better soon.”
“I’m sure I will. These things don’t usually get me down for too long.” He took a step back. “There will be a substitute tomorrow. You might want to keep Caleb home even if he feels well enough to go to school.”
“Do you think he might have some trouble with someone new?”
“It’s possible.”
“I’ll keep him home.”
“I should be back on Wednesday.”
“Take care, Milo.”
“I’ll do my best.”
When Milo got home, he let Frenchie run around outside for a few minutes, then went into the house. He dropped everything by the door, then lay down on the couch. He pulled down the throw from the back of the couch, covered himself, and promptly fell asleep.
“Milo?”
He opened his eyes and groaned at Rachel’s face a few inches from his. “Why did you wake me up?”
“I’m here to get Frenchie.”
“So take him.”
“I didn’t want you to wake up and find him missing.”
Milo sighed, then sat up and rubbed his face. His head really hurt now, and his stomach felt raw and empty. “I wouldn’t think that. You come every Monday night.”
