Blood Bath

Chapter 25

After driving home, Colton called Lacie and asked if she was still enjoying her new part-time job at the hospital.

"You know I am. I keep telling you how much I love helping the nurses and patients. Mom told me I have the touch," she added.

"Your mom is right."

"Thank you," Lacie responded. "Now tell me what Mr. Doyle thinks of Jenny's diary."

"He agrees there must be another person who abused Jenny. He wants us to ask around school about Jenny's past boyfriends." Hoping Lacie would volunteer to help him, he said, "You're good at getting people to share and you know more girls at school than I do."

"Yes. I'll help you. I should make you beg more, but you have a route to do tonight."

Colton felt relief when she accepted. "Thank you. Hopefully, we'll find someone who knows something."

"I hope we do too. I was wondering, do you think it would be smart to say we're planning a memorial for the school yearbook? That would give us an excuse for asking questions."

"Great idea. You're so smart."

"Yes, I know. I'll see you in the morning. Love ya!" Lacie said.

Before dinner Colton asked Stephenie about Jenny's diary. "Did she say anything when you gave it back?"

"No, she acted strange."

"What do you mean?" asked Colton.

"She's been in a bad mood. You know, sad about her sister dying. But today something else was bothering her. When I asked her, she told me to keep my nose out of her business."

"Then don't bother her. There may be trouble at home or something."

Colton's mom called everyone in for dinner. The conversation around the table included plans for Thanksgiving next Thursday and Christmas.

Terry and Jason listed the hundreds of things they needed for Christmas presents. Stephenie asked for a new telephone.

"I want one that isn't someone's old phone. It doesn't have to be expensive. Just new," she said.

"Colton, what do you need?" asked his dad.

Colton laughed. The past several years Christmas was lean. With his dad being laid off and the bills piling up, there were few gifts around the tree.

"I'm just thankful for what I have. Family, friends, and my Jeep. You've given me enough this year."

"That's nice, Colton," replied his dad. "I'll give your gifts to the kids down the road."

Terry jumped up and yelled, "No, give his gifts to us. Mom, tell Dad we need Colton's gifts."

"Terry, we need to talk about what Christmas is about. It's not about you getting all the gifts."

"I'm sorry Mom."

While his brothers and sister learned the true meaning of Christmas, Colton excused himself and went to bed. Sitting at his computer he checked the audiobooks on his phone and selected a new Baldacci novel. Lacie had convinced him to listen to the Evanovich series with Stephanie Plum, but Colton was looking for more.

I need some hard action, he thought. and John Palmer fits the bill.

Colton downloaded two novels, No Man's Land and Hour Game. He put his phone on the charger and was now ready for another night of deliveries, only a few dreams away.

There was a light snow falling when Colton reached Pigeon. After talking to the other two drivers about the robbery on The Point, he headed out. The new novel seemed to shorten the time he spent delivering papers and before he knew it, the sun was out and he was sitting in the Jeep, parked in the school lot.