door.
Tall and wiry, Derrick Cole, his former physical therapist, stood outside on the stoop, smiling broadly. Dressed in a faded blue T-shirt, jeans, and battered Converse sneakers, Derrick was stronger than he looked, stubborn to the core, and one of Chase’s favorite people in the world. But it hadn’t always been that way. When they’d first started working together, Chase had refused to participate. He wouldn’t follow Derrick’s instructions in the office or continue the exercises at home. But Derrick was patient and recognized the frustration of a man used to being in command. Now, two years later, Chase credited Derrick for teaching him how to walk again.
“Derrick? Come in please.” Chase shook his friend’s hand and moved to the side to let him in, all the while trying to think of a reason for Derrick’s visit. Had Chase forgotten an appointment? No, they’d ended months ago.
“Mr. Bennett, you’re looking well.”
“Thank you. Can I offer you something to drink? I’m afraid there’s not much here because I’m closing up the house for the summer.” He led the way to the kitchen and filled a glass with ice. “The refrigerator still works and I have a few bottles of mineral water left. Would you like one?”
Derrick shifted his gaze to the foyer, then back to Chase. “Where are your suitcases?”
“The train doesn’t leave until four.”
Derrick’s expression cleared, then he laughed. “She didn’t tell you, did she?”
“Tell me what?”
“That you’re coming with me.” He folded his arms across his chest and leaned his hip against the counter. “I’m on vacation this week, driving down today to visit friends in Seaside. Mrs. Bennett hired me to drive you to Dewberry Beach because it’s on the way. She told me to pick you up at eleven o’clock, to stop for lunch on the way.”
“Dewberry Beach is less than an hour from here on the train.”
Derrick nodded. “It is.”
“My wife hired you to drive me an hour down the Parkway?” Annoyance bloomed in Chase’s chest, but he pushed it away. His argument was not with this man; it was with Kaye and the way she coddled him as if he were an infant or an old man. He was neither.
“She said you needed my help,” Derrick answered. “Wanted me to remind you that you’re not cleared to drive yet.”
“Thank you, but I don’t need your help.” Chase drew himself to his full height. “Since I don’t plan to drive, it’s immaterial if I’m cleared or not.” He slipped his wallet from his pocket and opened it. “I have a car service coming to take me to the station and when the four o’clock pulls out, I plan to be on it.” He withdrew a stack of bills and offered it to Derrick. “But I’d like to pay you for your time anyway. I hope this is enough.”
“Nah.” Derrick shook his head. “I’m good, man. You keep it.”
Chase considered insisting, then didn’t. He’d come to respect this man and would do as he asked. He replaced the money and his wallet, then asked a question as if the answer didn’t matter. “Do you think taking the train is a good idea?”
Derrick lifted his chin as he considered. “You keeping up with your bands?”
“I am. I’m taking them with me to the shore.”
“And you’re walking every day?”
Chase nodded. He was up to almost two miles a day and had come to appreciate the quiet.
“To tell the truth, I’m happy you want to take the train.” Derrick set his glass on the counter. “I know how much you’ve missed your independence and it’s time for you to find it again, even if it looks a little different than before. Got one problem though.”
“What is that?”
“You gotta be the one to tell Mrs. Bennett you’re taking the train. I’m not brave enough to do it.” Derrick shook his head. “Think of it as part of your recovery.”
“Leave Mrs. Bennett to me. It’s about time I reminded her that I’m fully recovered and should be able to do what I want.”
Derrick snorted as he paused at the front door. “Good luck.”
Chase took Derrick’s outstretched hand and shook it. “Thank you, Derrick, for everything.”
“You’re welcome.” Derrick nodded. “Come by any time. Even for a visit.”
Chase kept busy until it was time to leave for the train. He packed a few things into the same leather duffel he’d used many times before, expecting his summer wardrobe would be waiting for him at the shore house. He dug his briefcase out of the