Deep Shadows Read Online Free Page B

Abney. Patrick and Bianca were discussing what they’d learned back at the store.
    Max caught her eye and said, “Carter is going to be fine.”
    â€œI know he will.”
    â€œBut you’re worried.”
    â€œYes. Of course I am. That’s what a mother does. We’re bred to worry.”
    â€œHe hasn’t had… any episodes in a long time.”
    â€œI know that.”
    â€œHe’s a man now.”
    â€œDo you think so?”
    â€œI do. He’ll be going off to college in a few months—”
    â€œNot now.” The realization tore at her heart. “Not now he won’t.”
    â€œWe don’t know that. Regardless, he will handle his condition. He’s a smart guy.”
    She was about to argue with him—to point out that insulin was going to be a problem. And balanced meals? Well, that might very well be a thing of the past. But before she could raise her objections, he was braking and pulling over to the side of the road. To their left a sedan had plowed through a fence and was resting against a pecan tree.
    â€œThis isn’t a good idea, Max,” Patrick said.
    â€œSo what, we just leave them here? Somebody could be hurt.”
    Max was out of the car without another word, hurrying toward the driver who had creaked open the door and was tumbling out of the car.
    Shelby hesitated. She wanted to be in Abney. She needed to hurry this up. Patrick had gotten out of the truck and followed Max, though she couldn’t see him from where she sat. She glanced back at Bianca. “Should we go with them?”
    â€œWe might be able to help.”
    They picked their way across the field, a disorienting maze of darkness and light. She could just hear Max calling out to the driver, “Do you folks need some help?”
    â€œWe do. I must have taken my eyes off the road for a minute. My friend, I think he’s hurt.” The man was in his twenties, with longish brown hair.
    Max followed him around to the passenger side of the car, and Shelby noticed the driver step back as Max opened the door.
    â€œHands up, and I’m going to need your wallet.” The driver had pulled a handgun and was pointing it at Max.
    Bianca jerked on Shelby’s arm, pulling her to the ground.
    â€œWe have to help him,” whispered Shelby.
    Instead of answering, Bianca nodded toward the east, where Patrick was stepping out from behind a tree. He moved without hesitation and was behind the kid in seconds, his own pistol drawn and pointed at the punk’s head.
    â€œDrop it.”
    Even from where they lay, she could hear the calm, cold certainty in Patrick’s voice.
    The thief—because that was what this was all about, Shelby realized with stunning clarity—dropped his pistol. Patrick kicked it away, and Max scrambled after it.
    When Shelby glanced back at the supposed wreck, the driver and the passenger stood with their backs against the car.
    â€œYou crashed your car? So you could rob me?” Max held the man’s gun down at his side.
    The passenger, who was even younger than the driver, shrugged.
    â€œYou need to start talking,” Patrick barked. He still hadn’t lowered his weapon.
    â€œCan’t think straight with that pointed at me.”
    â€œWell, you should have considered that before you started down this path. Now talk.”
    â€œWe weren’t going to hurt anyone. Just needed a little more cash, what with this… this thing happening.”
    â€œSo you wrecked your own car?”
    â€œIt isn’t really wrecked. We drove it through the fence so someone would think we’d crashed. Obviously it worked.” The kid sounded almost proud of himself.
    Max removed a clip from the semiautomatic. From where they were lying on the ground, Shelby could see Patrick shift his gun to his left hand and hold out his right. He deposited the thief’s gun and clip into his pocket.
    â€œYou can’t keep