238 The Avalanche is Coming

"Go home now. You look worse than I do," growled Michael Moore once again, who had already regained consciousness several hours ago and in that time had managed to argue with Kevin probably five times. Always about the same thing.

"But I feel fine. How many times do I have to tell you that they only wanted to scare you and not seriously hurt me?"

"But..."

"Let me stay a little longer. I'm not ashamed to admit that I need my father right now."

Michael grunted in embarrassment. A strong man should not show his feelings or his weaknesses so easily.

"Just a few minutes... I think someone needs you more than I do right now."

Jack, standing in his corner, moved restlessly under the elder Moore's gaze. Did Michael notice that Jack almost never took his longing, concerned gaze off his son?

"Well, after all, I won't be with you all night," announced Kevin boldly, "and with him I will."