Chapter 80

Sitting at the table, Billy stared into his coffee. She was right. Who knew anything for certain? He’d have to follow his instincts. That was all there was left for him to do.

His mother returned and tossed a picture on the table. “Here, to replace the one that punk stole from you.”

Billy glanced down at his father’s smiling face. His father was gone. Dougie Hart hadn’t had the chance to live out his life. But hewas here. Alive. That idea struck Billy. He’d been walking around like a dead man in the last month, trapped in regret.

So, the trip was over? Big deal. There were so many more roads to travel. So many journeys to take.

“How old was he on this picture?” he asked, still staring at his father’s genuine smile.

“About twenty-five. Close to your age now.”

“What did you love most about him, Mom?” Billy picked up the picture, skimming it with his thumb.