What Follows After: A Novel Read Online Free PDF Page A

riding through their town.”
    Gina wanted to believe what she was hearing, but it was so out of character for the boys to do something like this. She could almost imagine Colt being talked into it, egged on by his friends. But she could never see him taking his little brother Timmy along on such a scheme. “But aren’t all the military vehicles across the river, on US-1?” she asked.
    “Mostly, yes.”
    “Have you seen any of them over here on the beachside, driving down A1A?”
    “I haven’t,” Mrs. Johnson said. “Think it’s too far for the boys to walk?”
    “Kind of,” Gina said. “Maybe not for Colt, but definitely for Timmy.”
    “I’m pretty sure the two boys who played hooky this morning rode their bikes to school.”
    Just then the office door opened, and Miss Jenkins walked in. She was young and attractive, her hair in a bouffant just like Jackie Kennedy’s. Gina thought she must be in her early twenties. Looking at Gina, Miss Jenkins said, “I’m so sorry, Mrs. Harrison. I’ve been worried sick ever since I heard. Any news?”
    “Nothing yet. But I’m wondering if you can help me.”
    “Anything.”
    “Can you think of any friends Timmy has made in class so far this year? Maybe some boys we don’t know? The only friends we know all live in our neighborhood.”
    “As you know, Timmy’s awfully shy. Occasionally I do see him playing at recess with the boy who sits in front of him. His name is Roy. But I don’t believe Timmy could be with Roy. I always stand out by the school busses and watch my kids get on. I saw Roy get on his bus this afternoon, by himself.”
    “There’s no one else that Timmy talks to or plays with?”
    “There might be a few others,” Miss Jenkins said. “But none that I would call a good friend.”
    Disappointing news, though Gina didn’t put much stock in this solution. There was still a sliver of hope in talking with Colt’s teacher, but she had doubts about that too. She just couldn’t see Colt bringing his brother along on such an adventure. What was she saying? She couldn’t see him doing anything other than waiting there by the flagpole with Timmy like he always did.
    Whatever had happened was totally out of character and totally unexpected . . . for both of them.

7

    “Timmy,” Colt said, “put the comic book down and eat your pie. It cost me twelve cents.”
    “I don’t like it,” Timmy said. “The crust is too dry. Mom’s is way better.”
    “Mom’s pie isn’t here. You ordered it, you eat it. That’s all you’re going to get till we get to Uncle Mike’s house.” Timmy ignored his older brother. “Okay, I’ll tell you what, you give me that comic book, and you don’t have to eat the pie.”
    That got his attention. “What? No, that isn’t fair. This comic book for an old piece of pie?”
    “’Course it’s fair. They both cost twelve cents. If you’re not gonna eat the pie, you owe me twelve cents. You got twelve cents?” Timmy shook his head no. “Then I’ll take the comic book. Or . . . you can eat the pie and keep it.”
    “I’ll eat the pie.” Timmy huffed and set his comic book on the seat beside him, then picked up his fork and started poking at the pie. The fingers of his other hand started thrumming to the beat of “Do You Love Me” playing on the radio.
    Timmy loved comic books, even more than toys. And he loved this Spiderman one the most. Some brand-new superhero that justcame out a couple weeks ago. He must’ve read it a dozen times already. Colt had read it once. It was okay, but he was more into baseball than comic books. But he had to bring it on this trip; it was the only way Timmy would come. Colt told him to pack light, so he could only pick two. He picked Spiderman and another fairly new one called the Hulk. Some great big green guy who goes around breaking stuff.
    Colt had already finished his grilled cheese sandwich, which also cost twelve cents. He could’ve splurged and bought them both