Page 9 of Bear Haven
“Why? Is something wrong?”
“Not that we can pinpoint, but Gus said something didn’t set well with him earlier. He’s been out there since just before dawn.”
“Alone?”
“Yes.”
Beck knew Gus could take care of himself and no one would be able to sneak up on him, but if there was any hint of danger or any cause for alarm, Gus shouldn’t be by himself.
“Don’t worry, young man. I’m headed up there now,” Blake’s uncle Bryan said. “We wanted to make sure you arrived safely.”
“Thank you. Other than some disgruntled drivers on the road who had to ride behind me like I was Miss Daisy, I’m all good.”
“Is there anything they can do for your sight?”
“No. At least, I don’t think there is. I haven’t had anyone do more than an exam once a year. I remember being told sometime back that I’d never have more than sixty percent vision out of the one eye and zero out of the other.”
“With advances, maybe they can see about helping you now.”
“Maybe. My life expectancy wasn’t anywhere near how long I’ve actually lived and I feel better every day now.”
“More exhausted?”
Beck smiled. “That’s a definite yes. I could sleep for a week.”
“Well, we don’t have a week to spare, but we can handle a few hours if you need to rest.”
“I just may. Thank you.”
“You’re a brave man, Beck.”
“I don’t feel brave. I’m just trying to figure out how to be a father after all these years.”
“And she’s got to figure out how to have a daddy. It’s a different relationship than that with a mother. In the end, you’ll both be better for it.”
“I hope so.” Beck closed his eyes and sighed. It felt so good. “I hope so.”
* * * * *
“Beck is back. He’s with your father.”
“Good.”
“You want to tell me what’s got you concerned?”
“You mean, other than the obvious?”
“Yes.”
“I don’t know. Just something I’m feeling.”
“A shift in the force?”
Gus smirked. “I guess you could say that.”
“You think something happened to the wolf?”
“This may sound strange, but I think I’d know if something happened to Luke. No, it’s something else.”
