Page 65 of Finding Parker

“I love,” I hesitated, released her neck, and smiled, “you.”

She smiled and stepped down from the stone which she was standing on and scanned the horizon. As she placed her hands on her hips, she inhaled a deep breath, closed her eyes, and exhaled. As she opened her eyes, her lips parted slightly and took another shallow breath.

“I want to come back. Often,” she said as she gazed toward the canyon.

I nodded my head as I stared into the canyon, “I agree.”

“It’s easy to become just a little more spiritually in tune with things here. It’s,” she paused and raised her hand to her mouth.

“Therapeutic,” she smiled.

While she continued to stare out into the canyon, I felt my phone buzzing in my pocket. Surprised and somewhat apprehensive, I removed my phone and cleared the screen. To my pleasure, I had received a text message from Downes. Grateful to have received a text and not another email, I grinned. This would mean they were in the United States or at least close to it. Anxiously, I opened the message.

Parker,

I need you to come to the mansion immediately. Please, at least for now, I request you keep this to yourself and come alone.

Downes

I blinked my eyes and stared at the screen, attempting to develop an understanding of what might be going on. I glanced toward Victoria, who was kneeling and drawing with a stick in the sand, unaware of my having received the message. Carefully, I slid the phone into my pocket and began to walk her direction.

“There’s been a break in at the mansion. Downes has asked that I check for what may be missing. We need to go,” I fibbed.

She dropped her stick into the sand and stood, “Did he call the police?”

“Kenton doesn’t like involving the police unless absolutely necessary. They’ve asked that I check for them. They’re on the way home,” I said nervously.

She raised her hand to her mouth, “It could be dangerous.”

“Not now. Whoever it was will be long gone. It’ll take us ten hours to get home. No worries, baby. Just a quick home inspection,” I held my hand to my side.

As she gripped her hand in mine, we turned and began walking toward the car. As I opened the car door for Victoria and watched her get in, I attempted to convince myself I wasn’t lying to her. Ultimately, I was protecting her. Protecting her from whatever it was Downes didn’t want her to see.

And I didn’t want to know.

PARKER. Our ability to accept life’s difficult offerings is a testament of our relationship with God.

“What’s wrong?” I asked as I ran up the steps.

Downes was dressed in exercise pants and a tee shirt. He stood, his face grave, and held the door open. As he raised his head and attempted to speak, I realized he looked much different. It was as if he hadn’t slept or eaten in days.

“He…” Downes paused.

“He wants you, Parker.” He swallowed heavily and patted me on the shoulder.

“Where is he? Tell me what’s going on. Is he okay?” I walked through the door nervously, and in no way prepared for a response.

“He’s at the end of the hall, in the guest bedroom,” Downes responded.

“Follow me,” he said.

As I walked into the room and looked up, I immediately wished I hadn’t.

Kenton lie in bed in the center of the room, an I.V. attached to his arm, and a good thirty pounds lighter than when I saw him last. Beside where he lay, a chair sat facing the bed with the stand which held the bag attached to the I.V. beside it. As my mind realized it was in fact Kenton, I groaned.

“Kenton,” I fell to my knees on the floor beside the bed.

Slowly, he opened his eyes, “Sit, son. I have…”