Dead Ends Read Online Free PDF Page B

under a blanket on the sofa and snooze.
    â€œI’m sorry,” said Gabriel, when the slide show ended. “I don’t think any of these people are them.” She wiped her eyes again, barely controlling her tears as she had during the entire process. Jack knew that her grief over Father Brown was genuine and her inability to help added to her grief.
    â€œThe men who were in my basement looked nice,” sniffled Gabriel. “They didn’t look dirty or have long hair and beards like most of the people in these pictures.”
    Jack nodded that he understood.
    Gabriel leaned back in her chair, extending her arms by her side, and said, “I still don’t understand. Father Brown was a beautiful person. He would read bedtime stories to Faith, help Noah with his homework. Babysit.… He went out of his way to help complete strangers. He didn’t have money … so why? Why would anyone commit such an ungodly act?”
    â€œWe’ll do our best to find out who did it and why,” replied Jack.
    â€œMaybe it wasn’t the people downstairs. Maybe it was one of those drunken men who keep coming to my yard. Some use very bad language and —”
    â€œEverything has been cleaned out of the basement,” said Jack. “Also the door was locked and Father Brown is inside.”
    Gabriel stared blankly at Jack. When her mind accepted his reasoning, she focused on another matter. “There’s blood out on the lawn and the house. I’ll need to clean it,” she said, placing her elbows on the table and covering her face with her hands.
    â€œTry not to think about that,” said Jack, feeling lame. How can she not think of it? “You’re going to need some emotional support. I’ll put you in touch with Victim Services. They will help you. Is there a place … relatives, somewhere you could stay for a few days?”
    â€œI have a sister in North Van. She has a house … but she’s married … children. I don’t want to impose …”
    â€œUnder the circumstances you should stay with her. You’re still in shock. It’s difficult to think clearly. You need to do what is best for you and your children.”
    Gabriel didn’t respond. The silence was broken when Noah and Faith came in and Faith tugged on Gabriel’s sleeve. “Mommy, my throat hurts,” she whined, before coughing.
    Gabriel lifted her onto her lap and looked at Jack and said, “She had the mumps vaccination last week and has a bit of a lump on her neck. Likely a small reaction.”
    Jack caught the look on Laura’s face. He knew her concern was the same as his. She said, “Jack, why don’t you call Natasha and ask her if that type of reaction is normal?”
    â€œNatasha?” asked Gabriel.
    â€œMy wife is a doctor,” explained Jack, getting up from his chair. He walked into the living room and called Natasha on his BlackBerry. He knew the reaction wasn’t normal, but hoped he was wrong. Natasha confirmed that he wasn’t.
    â€œCan I look at the pictures?” asked Noah as soon as Jack returned to the kitchen.
    â€œSure,” replied Jack. “Push this button each time you want to advance.”
    â€œI know how to use a computer,” said Noah. “Are all these really bad guys?”
    â€œSome are and some might be their friends,” replied Jack.
    â€œBut if you’re friends of a bad guy then aren’t you a bad guy, too?” asked Noah.
    â€œYou don’t always know who the bad guys are,” replied Jack, glancing at Faith curled up on Gabriel’s lap.
    Gabriel stroked Faith’s hair with her hand and asked, “Were you able to talk with your wife? What did she say?”
    â€œUm … she said that type of reaction is not normal and that you should have her checked out right away. It could be a lot of things.”
    â€œLike what?” asked Gabriel, her face