Holding Eric part 22

Holding Eric part 22

Watching past the Buick parked by the front door, heavy traffic for six thirty at night, looking upward spotting the shopping center at the light, two lanes you think they would have put a turning lane by now slowly sipping past the steaming coffee, Jacob watching the gray suited guy holding that cup so still trying to get warm asking “You want a Donut or something Hot’ they have egg sandwiches if you like?”
“No Thank You I’m good here” trying not to spill his coffee sip after sip
“Ok I’m getting a donut you sure?” Standing waiting as he looked over at the donut rack for second lifting his hand with a small wave not far from the cup, Jacob frowned walking over, looking back seeing he was still looking at the fresh jelly’s she just put up, getting two cinnamon sugar donuts and one powdered jelly returning setting them down, Sean looked up checking them out mostly the jelly.
“It’s Fresh help yourself” Pushing the jelly over, Sean wasted no time taking it with the napkin, slowly a smile from him lifting it up taking a bite, watching him as if he never had a donut before licking the jelly off his lips with closed eyes, That was strange sight Jacob smiled back eating his two while watching him slowly enjoy each bite forgetting he was cold for now anyway.
“Thank You Mr. Mazzionie I wanted one for weeks”
“You can call me Jacob’…Weeks?” Frowning at Sean
“Needed to lose a few pounds, the wife said”
“Really you don’t look like you should be dieting?”
“Sugar cut back thing”
“Really Sugar?” Looking away from him giggled under his breath checking around the room and back to this Poor guy sitting holding that cup again so tightly, hope it doesn’t pop the lid he’ll get more than he bargained for, where they get guys like this anyway what lawyers working for lawyers, “ok” sitting upward looking at him. Sean looking up slowly at Jacob.
“The boy how bad was he?” Sean asking looking over his cup still a little unsure of himself
“Bad’ he had this pale powder white skin, his eyes seemed sunken inward just scary, then topping it off it wasn’t even Eric I was looking at it was some other poor kid around Twelve in that bed’ on the other hand that means he’s out there somewhere ..Wait a second” looking right at him “You said you were working on it before?” Jacob said watching him waiting.
“At the park I had talk to a few skater’s, before an officer scared them off’ asking me why I was even asking them questions” Sean taking another sip checking his cup
“What they say the skaters I mean?” Trying not to push leaning inward waiting as he took a bite of donut
“Eric stayed with them and left with Jon’ another skater” looking over seeing Jacobs reaction “Sorry”

Confuse a little watching Sean wiping his mouth off from powdered sugar “No, it’s okay you did good, we need to find theses skaters do you know where they are still?”
“They were in the park …. Till they were run off like I said”
“Maybe there still hanging around?” Jacob said raising his eyes with hope peering outside wanting to go check it out and find this Park

Sean taking a long breath of fresh donut air checking around the café, looking back at Jacob standing up gathering his cup and napkins, only nodding to go before walk away, hurried taking his coffee not to get left behind following him outside walking around getting in checking for his briefcase still seating on the floor, Jacob started the engine looking over at Sean sitting carefree looking at the donut shop
“Ok so where is this park?”
“Do you know how to get to the arch?”
“No’ hell I don’t even know where I am right now” pulling to the exit
“Take a left here and the fourth block take a right that will take us to the archway”

Jacob checking along streets counting each street wishing he brought his GPS this time, turning right spotting as big a day the archway standing tall among the street lights, following it to the end of the street intersection looking over spotting the park area just as Sean said “Take a right and that’s the park” more like a little kid excided Sean burst out “We’re here?” before realizing Jacob wasn’t happy looking over at him before pulling into the parking lot, Sean wanting to kicked himself for saying something so dimwitted sat quietly looking over the park. Parking in a space overseeing the dim light area, sidewalk with a few trees blocking most of the lights only casting on the sidewalk and bench area, older couples walking together without even one skater anywhere to be found, looking back and forth hoping to see at least one they could ask Jacob tapped the steering wheel glancing over.

“Don’t see even one skater do you?” Sean lifting his head still looking forward
“No’ any idea where they might be?”
“No, maybe we could call the Officer from the hospital O’Rourke wasn’t it?”
“We should check around first maybe will see them”

Backing out looking at the road next to the sidewalk fooling along while keeping an eye on the park area, even Sean lifting himself a few times checking as they went by a large tree blocking the view, Jacob not sure what to do besides drive around the area might turn up something, one block after another more circling and backtracking till the hairs razed spotting a young skater on the sidewalk, Jacob beeped the horn a few times, the boy only looking back footing himself faster along the sidewalk.

“Stop sign” Sean hollered bracing himself to the dashboard. Jacob hit the break checking quick not letting the young skater out of his sight, moving forward spotting him turning at a driveway without a second thought Jacob pulled right in stopping, quickly opening his door leaning outward “Stop I need to ask you a question that’s all’ wait please were looking for my boy’ Wait come back please” Jacob watching the boy rushing towards the house only looking back once at him before disappearing.

Jacob leaning down on the open door looking to the ground “Dam it one chance and he’s gone’ where is that boy anyway he’s got to know were looking for him”
Sean stayed still looking to the house when the porch light came on “Hey Look”

Jacob looked up over the roof top seeing a man coming out the front door with the boy right behind him walking over towards them stopping at the edge of the sidewalk, he didn’t look angry more concern what he wanted with his son Jacob moved around the car towards them “I didn’t mean to scare you son or anything like that’ I just wanted to ask you a few question” Jacob looking at the shaking boy staying close to his father, the father looked over at the boy and back over the car seeing Sean sitting inside.

“What type of question’ he do something wrong?”
“No’ nothing wrong’ I just wanted to ask if he seen this boy”
“What boy?”
Sean held the paper outward from the window “Here” staying in the car feeling safer
“The man thumb over to the son to get the paper, no one said anything while he looked it over flipping the paper over checking the notes on the back side Sean wrote as to the Hospital, Showing his son the flyer

“Well did you see this kid or not?” asking looking back and forth at the two waiting on his son.
“Maybe I did I’m not sure Dad” Holding the paper outward to his father.
“Please its very important we find him, look at again would you please” watching him again look at it seeing that nod yes was a good sign
“You did see him when and where is he close by here?” feeling that shiver crawling up his back side knowing they were close now smiling back waiting.
“He was’ he was over at Rodney’s” Handing the paper to Jacob stepping back next to his father
“Rodney’ what house?” Looking around at the house’s hoping it was within sight
“No he’s one block over’ it’s more a hangout for kids now, yea his parents left him the house”
That broke the tension between them with the father moving towards Jacob with his hand outward
“Rodney’s a strange boy around here some sort of skateboard wiz kid, this is Harold my son and I’m Tomas Collen, sorry you just can’t be too careful around here lately the way things have gone”
“Jacob Mazzionie, and that’s Sean Bradley in the car” Jacob shook his hand with only a nod back to Sean staying in the car holding his briefcase.

“One block over you said do you know the hose number off hand?”
“Dad it might be better us then them going to the door”
“What the boy do anyway that you’re looking for him?”
“Please’ I’ve got to get to him as soon as possible just tell me the number”
“I think it be better if we went’ you go knocking on that door and no one will open it”

“Look Mr. Collen’s I’m Sorry we just need to find him before the state picks him up”
“You a cop or something?”
“No just a rancher, Sean an Attorney sent to find him also”
“Attorney’ for you or the boy in the flyer?”
“Both’ Eric trying to find me, he wants to be part of my family”
“But why the state want him then?”
“I can tell him as we’re going if were going at all” Sean said opening the door holding his briefcase stepping back opening the back door waiting.

Mr. Collen’s smiled “Looks like we should go” Sean scooted over behind still holding his briefcase while Harold sat next to him. Jacob and Mr. Collen’s looked at each other then got in, Mr. Collen’s motions Jacob to the end of the road, with a right thumb next, while Sean explained some of Eric’s brief encounter with no family left being a ward of the State of Rhode island, and on the run trying to get to Texas.
“Texas’ so how he end up here with you two looking for him?” Sean said now more carefree “someone called it in saying they seen him here and my boos sent me here to find him, then Mr. Mazzionie here showed up also, we just” before he could finish Mr. Collen’s pop upward looking at the house’s “That’s it the fifth one on your side” lowering his head looking around the parked cars, Jacob pulled into the driveway stopping “OK they know us’ so sit tight” The two got out walking up the side driveway to the rear door.

Sean leaning forward watching for them “Hope this isn’t a trap or something that they will all come out of that house and be after us?” being nerviest trying not to move waiting, Jacob only looked at him in the mirror then back, Sure enough four others following right along with them towards the car, Jacob open the door standing up waiting on them, Sean stayed inside. Rodney right out in front holding the paper stopping at the car looking at Jacob, before lowering his view to the inside seeing Sean sitting

“Eric was here’ he’s not anymore he left with John”
Jacob swallowed hard asking “When he leave?”
Rodney handing the paper to Jacob “Sorry man we didn’t know”
“This John why would he take him and where?”
“John’s friend Toneckia took his brothers car and from what we know he was headed to some reservation’ cheap cigarettes and all”
“Reservation Around here?”
“Wait I heard him saying he wanted to go to Muskogee” One of the other boy spoke up
“Yea your Probably right John‘s been wanting to leave for some time, guess this was his chance’ he left without telling anybody he was even going”
“But I don’t understand why he would take Eric with him?”
“Maybe he wanted to go man’ anything Else?” Rodney Said raising both his elbows

“Mr. Mazzionie’ we should be going, thanks Rodney you helped do a good thing” Mr. Collen’s holding his hand outward not to shake it but more his fist butting together getting Rodney to do the same, Jacob followed along “Cool man hope you find them” Harold already heading to the back seat, Sean reaching over having to unlock the door for him, Jacob getting in watching them standing in the driveway watching them pulling out heading back to the house.

Dropping off Mr. Collen’s and his Son Harold, Back at the house declining to go inside wanting to get back as soon as possible thanking them for their help, Jacob had no idea where to look only knowing he was heading towards Muskogee, pulling over in the local quick store turning the inside light on, handing Sean ten dollars asking him to get them some coffee while he checked over the map, Without hesitation Sean was eager to get it.
Finding Muskogee in Oklahoma, seeing now it just below Tulsa checking the main highway roads from St. Louis to Tulsa on Route 44,Placing the map on the dashboard helping Sean at the door taking the coffees from him waiting for him to seat down with a few snacks also.

“Well Eric’s heading in the right direction alright if hes in Oklahoma he’ll be there before we are” Jacob said handing Sean coffee with cream offering him a snack cake.
“You said he’s going to Texas then?”
“Yes that’s the place and were going back to Kentucky”
“Kentucky what’s there I thought you said Oklahoma?”
“That’s where he’s go not us”
“Maybe I better call my boss?” Sean Said while frowning brushing the crumbs off the seat

Jacob unplugged his phone flipping it open, lighting up eight-forty three and then Jacob push contacts showing DAD’ holding his finger over the button not sure if he should call him or give Penny a call first, pushing the button hearing it ring, reaching over for his coffee tilting the lid back waiting.

Holding Eric part 21

Holding Eric part 21

Passing one car after another trying not to speed to fast keeping a lookout along with the gas gauge quickly moving to the empty slot, exiting into the service center checking the high price before pulling in behind a camper van getting gas, the guy just gave a small wave, waiting till he was done not knowing how long was ok too, Jacob open the door stretching looking around, spotting the sign Fresh coffee to go.

“Be right back getting a quick coffee” Jacob said to the man filling walking acrossed to the open door building, inside a young man reading a magazine only looking over at him and back, spotting the coffee machine seeing another sign next to it ‘Help yourself to coffee it’s free’ Not seeing any cups asking the young man “Any Cups or do you have a mug I can buy?”

“No cups plenty of mugs right over there to your left”

Looking to his left seeing the mugs seven ninety-nine each, frowning taking a blue one filling the mug dumping six sugars inside closing the lid shaking it in a circle as no stirrers’ but they did have creamers, taking it to the counter placing a ten on the counter hoping he could at least make change, looking outward to the pumps seeing he was just finishing was a good sign for a change, getting his change from the young man who more interested in is magazine, walking to the pump holding his hot coffee seeping from the top air hole out onto his hand, Jacob set it on the pump pulling the nozzle to the back thinking it should have been right there, not seeing it looked to the driver’s side “yep”  looking like a complete fool now pulling it over the trunk opening the door resting the handle on the small door getting the cap off falling right on the ground, “Shit” Jacob stuffed the nozzle in clicking the trigger nothing starting looking up towards the pump again while clicking again and again before hearing a voice over the speaker above the pumps.

“You have to put a card amount in before it starts” Jacob stood looking right at the window for a second before reaching down picking up the gas cap setting it on the trunk lid, only to have it start rolling down the backside. Trying to grab it before it fell smacking his fingers on the bumper missing it, quickly his foot stopped it from escaping to far from him picking it up holding it now.

Placing the nozzle back getting his recited walking around to the driver’s door then realized he forgot his coffee on the pump walking back around getting it looking one more time at the young man still looking at his magazine, pulling back out and heading into busy traffic, an hour or more had gone by reaching St. Louis following the signs to the hospital.

Parking the car in The Emergency waiting section hurrying inside, the large double doors open wide sending the cold breeze inside while he was looking around the room seeing six people sitting waiting to see the doctors, walking right up to the glass window having to tap to get the Nurse attention least letting her know he was there, Looking up to the small holes in the glass still writing on her clipboard with a confused look upward seeing him standing behind the glass.

“Hello I’m looking for the boy who was brought in last night?” trying to talk thru the glass

“Name?” looking back at her clipboard

“Eric something” raising his elbows upward trying to remember

“Something’ you a relative?” pulling the clipboard towards her now giving him a look over

“No’ but I need to see him right away he was brought in last night” watching her just stand tighten her lips a slight sideways while raising her head backwards, placing the pen on the clipboard setting it down, standing sideways looking at the others in the room and back at Jacob.

“I’ll check wait here’ let me check on the name” walking away from the window past the split doors

Not wanting to move from the window he stood looking around the room at everyone, one guy got up from his seat looking to the doors and back at Jacob, hearing the doors opening turning back looking for the nurse to return bending his head trying to see around the open doors, glancing down at the paperwork on the desk trying to read the names upside down without any luck, turning back quickly as the Main front doors open sending in a burst of cold night air watching one hospital Security guard along with St. Louis policeman walking right up to the window, Jacob moved aside while still looking to see if she returned yet looking back with a nod to the officers while spotting the other man now getting up again looking to the door only stopping at the doors watching them.

“You the guy looking for the boy brought in last night?” The officer asked checking him over

“Yes officer I’m him’ is he ok?” raising his eyes wide excided to find someone who could help

“How do you know the boy?” keeping still asking

“His names Eric’ somebody please tell me if he’s ok at least? I need to see him”

“He’ll be ok you got some Id?” Officer with one hand resting on his sidearm watching for any quick move’s Jacob might make, Jacob slowly reach back getting is wallet handing him his driver’s license, Slowly the officer looked it over while the short young security guard watched over his shoulders “Texas you’re a long way from home aren’t you’ would you mind stepping over here please” Jacob following his motion to move to the side outside the bathroom doors.

Setting everyone to look over the man at the main doors walking right over to them “Jacob Mazzionie’ Vinny sent me” holding his hand out for Jacob, reaching out shaking his hand before he even knew he was “Officer its ok I’m here to represent the Boy Eric and Jacob” The officer and Security Guard stood looking at this guy with his gray suite and shiny tasseled shoes smiling at them.

“Somebody want to tell me why you’re here?”

“Officer I’m Sean Bradley with Santino law firm sent here to find Eric’ my office called letting him know he was here’ That’s Jacob they called” Handing the officer a business card.

“Lawyer from Connecticut and your representing Mr. Mazzionie is that right” snapping the card with his thumb, looking back and forth at the two of them.

“Yes’ In the matter of Eric’s wellbeing, I just arrived today myself after finding out he was here’ Officer I didn’t make out you name” Trying to read his name tag popping his head around his chest looking

“O’Rourke”

“O’Rourke your Irish so am I’ Well on my mother side anyway”

Raising his hands to stop Bradley from babbling on “I check the list myself and I’m sorry but there’s no Eric listed that came in last night or today”

Security Guard moved forward “Hey Officer O’Rourke they did bring in someone last night like he said”

“In the Hospital here’ there’s no listing”

“But the Night officer at the desk said they brought an eleven year old boy in last night”

“Well you’re the Security maybe you want to check and find out if they brought in a boy last night for us’ you think maybe you could do that?”

Security officer surprised “No one asked be before or I would have ok” walking away from them standing watching him pushing buttons on the code box to open the door, going inside looking back making sure no one was following him, dangling his keys around.

“Look you two maybe we better have a seat’ till we know for sure who they have here” Officer O’Rourke walking with them over to the line of chairs, Looking around seeing less now than when he came in.

“Eric around eleven last I heard he’s heading to Texas looking for me” Jacob said to Bradley sitting holding his black leather briefcase watching the officer standing checking out everyone in the room a once over looking for his next big bust.

“You know we tracked him here from one phone call”

“Phone call’ he tried to call me’ I was on the road”

“No it was a family he was with here he played along with them around the archway till they left only later spotting his flyer and calling to report seeing him”

“And they sent you here?”

“Yep Vinny was clear to the point to get here ASAP and find him and I did”

“Well thank you I don’t know what else to say right now”

“That’s ok’ I call Vinny and told him we found him and now we can start your paperwork”

“Paperwork?”

“Well sure’ Adopt him before the state takes him that is what you were doing right?”

“Yes’ Adopt him”

“Look here comes the Guard with a doctor” Bradley said standing up with Jacob

Doctor came out looking at the three while walking towards them, Jacob standing right up front waiting to hear some good news “You’re looking for the boy?”

“Yes doctor is he going to make it’ how bad is he?”

“He’s in ICU right now holding on for the moment”

“O’h no I’ve got to see him Doc” Jacob feeling bad holding back a tear starting

“We found no Id, whatever he had was stolen”

“Can I see him Doc Please?” Jacob Pleading with him

“I’ll bring you to him’ but just prepare yourself’ come with me”

“Doc what about him” Security Guard asking not sure what he should do stay or follow

“He can come too’ Officer would you also join us”

Following the Doctor to the ICU slowly staying together down the hallway, stopping at one nurse’s station, Four Nurses monitoring screens “Just one second wait here please” Doctor said walking around the desk talking to one nurse, Coming back around  “You sure you’re ok?”

“Yes ‘I’ll be fine Doc”

“Ok You three better wait here” Doctor said taking Jacob only passed two window to the door, Standing outside looking in Jacob at the window leaning inward, not sure if he wanted to see him like this, watching the Doctor walking in.

“You know this boy Eric?” Officer O’Rourke Asking Bradley

“Yes Jacob is getting custody of him before the state takes him” seeing Jacob at the window.

“Custody of him what he do?”

“Ran from a halfway house, and was heading to find Jacob”

“Wait a second he’s a runaway then?”

“Yes well he was but we tracked him here and that why I’m here to find him”

“Guess you were a little too late by the looks of things”

“Well the desk officer looked at the flyer and said he was here” Showing the officer the flyer standing ahead watching Jacob still leaning on the glass.

The Doctor waved Jacob inside the room with the Security Guard walking up standing by the door watching, Eric’s was facing the window away from them covered to his shoulders with the blanket, Jacob looked at the monitors beeping above the bed, The Doctor stood by the bed waving him over to the window side, feeling his hurt seeing the bandage around his head slowly Jacob walked, looking down his hand laying on the cover with a tubes hanging next to him, Jacob leaned into the bed getting closer taking his small hand trying to look upward at Eric.

All of a sudden Jacob letting his hand go standing right up looking at the Doctor “This isn’t Eric Doc” slowly getting his breath looking again at the boy laying there. Both stood looking at the boy.

“He’s got a lot of swelling you might not recognize him” shocked from Jacobs statement standing looking at the boy again checking the monitors. Even the Guard heard him say it turning his head looking in.

“It’s not Him Doc, believe me it’s not I’m Sorry Doc” Turning leaving the room, watching the guard stepping aside letting him by going right over to the nurses station

“Wrong Boy he’s not our Eric’ not even close” Jacob gasped looking at Sean and the Officer

“What they looked at the flyer and said it was him” Sean insisting holding the paper up to Jacob, Jacob reach over taking it, looking right at the guy sadden looking downward at his tasseled shoes before glancing to the window seeing if he could see the boy.

“Well it’s not him’ so where is he…. what did you find out when you got here?”

“Ok you two let’s take this to another area and discus it”

“I did have another lead just before the officer stopped and told me he was here”

Walking away Jacob turned back looking to the window, It caught Jacob off guard standing looking at him for a second, with one hand halfway up stopping him.

“Officer’ I’m sorry we put you thru this maybe we can buy you a cup of coffee?”

With a smile back “That’s alright there’s a Donut shop just down the street”

“Will you join us? It’s the least we can do for your help”

“Maybe another time, here take my card and call if you fine him I’d like to know how it turns out”

“Ok’ I’ll call Thank You Again” watching him walking away to the doors “Come on we need so coffee after this?” The two stopping just outside the main doorway looking to the parked cars, Sean pulling his coat closed standing next to a trash bin resting his briefcase on it, Jacob looked at him more or less just looking around the area “You need a ride?” Jacob asking. Nodding yes pulling his case down following Jacob in the parking lot to the Buick.

The two ordered coffee’s and a donut sitting at the table by the window, Sean holding his dark roast cup with both hands trying to warmup, Jacob watching the steam rising after taking the lid off mixing three sugars scooting the box over only his eyes moved shaking like a cold winter leaf ready to fall off its branch. “Cold here’ that’ll warm ya up drink it slow” placing his lid back on.

Holding Eric Part 20

Holding Eric part 20

Texas bound leaning on the door watching the roadway once again, glancing around the cab spotting his CB setting not even bolted down with only a green bungee cord holding it just below the switches, even the antenna wire draped over the steering wheel to the window, trying hard not to look over at him knowing John might have been right not to go with him, Sign after sign along the highway he was trying to stay in the center lane passing passenger cars like they were standing still with a bang on the wheel getting Eric’s attention over to him seeing he was upset slapping his turn single on, with a quick look upward Eric spotted an Exit sign, knowing they hadn’t been that long on the road.

“You stopping already everything ok?” Eric Asked hearing him gearing down hard on the engine

“You got to get out sorry kid your just too big a risk for me”

“Why I didn’t do anything?”

“You’re a runaway someone’s looking for you’ sorry you’ll have to find another way”

Eric stayed quite waiting for him to slow down on the ramp exit, slowly stopping at the stop sign “Wait till the cars pass then you can get out sorry kid Toneckia told me they were looking for you it’s just too risky you’ll get a ride here just go down to the plaza and ask around”

“Sir I do thank you for helping anyway and I understand” Eric said climbing down stepping back from the cab in the soft dirt just watching him pulling back across the street on the highway, after he was out of sight standing not sure about this area tilling down around the brush spotting the small plaza area and started walking towards it slowly on the shoulder.

“John was right about him even if Toneckia said it was ok’ sure it was ok just missed my bus what a line he tried to tell him before he told him I was a runaway, sure he just wanted me out of the way so it was just him and John, well I’ll find a ride and show him I can get to Texas on my own” Eric talking to himself as he walked along. Eric made his way passing a few cars to the buildings checking out the vending units before heading for the restroom, washing his face and hands with a wet towel feeling refresh finger comb hair placing his cap on “Ok Trucker Eric let’s get something to eat and find a ride” with a nod to the mirror before heading out, stopping at the map area near the service area looking where he was to Logan, Texas.

Checking the Letters with numbers using his fingers finding he still had a ways to go more at the bottom of the pages lower right side, looking over his shoulder wondering where the driver area was then it was clear Eric snapped around looking at one guy looking at him almost on top of him, slowly moving to his side “Sorry just looking” telling him hurry down the aisle to the café area.

Intercom blared out “Mr. Mazzionie’ Come to the Office”, Jake head rose high to the stall opening away from the Black then to Grandpa “They calling you Grandpa?” Eric asking staying with the vet checking what he was doing looking in the ears.

“Sure your dad will get it if it’s for us” holding the horse still

“Grandpa where not in any evens why would they be calling us?” Watching where he was stepping

“Jake’ let’s just take care of the Black ok?” David was concerned but not showing it

“Ok” Jake quickly said walking around with the vet watching him lifting her legs upward feeling down to the hoof.

Standing at the end looking her over twitching his noise a few times, with a pat on her side “She’ll be ok maybe some good food and care she’ll fill out real well, you got yourself a good mare here Mr. Mazzionie”

“It’s Jake’s Black he found her” smiling over watching Eric smile back standing straight up with pride.

Headed outside the stall “So the Palomino mare and colt and even the trotter Morgen were a good buy all in real well shape, you plan on getting a few more?”

“Might fine one or two still looking around”

“Ok well call me anytime” gathering his small bag checking around the stalls

“Will let you know if we find another good one”

“Thanks’ Doc for checking my horse” Eric raising his head saying before he walked away.

Jacob had finish with paperwork heading back to the barn, hearing the speaker from the stands calling his name just as he reach the stalls, turning around heading back to the office while checking over the papers before he got there making sure he sign everything, walking up the stairs heading inside stopping at the front desk “Someone just page me?” asking the Elderly lady holding the phone to one side while checking over paperwork, sitting behind her small desk only looking up over her long looped chain hanging holding her white and gold specked glasses hanging around her puffy cheeks “Name?” “Mazzionie” “That’s Mazzola?” “No Mazzionie someone just page me to the office” how many pages do they call lady? Jacob wanted to say but held back waiting on her as she started looking around her little notes.

Jacob looking over to the other section he was just at seeing Dora a bright middle age Lady waving to him to come over, looking down as the older lady fumbling with small note’s she had from phone calls, walking over to Dora

“Did you need to see me’ someone just paged for me?”

“No everything was in order, maybe dinner later?” sitting back in her chair cheerfully batting her eyes

“Sorry’ here with my Father and son” folding his papers placing them in his back pocket looking back watching her still thumbing paper’s.

“They have a dance Friday night maybe if you’re not doing anything?”

“Maybe another time you understand” Jacob said showing his wedding ring giving her a cheerful grin as she nodded back with a smile.

“I’ll look forward to it” Sitting back in her chair pointing to the other desk

“Hey Mazzola here it is’ you still want it?” Waving a pink paper back and forth watching them.

Jacob smile with a wink from Dora returning, she’ll held the paper like it meant something to her frowning as he took it reading it.

Jacob Call home emergency very important call as soon as possible Penny, Jacob reaching in his pocket dropping the paper pulling out his phone flipping it open seeing no calls with no single receiving, Reaching down for the paper tapping the phone quickly

“Dam thing of all times”

“You ok” Dora asking from her desk watching Jacob “Fine’ how long ago this come in?” harsh tone back

“The time on it” not even looking up going back to her paperwork

Looking again still trying the phone “Dam it’s an hour ago why didn’t you call when it came in?”

“Look I’ve got plenty other things to do around here than page people”

Turning his head away from her before he said something he would most likely regret later

“Jacob everything ok?” Dora asking heading over being concerned watching him

“No it’s my wife with an Emergency and dam phone not working” pushing the side of the phone again trying to get it to come on squashing it in his hand with the pink paper also.

“Here use mine” Dora handing him her phone

“Thank You”

“Better take it outside better reception” Dora saying looking at the desk seeing the elderly lady looking at the two standing together.

Barely able to control himself fumbling with the door knob, hurrying outside not even closing the door trying to push the small buttons, spotting error connecting’ seeing he forgot to put in the area code, retrying letting it ring, “just as it stopped’ before she could answer “Penny what happen everything ok’ the girls fine’ you ok?” leaning on the railing with his eyes closed waiting for the bad news, hearing the door closing looking around seeing the Dora behind him watching trying to hear what happen.

“Everything’s ok here where all fine relax Jacob” Penny trying to reassure him they were fine

“What’s the emergency’ why didn’t you call?” Holding the phone tightly to his ear

“Did try’ your phones off or dead as normal”

“Dead’ I’m sorry”

Reassured him she was there for him giving him a small pat on his back leaning to the rail, Jacob turn to Dora looking down hearted while he held the phone to his shoulder “It’s ok’ I’ll be right in”

“Sure Hon’ just take your time” Slowly brushing his shoulder before going back inside

“Jacob you still there?” Penny asking not hearing him clear

“Yea sure just having a major breakdown here so what happen?”

“Jacob’ you did everything you could”

“What’ I don’t know what you’re trying to tell me?”

“It’s what you did on your last run” Penny sitting at the table looking at the papers again seeing Eric photo trying to control herself from crying again after she got the call.

“You talking about my cousin he didn’t wreck the truck did he?”

“No” In a broken voice looking away from the table to the window

“What happen’ should we come home?”

Penny hold her breath before telling him “Jacob where find here’ it’s the boy”

“Jake he’s fine stop you’re worrying”

“The other boy you came in-contact with Eric…. I received some bad new a little while ago”

“What kind of news”

“Eric’s’ in the hospital in (St. Louis)”

“Hospital what?”

“Jacob he was found in an alley last night…. it’s not good Jacob” Trying to control herself

“That poor kid’ who called you?” Looking around leaning over the railing just as he spotted Jake waving with his Dad walking towards him, Jacob waved his hand back and forth looking over seeing the stand pointing to it, Dave quickly seen what he was trying to say reaching down for Jake tilling his hat forward.

“Come-on Jake let’s get a hot dog how’s that sound?” Jake looking up to his dad waving to go ahead, Jake smiling back making like he’s eating pointing to Jacob they were going for hot dogs, Jacob just smiled back trying to get back on the phone, leaning sideways on the step watching them walking away

“Jacob you still there Jacob?”

“Yea’ right here so what happen?”

“Vinny Santino’ a friend of David been looking into Eric case, he had track him down to St. Louis where he was last seen by a truck driver passing thru and later found out he was dropped off at a plaza nearby, that’s when someone found him, he was beaten and left in and alleyway”

“Is he going to be ok?”

“We don’t know at this point Jacob”

“Did you find out what Hospital?”

“I’ll call’ I’m sorry to call you with this but felt you should know”

“Its fine’ I hope he ok look I’ll call you later with a number you can get me at”

“Ok’ better tell David, better not say anything infront of Jake”

“Look I’ve got to go’ I’ll call you Love You”

“Jacob’ you just take care and come home soon” Penny held the phone till Jacob hung-up, looking down at the papers hearing the door open quickly gather the papers turning them over seeing the girls coming inside.

Jacob return Dora phone after a quick thank you telling her it was bad news and he might have to leave early than expected, but thank her for carrying, Dora reach over rubbing the top of his hand with one finger stopping at the ring “You have a great wife that cares that’s a rarity around here”

“She is a good Mother also I have Three great children”

“Well you can use my phone anytime you need to no strings”

“Thank You’ My son and Dad are waiting at the hot dog stand”

“Well better get going then cowboy” smiling back.

Jacob walked over to the hot dog stand seeing them sitting waiting for him, Jake moving over to let him sit down, sliding over two hot dogs over “We got you two dad” Jake remarked taking a drink from his soda before finishing off his watching Jacob unwrapping one looking up at

“Jacob everything ok with the mares?” David sitting back in the stool

“Yea Dad everything ok” placing mustard and ketchup slowly

“Dad the vet said she was a good one I found” excided

“That’s good Jake that you found her”

“Jake if you’re done you can go looking around for a while”

“Ok grandpa’ maybe I can go to the stands and watch the new colts?”

“Ok just watch them and becareful”

“I will’ gee you think I wanted to buy them or something”

“Jake just look at them will be right along”

“Ok’ I’ll save you a seat” Jake said scooting off taking the empties

Jacob watch him standing straight upward making sure his hat was tilted back just a little, unwrapping the second spreading mustard only , looking upward at his dad frowning back slowly squinting his eyes

“So what was with the phone?”

“Dad it was Penny calling she had some bad news… everything’s ok at home, seems the lawyer you called tracked down Eric, and found him a little too late…. he’s in the hospital”

“Sorry son what happen’ is he going to be ok?”

“He was found in and alleyway, he had been beaten Dad why would someone do that?”

“Son’ a lot of crazy’s out there they do anything for a few dollars”

Jacob crumbled the wrappers together placing them in the empty cup holding it tightly, glancing over to the colts by the stands seeing Jake standing at the bottom rail watching them slowly walking around the track, one foot on the rail like a small cowboy along with two older boys close by.

“Well he be ok?”

“Hard to say right now, Penny said they would call and let her know”

“Jacob maybe you want to take a ride to Rhode Island”

“He’s in St. Louis dad” swallowing hard looking back again at Jake

“We’re not that far from there you could rent a car” David reached over placing his hand on Jacobs arm getting his attention.

“What about Jake what would I tell him?”

“Will be fine’ I think you should go Son!” David nodding his head yes

“Dad’ I don’t know if I should’ the horses and all”

“Never mind the horse’s, let’s get you a rental” waving for Jake to come back

Jake rushed right back hoping to get another hot dog, Jacob explained that he had to take a small trip to St. Louis something just came up, it would only be a day or two, Jake frowned lowing his head, Jacob said he could stay with Grandpa so not miss any events, Jake said ok but hurry back soon before the weekend events started, the three took a ride to the local car rental not far from the fairgrounds, only to find out they had three large autos to choose from, Jake spotted right off the Black Buick being it was the same color as the mare it was agreed, Jake rode back to the motel with Jacob enjoying the full seat.

Jacob and Jake gathered things inside, sitting on the bed Jacob called Penny telling her he was heading up to St. Louis, Dad and Jake would stay at the fair, Penny told him about the paperwork that she received the day before in brief but detailed, Jake wanted to talk to her interrupting him, Jacob cut it short letting Jake talk for a few before asking him to take his bag to the car.

Waiting by the car Jake lean waiting while Grandpa talked on his phone till Jacob came out closing the door, David pointed to the power core laying on the seat for his phone, handing it to Jake to plug in the charger, while the two looked over a map on the hood, folding the map setting it on the seat giving Jake a big lift upward hugging him “Mind your Grandpa and behave” before setting him back down, David raised cheek grin and his slight nod everything will work out way while he shook his hand saying take it slow and call him when he finds out anything. Jacob agreed getting in waving bye slowly back outward into the driveway and down the street, Jake and Grandpa Return to the fairgrounds.