An Unquiet Grave

CHAPTER 49

He looked out the wet windows. The American Airlines jet was sitting in the cold rain. The waiting area was crowded with snowbirds, college students, and irritable children off to their first trip to Disney World.

“Looks like you’re finally boarding,” Phillip said.

Louis checked his watch. “I should be home by four.”

Phillip nodded, drawing a tired breath, his gaze moving to the tarmac and an incoming flight. Louis watched him, seeing the same pensive look that had been there since the drive back from Saugatuck yesterday. Phillip wasn’t sad so much as solemn, like he realized one door had closed but another was standing open. The old resoluteness was there in his eyes, too. At least now Phillip knew. And Louis could see that he was going to deal with it.

Frances. .

Louis didn’t know about her. There had been no time to really talk. He would write her when he got home.

There had not been much time to talk to Phillip, either. But now he had time, if only ten minutes.

Your move, Louis.

“Phil,” Louis said, “I owe you an apology.”

Phillip turned to him.

“I was wrong.”

“About what?”

“That night in the kitchen. I was having trouble dealing with things,” Louis said. “It was getting to me and I took it out on you.”

“I didn’t see what it was doing to you,” Phillip said.

The final boarding call came for his flight.

“I need. .” Louis began.

Phillip waited.

“I never told you,” Louis said. “I never thanked you.”

“For what?”

Louis shook his head slowly. “Everything.”

The ticket agent was looking at them. Louis picked up his duffel bag and faced Phillip. Before he could say anything, Phillip pulled him close and held him.

“I love you, son.”

“I know.”