Page 48 of Sterling Stone

Trudy hadn’t wanted Simon to have a cell phone, saying ten was too young for the device. Judd demanded that the boy have it for emergencies.

This moment reinforces Judd’s argument. He’d been worried about the nearly-seventy-year-old woman living alone with a young boy.

“I can call you when I know more,” Judd states.

“I’m headed there anyway,” I bite out. Not that I’m angry with Judd. I’m anxious about Trudy. And Simon.

And Taxi.

Does she know? How could she? She’s been gone for over a year.

I don’t often ask about the wandering artist when I see Trudy, but the proud aunt eagerly shares all the doings of her niece.

Tallulah is in Montana. Strange that a woman with an urban vibe to her art was called up for a commission in a mountain town, but she loved it out there.

Tallulah is in Florida. Says she hates the humidity. And the bugs. Lord, do they have bugs down there.

Tallulah didn’t make it home for the holidays. Flight was cancelled due to a storm.

Tallulah was sorry she couldn’t make another Sylver Fourth of July baseball game.

And on and on, giving me updates I didn’t request or require. My heart was full of pride for Taxi and her map-hopping career. She was obviously sought after and successful.

And I had my postcard collection.

I still questioned what happened between us, but then again, she’d made it clear she wasn’t interested in anything other than our one night. Samson and Delilah. Superman and a mystery woman.

No regrets. Just a lingering disappointment.

I don’t live a life of what-could-have-beens. I couldn’t afford to live that way. All that I’d lost didn’t measure up to all that I’d gained, even if it wasn’t apples to apples in comparison. I was grateful for what I had and tried not to dwell on what I didn’t.

With a deep sigh, I flip the light on my truck, abusing my authority, but allowing myself grace while warning other vehicles about my extreme speed, as I dash down the highway with growing concern.

“Massive heart attack,” the young female doctor confirms to Judd and me as we stand inside a stark waiting room.

Her gaze shifts to Simon, who’d fallen asleep in two chairs Judd had pushed together.

“She’s lucky the boy was trying to administer CPR.”

Judd is a few inches taller than me, and his shoulders lower when he hangs his head. A soft smile curls his mouth. He’d been insistent on Simon knowing basic lifesaving skills. I’d made it mandatory for all my siblings to learn CPR after losing our mother the way we did. Not that CPR would have saved her, but . . .

“She would have died without his quick attention.”

The doctor’s honesty is appreciated. I won’t even pretend to know how a ten-year-old placing pressure on Trudy’s chest saved her. I’m just grateful she’s still here. For him. For her.

“She’ll need to stay in the hospital for the next few days,” the doctor continues.

Judd glances back at Simon. “I’ll take him home with me.”

Easy enough solution, as they are close and Simon has had sleepovers at Judd’s home.

“Are there any other family members to be contacted? Perhaps an adult child?” she questions, glancing at the tablet in her hand.

“Is there something else?” I question. Something that demands an adult’s attention.

The doctor shakes her head. “Nothing immediate, but Miss Wallace is going to need some assistance once she returns home. We don’t have an emergency contact for her in our system.”

“I’ll call Taxi,” Judd blurts, and I swing my head in his direction.