Page 41 of Second Story

“No, but I can guess. She must have had news about her case that she doesn’t want him to hear.” He shows me what torture looks like, an unexpected flashback to Josh beside my bed in a burns unit, then to Isaac during that interview when he said his Mum could face a life sentence. “How the fuck do I leave him behind, Joe?”

This isn’t the time to state what I can just about glimpse from this angle—Lenny is at a courtyard table hemmed in by a headmaster and a school padre. He couldn’t be in safer hands, but Isaac isn’t in a place to hear that.

He does hear this, and I’m so fucking glad for my lack of filter.

“I’d keep him company any time you need, mate. You get a visit date, I’ll keep it free for him. For you both, no worries. Here or there.” This is what I spent last night thinking in a quiet Rectory bedroom. The same stars I saw outside that window are in Isaac’s eyes as soon as I say, “The distance doesn’t matter. I’d make it happen. Make it work for both of you.”

His fingers tighten around mine. “Yeah?”

“Yes. Trust me.”

Just like that, we’re kissing, and it’s even better than last night.

This contact isn’t desperate. Doesn’t feel like a goodbye at all, even if I’ll need to say one later. I can’t help repeating, “I’ll make it work.”

I’m so fucking invested in being the reason for this kind of smile on Isaac. For this shaky laugh and for a second kiss that he smiles through, and that smile only fades when he brings his brother back to the library to meet me.

A pin dropping would be loud compared to Lenny’s silence. That sweet smile, so like his big brother’s, beams first, then splinters.

He runs.

To me.

Then fights off his brother to yank at my sleeves.

“It’s okay. Let him see for himself.” I go down on my knees to let little fingers trace ropes and divots, and there aren’t too many people who’d want to do that—who’d see these marks as useful. As proof, I guess, of someone who disappeared out of his life and never looked back. “It’s me, mate.”

I get a smile at that, even if it’s watery. I also get a hard shove to my chest, which Isaac lurches to stop, only to retreat ashis brother takes out the emotional equivalent of four seasons in one day on me.

I saw summer in the library doorway, bright and brilliant, he was so surprised and pleased to see me. That’s what I used to witness on my school visits—Lenny turning like a flower to follow warming sunshine. I was that for him once, a daily presence when his world upended, missing a special person.

Summer fades to autumn as soon as Lenny’s brain catches up with his heart. This storm of tears comes with what I know is a rare shout from him.

“You wrote,See you soon.”

These balled fists thump out the same desperation Isaac showed me on a beach, the same rage he had to face the world with for his brother. From him, it was impressive. From Lenny, it smashes my heart into jagged pieces.

“This isnotsoon.”

“I know, mate. I’m sorry. I came as soon as I could.”

He’s in my arms then, and I get to rock him.

I also get to see that we’re skipping winter for spring—it’s right there after I pull back far enough to see Isaac’s own smile. I aim this at his brother, who hasn’t let go yet, but it’s Isaac I watch, that I soak up, that I’m nowhere close to done with. “It’s so good to see you. What have you been up to?”

Lenny’s as right as rain then, or he might seem that way to anyone who hasn’t been around kids who’ve been through an emotional wringer. His tight grip on my hand is one clue. So is him clutching Isaac’s hand with his other and not letting go when we head outside to a bench where the padre meets us.

Hugo’s gaze locks on Lenny’s tight handhold, and his tone is gentle. “Can I borrow your big brother for a few minutes? There are some people here who want to meet him.”

For a second time in minutes, Lenny’s eyes well. His knuckles whiten around both his brother’s hand and mine, and I can guess what he heard—Isaac’s leaving.

Lenny’s brother is an old hand at reading silent terror. He drops to his knees. “Joe’s here.” His quick flash of a glance asks a separate question.

Stay?

I nod, and he continues.

“He isn’t going anywhere. I’m not going far either. Only over there.” He nods towards a group at the far end of the courtyard. “I need to say hello to people I might work with if we stay here.”

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