Page 74 of Galen's Redemption
Galen ran a hand over Mouse. “Maybe Noel would be a better person for that. He knows more about the shelter.”
“Yes, but you know more about Robert. He’s let you in like he never did for Noel. Robert has always been pretty much an open book when it comes to the shelter, but he usually stays pretty quiet about his personal life. I know he’s opened up to you, andthat’s a good thing. He can’t hold stuff like this so close to his chest, because it’s going to eat at him. You listen to him, and I know he appreciates that. So do I. It’s why I’m calling you.”
Galen thought back to Robert at the hospital. How he’d done his best not to cry but had still let Galen comfort him. He knew a lot of guys didn’t like to show how vulnerable they could be. Some machobullshit that seemed to be engrained in them. But he didn’t believe Robert was like that.
“Of course I’ll go see him. I’ll leave right now.”
“Thank you, honey. If you need me, please call.”
“Okay, I will.” He was about to hang up, then realized he needed something said. “Rachel?”
“Yes?”
“Thank you for… I don’t know. Accepting me? Trusting me with Robert? Just… thank you.”
“Oh, Galen. Haven’tyou figured it out yet? We’ve told you repeatedly, but maybe now you’re starting to listen. You’re a part of our family, whether you choose to be or not. Mark my words, one day you’ll be calling me and Dwight Mom and Dad. And know that on that day, we’ll be glad to call you son.”
Before he could say anything, she hung up. He stood staring at the phone for a good five minutes, unsure what justhappened. He shook it off, though, because Robert might need him. One Uber call later and he was ready to go.
AS BADas the shelter looked during the day, it was worse at night. People wandered up and down the streets, asking for change or cigarettes. But… the loathing Galen had once experienced wasn’t there. Instead there was an overwhelming sadness at their situation. How many peoplehad Primal put out of a job, and had any of them ended up here?
He pulled open the door and stepped inside.
A young man rushed toward him. “Hi, can I help you?”
“I’m looking for Robert Kotke.”
The kid bit his lip and glanced over his shoulder toward the office. “He’s not available right now.”
“Thanks, but I think he’ll want to see me.”
Galen stepped through the swinging door and strode towardthe office, ignoring the pleas for him not to go in. He pushed open the door, taking a minute to let his eyes adjust to the dim light. When they did, he discovered Robert sat, slumped over the desk, snoring. The smell of booze permeated the air. Galen understood why the boy at the front didn’t want him coming in. No one should see Robert in this state.
“Sir, you have to leave.”
Galen turnedand found the boy, fear etched on his face. “It’s okay. Robert’s expecting me.”
“But—”
“What’s your name?”
The kid peeked into the office, then turned his attention back to Galen. “Brady.”
“Well, Brady, I wanted to say thank you. I appreciate you protecting Robert until I got here, but I’m going to ask you to trust that I’m here to help him, okay?”
“But—”
“It’s okay, Brady. He’s a friend.”The words were slurred, but they were a balm to Galen’s heart. He turned around and found Robert doing his best to stand, but he kept sliding into the chair.
“Why don’t you go ahead and do what you were working on? I’ll take care of Robert now.” He paused. “And Brady? If you need help, give Noel a call at the Park View diner. He’ll come down, I’m sure.”
One terse nod and Brady headed back tothe desk.
Robert had given up the idea of standing and now sat slumped in the chair, his chin resting on his chest. Galen stepped over to the desk and found the mostly empty bottle of Korbel.
“Oh God… If you’re going to drink, at least make it something that’s not going to rot your insides.” Galen picked up the bottle and moved it onto the filing cabinet, then turned his attention back to Robert.He knelt down beside the chair and put a hand on Robert’s chest. “Hey, wake up.”
The snores told him that wasn’t likely.
