Collision IV
Part 4
“... a couple of weeks later, Uncle Bill showed up, and I ended up here.” Dan paused. “And that’s about it.”
Silence again. It was broken when Madeleine Wheeler turned to her husband and calmly ordered, “Matthew, call in our lawyers and get out your cheque book. I will not allow this injustice to continue for one minute longer!”
“We’ll need an action plan,” Matthew agreed. “I think going after Kawolski first for the attempted rape, and then for child abuse and fraud. Andrew?”
“I know the police took Tessa’s statement regarding the assault,” Andrew told him. “But I didn’t press it. I was too focused on getting her home and settled.”
“I don’t know what the statute of limitations is,” Ed Lynch piped up, “but I’m sure it’s more than two years.”
Maypenny interjected, “The surgeon who worked on Daniel’s leg mentioned evidence of abuse, didn’t he Matthew?”
Tessa leaned back into the cushions, and rested her head against Dan’s chest as the adults began discussing how to best go about handling the situation. Emotionally exhausted, she closed her eyes and listened to the rhythmic beating of Dan’s heart until she drifted off to sleep.
Dan felt Tessa relax against him, and he shifted his position until his head was resting on the back of the small sofa. The adults were busy with their discussion, completely ignoring the two individuals at the center of the controversy. Dan caught Jim’s eye, and jerked his head slightly. Jim nodded, and with a couple of gestures and some soft prodding, led the rest of the Bob-Whites into the main house. No one noticed them leave. Dan moved his arm, wrapping it tightly around Tessa, and closed his eyes. It had been a very long day.
“... I can ask Judge Armen to look into it,” Regan said hoarsely, “and Allie…uh…Ms. Pasquale, the social worker. She always said she had questions about the whole investigation, but I won’t be able to get hold of either of them until Monday.”
“We can’t do anything until tomorrow, at the earliest,” Helen Belden interjected, as she joined the discussion. “Why don’t we all go home and sleep on it. Look.” She gestured toward the sofa, where both Tessa and Dan slept, snuggled together like kittens. “I don’t think either one of them is up for this right now.”
“Oh, my.” Madeleine placed her hand over her mouth. “I forgot all about them, poor babies. They must be exhausted, reliving all of that. I know I am, just listening to it.”
Matthew took his wife’s hands, squeezing them gently. “Wes is going to be devastated,” he told her.
“I know,” she replied. “He already blames himself for losing her.” Madeleine turned her attention to Regan and Maypenny. “Regan,” she asked, “would you mind terribly driving Thomas and Dan home? We could send for Tom, but it is rather late.”
Regan nodded his assent, casting a sad look toward his nephew. Maypenny moved to the love seat and gently placed his hand on Dan’s shoulder. “Daniel,” he called softly. “Wake up, son. It’s time to go home.”
Dan’s eyes shot open, and he gazed blearily at his father. Looking down at Tessa, he said, “I don’t want to wake her.”
“I’ll take care of her, Dan,” Andrew Belden said, gently scooping up his niece. “She’s out.” Tessa made a soft sound and turned her face into her uncle’s shoulder. “I don’t think an air raid siren would wake her, right now.” Andrew looked at Madeleine. “I’ll just take her upstairs.”
“I’m sure Celia turned down the bed before she went home,” Madeleine told him. “I suspect that the rest of the children are in the recreation room. Shall I ask Miss Trask to fetch them?” Madeleine did not wait for an answer, she simply glided into the house, followed by Andrew.
Dan struggled to his feet, trying to ignore the ache in his leg. Without Tessa’s warmth pressed against him, he felt chilled, not to mention a trifle embarrassed at falling asleep while his future was being discussed. Thomas Maypenny wrapped his arm around the boy, steadying him, as Peter Belden handed Dan his crutches.
“I wanted to thank you, Dan,” Peter said quietly. “You’ve done a lot of rescuing for our family since you came to Sleepyside. Now we know what you did for us even before that. Thank you, very much.” Peter moved quickly, thoroughly startling Dan with a strong hug. “We’re all going to make sure that this turns out well for you. You have my word.”
Dan tried not to stiffen in Mr. Belden’s embrace, for he was very tired, and didn’t quite know how to respond. “Uhm. Thank you?” he managed to say. It was apparently enough, as Peter released him and stepped away.
Helen Belden took her husband’s place. “You look exhausted, Dan. This has been a long day for you, hasn’t it?” Dan simply nodded. “Go home, to your own bed, in your own house. Things will be clearer in the morning.” Helen kissed him on the cheek, and left him to Maypenny and Regan.
