“I do know, Aggie. Right then is when the two of us should have popped him good. Why didn’t we?”

“Because you were protecting me, and you knew he would make it worse on both Cady and me if I didn’t do what he said. She had a miserable life with us. I did what I could, but I could never take your place. I used to hear her pray at night asking God to let you come and get her. She absolutely refused to accept that garbage Asa spouted as his faith. More often than not she was punished seven days a week. She didn’t buckle, though.”

“What happened to all the money I sent, Aggie?”

Agnes Jordan flinched. She stared out the window, her eyes filling with tears. “He gave it all away. He called it prostitution money. It made him feel good to hand out money. He didn’t care if we ate peanut butter and jelly or macaroni and cheese seven days a week. It was the same with all those wonderful gifts you sent Cady. He gave those away, too. All she was allowed to keep was her bike. And books from the library. I wouldn’t blame you for a minute if you hate me.”

“I don’t hate you, Agnes, I never did. I understood. I think you paid your dues, and it’s time for you to live again just the way Cady is learning to live again. We’re going to make this all come out right. You have to do your part, Aggie, and it isn’t going to be easy.”

“I know that.”

Cady entered the kitchen and looked from one to the other. “I called the hospital in Pittsburgh. Amy is listed as critical. They said she took a turn for the worse. Her husband is with her. I feel so bad,” she said, tears springing to her eyes. “If there was something I could do, I’d do it in a minute. There was a time when I thought she was my best friend. I called Boomer, and the desk sergeant said he went to Pittsburgh. I called Pete’s office, and Andy’s, too, but both their secretaries said they also went to Pittsburgh. I’m assuming they went to the hospital. They all went but me. Why didn’t they call and tell me? I would have gone with them.”

No one had an answer for her. “What should I do? Am I just supposed to sit here and wait to hear or what?” Again, there were no answers from those sitting around the table. Her voice as well as her stance turned stubborn. “So much for friends and feeling wanted. I’m ready to go to the pond. We need to make two stops. I want to stop by the Drop Zone to pay my bill from last night and I need to get the life preserver. Are you coming, Mom?”

“Only if you want me to come.”

“The more the merrier. Okay, gang, let’s rumble.”