Fire and Rain Read Online Free Page B

backseat. “Can’t have you breaking the law, Officer,” Donald teased. He stood back as Jos got Isaac strapped in and then got in next to him.
    “I appreciate your help,” Kip said.
    “I’ll see you in the morning,” Donald called, and Kip waved before closing his door and pulling away from the curb.
    He was dog-tired and glad he only had to go to the other side of town. The five-minute drive took most of the energy he had left. Kip parked in front of his house, and Jos got out, gathering Isaac into his arms.
    “Is this where you live?” Jos asked.
    “Yes. It was my mother’s dream house,” Kip said, watching Jos stand on the sidewalk, looking up at the large house in front of him.
    “I like the porch. I bet it’s nice on summer nights. I remember—” Jos stopped cold and shifted Isaac onto his other shoulder, stepping out of the way. Kip locked his car and walked to the front door, then let them in. He turned on the hall lights, but not the ones to the other rooms. Kip intended to get them all up to bed, so he made a direct line to the stairs.
    “I’ll put both of you in the guest room. I’m assuming Isaac is going to be most comfortable sleeping with you.” Kip opened the first door at the top of the stairs and turned on the light. “Get yourselves comfortable.” He set the bag on the bed. “There are pajamas for Isaac and some fresh clothes for him to have in the morning.”
    “Can I take a shower?” Jos asked longingly.
    “Sure. I’ll get you something to sleep in. The bathroom’s right there.” Kip opened a door across the hall and got out some towels for Jos. Then he went to his room and found a comfortable T-shirt and some light sweats. They’d be too big, but it was something clean for Jos to wear. “I can throw your clothes in the washer if you want. Just give them to me when you’re done, and I’ll put them in before I go to bed.”
    Kip left Jos alone and heard him gently singing to Isaac. Kip went to his room and changed into comfortable clothes. When he returned, Isaac was already in bed, nearly asleep. Jos looked like the walking dead as he shuffled into the bathroom and closed the door. Kip knocked and handed Jos the clean clothes when he cracked the door. Then he left him alone to clean up.
    Kip purposely had Jos use that bathroom. There was nothing in there but the basic things for guests. He didn’t know him that well and hadn’t wanted him to use the other bath, where he kept his various medications. He hoped Jos wasn’t using drugs, but he didn’t want to provide any temptation.
    When Jos was done showering quite a while later, he looked a little revived and smelled a hell of a lot better. Kip took his clothes and carried them all the way to the basement, started the machine, and put in the clothes. He also made a note to remember to see to it that Jos had something to wear for the morning. The clothes he was washing didn’t seem as though they’d hold up much longer. When he climbed the stairs, Kip found the guest room door closed and the bathroom door open, towels hung to dry, and the sink and tub clean. Jos was neat—Kip had to give him that.
    Kip went to his room and got ready for bed. He climbed between his crisp, clean sheets and realized just how much he took for granted. He didn’t want to think about the last time Jos and Isaac slept in a clean bed. Yet he hated it when his sheets were scratchy. Kip rolled onto his side and tried to go to sleep, but he ended up listening to the sounds of the house. Of course he knew he was listening for Jos and Isaac, but they were quiet.
    He fell asleep but woke with a start in the middle of the night. Something wasn’t right, but he couldn’t put his finger on what it was. He stilled and listened, and a soft rustling reached his ears.
    Kip got up and left his room. The door to the guest room was closed, and the sound came from there. Kip stepped to the door and stood still. Whimpering—he was hearing soft whimpers. He