Page 37 of Collin: Episodes 1-3
“Collin, baby, I’d have been in there a moment. You could have told me. I’d have flown out that morning or drove up.”
“And if it had been really serious, I would have, Mom. You have so much on your plate. I just didn’t want you to worry or spend the money. I swear. I even have this new job that’s really good, and it comes with health insurance. I passed all the tests, and the university is giving me time off for the assignments so I can catch up. You only have so many vacation days, and you’re saving them up for the summer. You and Alice are doing that thing…I can’t remember right now. Somewhere out west.”
“The Grand Canyon.”
“Yeah. That. Sorry. Every now and then, I can’t quite remember something.”
“That’s normal with a concussion, baby.”
“That’s what they told me. I mean, I’m remembering a lot more now. It wasn’t ever that bad. I was just…really out of it. I usually have everything in my calendar, but they said no screens.”
“Then you shouldn’t be on a screen now. Turn it off!”
Collin laughed, sick relief rushing through him. “Mom, you sent the police. I think the doctor would make an exception. I never meant to worry you. I was trying not to worry you.”
“Mothers will always worry. Who’s looking after you? I want to talk to them.”
Collin looked up at Mr. Reevesworth. He gave a nod and held out his hand.
Collin surrendered the phone and put his head down between his knees. There wasn’t enough sleep in the world for this. He took a deep breath and sat up. Damian was approaching, looking like he’d stepped out of a New York fashion magazine with a pinstriped shirt under a textured blue waistcoat and contrasting suit.
He gave Collin a nod and motioned his head toward the police officers. Collin sighed and stood up. He went to the door.
“Excuse me, ma’am. I’m going to let these fine officers finish their duties, and then I will call you back,” Mr. Reevesworth said into Collin’s phone. He ended the call and handed Collin the phone.
“Collin, if you want to step outside, we’ll shut the door to give you privacy. If you go down the elevator, the PIN to get back up to this floor is one-five-six-seven-two. Floor seventeen.”
Collin nodded. He stepped through the door. It clicked shut behind him.
The officers glanced at each other, and then the oldest one motioned Collin to the elevator. “Just to the lobby.”
Collin nodded.
The ride down was rough. He put a hand on his stomach and focused on the floor. He was still barefoot. Perfect. He closed his eyes and focused on not vomiting. It was barely working.
He dug his fingers into the back of his thigh where no one could see.
They exited the elevator into the lobby. Too much sun shone through the glass. Collin put his hand up and turned so that his back was to the rays.
“Does this prove that I’m not being held against my will?”
“We just had to give you an opportunity to ask for help in case something was being held over your head.”
“Honestly, the only thing being held over my head is a very good breakfast and a very soft bed, which I’d like to get back to. It was a pretty bad concussion, don’t tell my mother. She worries.”
The officers exchanged looks. “You’re sure?”
“Certain.”
“Well then, Mr. Ryker, we’ll be on our way.” The oldest officer held out his hand.
Collin shook it, and the man’s hand was cold, like he had poor circulation. “I’m going to head back. Have a good day.”
It was a relief to slump against the side of the elevator all by himself on the way up.
Mom’s anniversary. He’d forgotten it. The one thing they celebrated every year with at least a video conference call if they weren’t together.
He closed his eyes and breathed out slowly through his nose. No wonder she’d panicked. Not like Dad hadn’t told her enough stories.
