Chapter 66

Chris let out a deep breath. He opened the soda bottle, took a drink, then placed it on the small table between James’s bed and a green vinyl chair before he sat down. It didn’t matter that the chair was uncomfortable, he wouldn’t be able to sleep anyhow. Even with a guard outside, he would be awake all night watching over James and Valerie.

He sat up and rested his head in his hands, taking several deep breaths as the image of James falling against the wall flooded his mind. Fear engulfed his heart as he remembered the killer’s gun aimed at James. He shuddered. James was all right, but what if Chris couldn’t have saved him?

“Chris?”

He looked up at Ron, who stood in the doorway, his brow furrowed.

“You okay?” Ron stepped closer to him.

Chris stood. “Today was too much.”

“It’s okay now,” Ron said with a smile. “Don’t worry.” Ron pulled Chris into a hug.

Chris leaned against him as Ron tightened his hold.

“It’s okay,” Ron whispered as he rubbed Chris’s back.