The Right Call Read Online Free PDF Page A

out the person who discovered the body.”
    “Well, they did. I just want to go to my folks’ house and take a shower and get Tal’s blood off me.”
    “I’d give anything for you to come to Uncle Ralph and Aunt Gwen’s with me.”
    Drew shot him a puzzled look. “Why would I want to do that?”
    “Because they’re family.”
    “To you. Not to me. I don’t even know them.”
    “Drew, maybe this is the opportune time to put your dad’s feud behind you and take the first step forward. He couldn’t blame you for reaching out to Uncle Ralph under these circumstances.”
    “The last place I want to be is between Dad and Uncle Ralph.” Drew walked faster and broke free of Ethan’s arm. “I just want to go home.”
    “I wish you’d reconsider.”
    “I can’t. Come on, Ethan. You know how it is. I’m not going to cross that line. I can’t believe you’d even ask me to.”
    “All right”—Ethan took Drew by the arm and slowed his pace—“but I don’t think you should stay by yourself until you’ve had time to absorb all this.”
    “I’ll be fine.”
    “How about if I camp out at your folks’ place—just until I’m sure you’re okay?”
    “You don’t have to do that.”
    “I want to.”
    Drew glanced over at him, his eyes pooling, his nose red. “Okay. I really don’t want to be by myself.”
    “I should probably swing by Uncle Ralph’s and get some clothes.”
    “You can wear something of mine. Please, can we just go?” A tear trickled down Drew’s face, and he whisked it away.
    “Sure. My car’s parked right over there.” Ethan tried not to react to his cousin’s show of emotion but figured he was about to lose it.

    Ethan sat at the kitchen table at Drew’s house and waited until he heard the shower go on upstairs, then picked up his cell phone and dialed his parents’ number.
    “Ethan!” Tom Langley said. “Your mother and I have been beside ourselves waiting for you to call back. I’ve got you on speakerphone. How’s Drew?”
    “He’s pretty shaken up. I’m with him now at hishouse. I’ve decided to stay over here instead of Uncle Ralph’s—until I’m sure he’s okay.”
    “Why don’t you come stay with us?”
    “We’re too tired to drive to Maryville tonight. And Drew’s not going to want to leave here.”
    “Has he talked to his parents?” Lisa Langley asked.
    Ethan sighed. “No. He’s adamant that he’s not going to spoil their anniversary cruise since there’s really nothing they can do.”
    “Then your mother and I will come stay with him.”
    “Dad, I’m with him. Let’s see how he is tomorrow.”
    “You sure you’re all right?” Lisa asked.
    “We need to let the dust settle. But I think we’re okay.”
    A long moment of dead air passed, and Ethan could hear his parents whispering on the other end of the line.
    Finally Tom said, “How did Ralph and Gwen react?”
    “They’re sick about what happened, but Ralph’s not going to reach out—not that Drew wants him to.”
    “All right, son. Get some rest. Tell Drew we’re praying for him. We’ll see you this weekend.”

    Ethan caught the scent of deodorant soap and looked up just as Drew walked into the kitchen barefoot, dressed in a pair of denim cutoffs and white T-shirt, his hair still wet.
    Drew did a double take when he saw Vanessa standing at the stove.
    “I’m going to make you some herbal tea.” She took the teapot off the burner. “It’ll relax you.”
    “I didn’t know you were coming over.” Drew pulled back a chair and sat at the table. “I’m not very good company right now.”
    “I don’t expect you to be. I just wanted to do something to help while Carter’s asleep. I brought you cold fried chicken, macaroni salad, rolls, and chocolate-chip cookies—just in case you get hungry.”
    “Thanks.” Drew tapped his fingers on the table and seemed to stare at nothing.
    “I’m so sorry about Tal,” Vanessa said finally. “I can’t imagine how hard it