had to be alive. There was only one person now who could tell him what had happened to Willow, and that was Katie Eaves.
He grabbed his cap and headed over to the Eaveses’ house. Dealing with that stubborn girl was starting to get tiresome. He vowed to get answers this time.
ISLA
THE RINGING IN HER EARS STARTED SOON AFTER RAY’S MOTHER ARRIVED at the hospital to drive her home. Thankfully, Ray had come and gone. Her entire head now seemed to vibrate with a high-pitched shrill. She wanted badly to be surrounded by her family, satisfied that everyone was safe and sound. If only the doctor would return and clear her to go home, she could get on with her life. At least Katie was home. In the event something happened to Raisin, Katie knew how to care for her brother.
Who had tried to run her off the road? And why? Was it because she had attended that stupid fund-raiser? She had grown up in Shepherd’s Bay and knew practically everyone in town. Had the lines been so desperately drawn that to take sides meant you were a traitor to your own people? Had things gotten that bad?
The doctor returned and wrote her a prescription for the pain, which she knew she wouldn’t take. Too many addicts in town had started on prescription meds and then had found it hard to stop. All she could think about was how much this visit to the emergency room would cost. A thousand bucks, which she didn’t have? Maybe more. She had yet to meet her deductible in a year’s span. Raisin, on the other hand, exceeded it every year.
Apart from the loud ringing in her ears, she felt surprisingly good, considering all that had happened. Thank God for her mother-in-law. How Ray had been spawned of such an amazing woman, she’d never know.
“I can’t thank you enough for everything, Ma,” she said as her mother-in-law drove her home.
“It’s the least I could do, knowing how useless that son of mine is. I smelled alcohol on his breath the second he opened his mouth.”
“Typical Ray.”
“What about Raisin?”
“Katie’s home with him right now. She knows what to do in the event something happens.”
“I can stay at the house for a while if you’d like. Keep an eye on Raisin.”
“You really don’t have to, Ma. I’m feeling a lot better now.”
“I beg to differ, sweetie. Doctor said you got shook up pretty bad in that accident.”
“It was no accident,” Isla said. “And if it wasn’t for this cut on my head, I’d be perfectly fine.”
“Maybe I’ll stay for a little while, just to make sure you’re okay.”
Aside from the ringing in her ears and the throbbing in her skull, she felt okay. Good enough to return to work tomorrow and cut hair. Even with a concussion, she’d return to the salon. She had no other choice. With her family’s finances in dire straits, she didn’t have many options. Not working meant no money coming in—and the bills were piling up.
Her mother turned into the driveway and pulled up to the house. Almost instantly, Isla felt a sinking sensation in her gut. Where was Ray? His truck was not parked out front. She looked up at her kitchen window and noticed something odd. The curtain was flapping in the wind. It took her another few seconds before she saw the shattered window.
She jumped out of the vehicle and bounded up the stairs, feeling the aftershocks in her brain. She pushed open the unlocked door, and she saw the brick sitting on the kitchen table. Next to it was a crumpled sheet of paper with writing on it. A wave of nausea swept over her as she picked it up and read it. Once she had done that, she glanced over and saw Ray passed out on the couch. He leaned to one side, with his feet up on the cushion. The staccato sound of his heavy snoring filled the room. She went over to him with the note in hand and shook his shoulder.
“Wake up, Ray!” His breath reeked of pot smoke and beer. The bastard!
He opened his eyes and stared up, as if surprised to see her.
“Wake the hell up, Ray.”
“I’m awake, I’m awake,” he said, rubbing his eyes.
“Where’s Katie and Raisin?” She then ran from room to room, calling out their names.
“They should be here,” he said once she returned. “Or at least they were here when I came home.”