What took you so long challenge?
by dcat
My answer to the Yahoo Group challenge….hope you enjoy it!
OOOOO
"What took you so long," McCormick whispered in a low tone.
Hardcastle barely heard him, but managed to reply, "I couldn't just up and leave the party like you did, kiddo." Milt watched him closely and thought he could almost see the corners of his lips turn up in an effort to smile. He could see he was in bad shape.
McCormick attempted to lift his own head off the cold ground when a jagged breath caught in his throat and as much as he wanted to continue to banter with the Judge, he was just too weak to even carry on a short conversation or to make any kind of movement.
"Just stay put, real help is on the way," the Judge said, taking his hand into his own and offering something for the kid to hold onto.
McCormick closed his eyes and his body trembled from the dampness all around him. Hardcastle shifted around to move behind him and take him into his own arms in an effort to provide warmth, all the while continuing to hold firm with his right hand. He carefully rested Mark's head against his chest. "You're gonna be all right now, just rest easy."
"Thanks Kemosabe," he said in the same tired voice, "real help is here."