Chapter Eleven
For Devon, the nextmorning passed slowly. He itched to get out, to grab Hailey and run from that place. He was sick of the hospital, sick of the machines and the constant stream of people. He realized he needed to go, to get out in the world before he lost his mind. Guilt ate at him for having those feelings because Hailey needed him. She was awake more and more, and she would want him by her side. His emotions warred within him as he tried to determine the right thing to do. His dad would be there in less than an hour, and the others would be there later, too. All his friends and family had been there the day before when Hailey stayed awake for a solid hour. They’d listened intently to the doctor explain she’d regain her memory in stages. Hailey knew she’d been in a well, and she knew someone else had been there with her. The doctor predicted it was just a matter of days before the rest came back to her.
Sergeant Hurley would arrive later in the afternoon to tell Devon everything they’d learned so far during their investigation. John was confident they were close to piecing together what happened, and the only missing link was the identity of the perpetrator. Devon was positive it was Steven Chatsworth, and that his father continued to cover it up. Simon hadn't been happy when Devon quit to start up his own company, especially since he didn't source his materials from the local mill. Chatsworth Mill and Lumber always came in overpriced, so the brothers had found a different vendor from the beginning. They strove to buy everything else locally, but they wouldn't stand for price gouging.
Whoever it was, Devon looked forward to taking them down, but he’d learned to keep his thoughts on the matter to himself. He didn't want to worry Lori, and he certainly didn't want Caleb getting involved. Their baby was due any day, and they would have enough on their plates without adding Devon’s arrest and trial to their list of worries if he killed Steven. His parents could take care of Hailey if Devon put himself in a bind. The very idea of finding retribution warmed him from the inside out.
Hailey woke early in the morning. She smiled at her father and chattered about being hungry. She’d been allowed pudding—which was no hardship at all—and since it stayed down, they were slowly introducing more soft foods.
“Daddy, when is Grandpa coming?”
He smiled at her. “In about thirty minutes. See the clock? When the little hand is at the six.”
She bounced a little in the bed. “I miss him.”
“You’ve only seen him for a tiny bit, huh?”
She nodded. “I’m happy he’s coming and I’m awake.”
“I know, sweetie.”
He turned the TV on for her, trying to find something to occupy her until Don arrived. Devon was determined to go home and get some things for her, like books and her favorite stuffed horse. Few people were on the list of approved visitors, but he felt certain his dad could handle staying with her.
The door opened, and Don poked his head in, his face lighting up at the sight of Hailey awake. “Hailey bug! I love seeing your eyes open.”
He hurried to the bed, Hailey squealing in her excitement. He set down the box of donuts he carried and enveloped her in a bear hug. “Grandpa, I missed you!”
“I missed you, too, pumpkin.”
Restlessly, Devon stood to give them a few minutes together. Stretching his legs and staring out the small window overlooking the parking lot, he discovered he was suddenly dying to leave the room.
“Dad.” He turned to face his father and daughter. “I’m going home for a bit. I promise I won’t be long.”
Before grabbing his coat and the car keys his father offered him, he kissed Hailey on the head. He felt his heart racing in his throat as he jogged down the hallway. If something happened while he was gone, he would never forgive himself, but he simply couldn't spend one more second cooped up. He walked through visitor parking, clicking the lock button on the key fob he held until he found his father’s car. Merrimac being such a small town, Devon’s house was only a seven-minute drive from the hospital, and he was soon pulling into the driveway.
He hadn't been home since the night she went missing, spending his time at his parents’ house and then practically moving into the hospital. He’d loved that house from the second Kathy picked it but, as he let himself inside, he suddenly hated it. A grim feeling washed over him, and he no longer enjoyed the reminders of Kathy, the paint colors she’d picked, or the fact he and Hailey were alone. He wanted to be closer to his parents; in their house was best for the time being. He knew Hailey would agree with him once she was released.
It was rather shocking to discover how uncomfortable he felt in his house as he walked through the living room to the stairs. A pile of cards and letters on the kitchen island were visible to him on his way up to the landing. As he neared the second floor, he spotted Hailey’s open door. A huge mound of stuffed animals sat on the floor of her room, but he only wanted her constant companion. He picked Horsey up off the bed and tucked it under his arm. Hailey had a bag somewhere in the closet, and he dug it out to drop in the horse and find her some more things.
After staring at the bookshelf, he finally picked a few books and placed them in the bag hanging from his arm. He picked through her clothes drawer next, adding a few nightgowns. When he was satisfied, he brought the bag to his room. The feeling of unease returned, but he couldn't place why. He made a mental note to call the only realtor he knew once he had a minute. First, he would take a shower in his own bathroom for a change, and then add clean clothes to the bag he packed. He looked longingly at his bed and figured a nap would be in his best interest. Stretching out on a flat surface for the first time in days, he couldn't help letting out a groan of satisfaction.
