Chapter 32

Upon returning to the house, Cooper stoked the embers of the fire and then turning to the dog said in a heavy voice, “Let’s go to bed.”

Slowly—as if his feet were made of lead—Cooper walked up the stairs to the master bedroom. Lexie preceded him, Derrick followed behind.

Walking to the floor to ceiling window, Cooper stared out over the deck to the dark water of the lake. He sighed deeply. Derrick looked around the room with its high vaulted ceiling made of wood from the area. Art work covered the walls, including Cooper’s prized Picasso. This was the room where they had shared so many wonderful moments expressing the love they had for one another. He heard Coop’s voice.

“Please…please don’t let it be him. I don’t know what I’ll do if…”

He sobbed. Derrick moved to his side. He didn’t know what to do to let him know…to reach out to him…to comfort him.