Chapter 79

“How come you didn’t write me and let meknow what was going on?” Raphael asked.

“I didn’t want to bother you, Ray. I knew Peter was in good hands with the Davenports. What would you have done anyway?” You abandoned your own son six years before,sowhy would you come to my aide?

Raphael’s voice sounded angry. “I’d have convinced Charlie Greene to let you go. I’d have talked to Mr. and Mrs. Shocking. I don’t know.” Raphael started sobbing. “I heard the constable didn’t come for you until the next morning. Maybe I’d have stolen you away during the night. You, Peter and I could have disappeared.”

“In school, you were always there to rescue me, but this was something I think only I could handle for myself.” Leander had meant to comfort Raphael, but for a moment, Raphael sobbed louder.

“I don’t regret anything, Ray,” Leander said.

Raphael turned around and leaned his back against the wall. “Nothing? What about the hurt I caused twenty years ago?”