Chapter 66
“Is it over?” Jennalee asked Harley.
“Just about.”
“What’s going on?” Phyllis demanded, rushing over to Harley and Jennalee. “Why is Daniel with the policeman?”
“He’ll have to tell you,” Harley said. Then he took Jennalee’s hand and pulled her away, leaving the distraught and now confused woman to Jane and Marian.
Some Sutherlands had deserted the scene while those more persistent stayed to watch the last of the mopping up. The end unit where Noel had been was a ruin, roof torn up, windows out, door chopped to pieces, everything soaked. The Laidlaw parents’ room, third in the line of four, had burned but not so badly, since the fire had been caught as it worked its way down the line. It wasn’t gutted like the first two.
“Your stuff,” Jennalee said.
“It’s just stuff,” Harley replied. “I got what’s important.”
“Your folks’ stuff, though.”
“It’s not like we have valuables.”
“Where will you sleep?” Jennalee asked.
“Remember those sleeping bags at the park? I see camping ahead tonight.”
Jennalee beamed. “That’s so cool. I want to camp with you. I’ve got a sleeping bag.”
“Fine with me,” Harley said, “but your folks may not like it.”
“No, they’ll be fine with it. They like you.”
Just then Lizann Laidlaw tapped Jennalee on the shoulder. “What happened?” she asked.
“A fire broke out in Noel’s room and spread.”
“Oh, honestly,” Lizann said. “These people. Looks like we’ll be under the stars, Earl.”
Earl Laidlaw stood beside his wife. He simply nodded.
“Where are the bikes?” Harley asked. “I didn’t hear you come up.”
“Way out in front. When we saw the commotion, we parked and walked over. Have you seen Garth?”
“Nope.”
When Lizann asked no more, Harley offered, “He’s with Andrea. I wouldn’t count on seeing him.”
“He better show tomorrow.”
“Always does,” noted Harley with a sigh.
Jennalee was glad Garth was elsewhere. He’d changed so much since their time together. “What now?” she asked when she saw Phyllis making a fuss.
“Who knows?” said Harley, but he took Jennalee’s hand and they strolled over.
“I need a ride to the hospital,” Phyllis cried. “Can somebody take me? I don’t drive.”
“We can get you there,” Jane said. “Your boys can stay with me.”
“I’ll drive her,” Marian offered, stepping up. “You see to the boys.”
“Good,” said Jane. “I appreciate that. Jennalee, come here. I want you to take the boys to our house and entertain them for a bit. I’ll be along soon.”
“But Mom,” Jennalee whined.
Harley cut her off. “I’ll go with you.”
Phyllis took her sons into her arms and gave them instructions to be good, then walked them over to Harley and Jennalee. “Thank you,” she said as she handed over her two children, one crying, one grim.
As she turned, the officer with Daniel came over. “Ma’am, I have to take your son into custody. He’s confessed to starting the fire.”
Phyllis shrieked and collapsed against Marian Sutherland. She was again lowered to the ground, where Jane bent to soothe her. Harley and Jennalee started to get the boys away but little Clifford wouldn’t have it. “Mommy!” he cried, trying to break free of Harley’s grip on his shoulder.
“She’s okay,” said Harley. “She’s just tired. She’ll be fine. Mrs. Preece and Mrs. Sutherland will take care of her.”
“Lee, get the boys out of here,” Jane cried as Clifford continued to wail.
“C’mon.” Harley scooped up the boy and carried him away. “Let’s go inside.”
“No!” screamed the child, kicking in his captor’s arms, but Harley kept walking. Jennalee tried to put an arm around Robert’s shoulder, but he shrugged her off.
By the time they reached the lobby, Clifford was down to quiet sobs. Harley had spoken to him the entire time they walked along and Jennalee wondered what he’d said. He seemed such a natural with kids, but then he seemed a natural with everyone. Except maybe Garth.
The lobby was deserted, desk unmanned. Still, Jennalee thought the living quarters would be best. She took the lead and they all ventured into the Preece living room. Harley eased Clifford down onto one end of the gray sectional that occupied one corner while Robert stood looking around. “Sit down,” Harley told him. He did but cautiously, like he trusted not even a sofa.
“You have a doll or stuffed animal Clifford can cuddle?” Harley asked Jennalee. “He needs something besides people right now.”
“I do.” Jennalee rushed to her room and grabbed Bascomb Bunny. She was at the door with him when it hit her how private he was, her truest friend, in silent agreement with all she did. He knew everything and she hugged him tightly, then began looking around for somebody else.