HAPPY BIRTHDAY KEITH PARTRIDGE, PART 5
The morning light drifting in and Lamar shaking her woke Ta-mara. She found herself on her bed, still in yesterday's clothes.
"Come on, 'Mara, time to get up."
She tried to shake off the sleepiness, then she remembered Keith. The last thing she remembered before falling asleep was placing a cool wet rag on his forehead.
She sat up. "How is he?"
"Still out. Come on. Better get ready for school."
She stared at Lamar. "You're going to school? What about him?"
"He'll sleep all day. Come on, or we'll be late."
Ta-mara scrambled out of the bed, following her brother into the living room. She stopped to look at Keith there on the couch. He was still feverish and sweating profusely and Ta-mara felt his cheek with the back of her hand. "He's so hot…and really pale."
"Fever can be a good thing, 'Mara. It means he's fighting off infection. Now come on!"
She shook her head. "I'd best stay with him. What if he falls off the couch or something? Or he could wake up and panic, not knowing where he is."
Lamar looked amused. "He's gonna panic whether we're here or not. We have to go to school, 'Mara. We promised Mama. Besides, I can't call you in sick. They have to talk to an adult."
"Well, how about getting Miz Sanders to do it? You could tell her I've come down with the flu."
"Uh huh, and suppose she wants to check you out? She'll see him here."
Defeated for the moment, Ta-mara looked sadly over at Keith. Then she brightened. "I know…we can move him onto Mama's bed and close the door. Then if she did come over, he'd be hidden."
This little girl was determined, Lamar thought. And stubborn. Just like him. "Okay," he said, after a thought. But you'd better fake it good. Miz Sanders is pretty smart. It'll be hard to fool her."
Ta-mara nodded, watching anxiously as Lamar lifted Keith from the couch.
%%%%%
Shirley stared at the coffee in the cup before her. She really didn't feel like drinking it; besides, it was cool now much to her distaste.
Reuben sat at the table across from her, not knowing what to say anymore. Really, how many times can you reassure a person when you were beginning to feel hopeless yourself? Looking at the clock, he saw the time was nearly 11:00 a.m. Keith had been missing for nearly twelve hours, now.
He had to say something. "Maybe he did get hurt. Not seriously, mind you," he said quickly to her look of horror. "But just enough to make him afraid to come home and tell you."
Shirley shook her head. "My children know that they can come to me anytime with any problem, Reuben. Do I look like some sort of monster?"
He smiled. "Hardly."
She was boiling now. "If he came home injured, I'd do what any mother would do. I'd fix him up, make sure he was all right…" she glanced at Reuben, knowing full well what was coming next. "Then I'd kill him."
The manager nodded. "That's what I thought."
Shirley smiled in spite of herself. "Oh, Reuben, this…not knowing! It's so frustrating!"
He reached over, patting her hand as Laurie poked her head in the door. "Mom, there's a police car and a big van outside."
"A van?" Shirley's heart leaped into her throat. The nightmare.
She and Reuben jumped up, hurrying for the door.
True to Laurie's word, a marked police car and a large white truck were parked at the curb, a uniformed policeman was heading their way, and two others sat in the cab of the truck.
"Mrs. Partridge, I'm Sergeant Fowler, San Pueblo Police Department." The officer offered his hand.
"Sergeant, this is my daughter, Laurie, and our manager, Reuben Kincaid."
The Sergeant nodded, shaking their hands as well. "Yes, Mr. Kincaid and I have spoken before."
"Do you have any word on Keith?" Laurie glanced uneasily at the van.
"As a matter of fact, we do." The Sergeant looked behind him. The two officers got out and went around to the back of the truck.
"Good news, I hope?" Shirley's voice was barely audible.
They watched as the truck doors were pulled open and Shirley half hoped that Keith would just step out of there, looking sorry for what he'd put them through.
It wasn't to be. The men climbed inside and pulled down a ramp. The officer, Shirley, Laurie and Reuben moved around to the back of the truck.
Shirley was almost mortified to see them unload Keith's motorcycle. "Sergeant?" she turned to him.
"We found it in the San Pueblo River."
His words hurt her ears. She wasn't hearing this!
"The…the river?" Laurie squeaked.
Reuben's stomach churned. Did he dare ask? "And Keith…?"
"We're dragging the river. We haven't found him, yet. I'm sorry."
Shirley cried out, sinking down. Reuben caught her just in time. "Come on, Shirley…let's go inside."
Shirley shook her head, squirming away from his hold. "No!" she screamed, her hands to her head. She fell to her knees, weeping, as Laurie, in shock herself, reached down, taking her mother by the shoulders.
"Mom, please…they haven't found him…it doesn't mean …it doesn't mean he's dead." The last word was a sob, and she dropped down beside her.
Reuben was feeling numb. He looked at the officer. "Will you let us know…if you - ?"
Sergeant Fowler nodded. "Of course." He paused. "I wish I had better news."
He moved back to his car as Reuben knelt beside the two women, his hands on their backs. "Please…let's go inside."
He managed to bring them both to their feet and they clung to one another, hysterical, as he walked them back to the house.
%%%%%
Ta-mara was beginning to feel just a little guilty. Here she had lied to Mrs. Sanders about being sick; and the neighbor had been trying to ply her with her special chicken soup all morning. Finally, Ta-mara had to just lock the door and pretend to be asleep every time the woman knocked. Still another lie! Mama would not be happy with her right now!
But, she tried to tell herself, it was all for a good cause. Keith could wake up any moment and she wanted to be there to ease his fears. Although were it her, waking up in a strange place with a stranger staring down at her, Ta-mara surmised that she'd be more than fearful. She'd be downright terrified! Perhaps Lamar was right; she should have just gone to school like she was supposed to. Then again, she would probably want to tell her friends of their find, and that could bring even more trouble! Especially if she told Jenny Lewis. That girl couldn't keep a secret to save her life!
It was like having the devil on one shoulder and an angel on the other, now. Ta-mara was feeling more and more confused. Sitting at Mama's battered old dressing table, she scowled at herself in the mirror. What have you gotten yourself (and Lamar) into, child?
Behind her, on the bed, Keith moaned and Ta-mara tensed, first looking at him in the mirror, then turning fully around.
He was on his back, a blanket tucked neatly around him, still sweating; still as pale as Casper the Ghost. He moaned again and Ta-mara got up, going to his side. Taking the wet rag from the bowl of water on the nightstand, she wrung it out and wiped off his face.
"It's okay, honey…are you awake? Can you hear me? Come on, open your eyes…" she spoke softly to him, not knowing whether or not he could hear her.
He made another sound, then was silent again, and Ta-mara sighed, continuing to try to cool him down.
She looked at the clock. It was eleven; Lamar and the kids would be on their lunch hour at school, now. She wondered what was being served. Let's see, it was Monday; probably chili. Just the thought of it made her hungry. She knew that the chicken soup that Mrs. Sanders had brought on her second trip down the hall was sitting on the stove. All Ta-mara had to do was heat it up. It wouldn't take five minutes. But now Keith was moaning. He'd been so quiet before. Suppose he woke up while she was in the kitchen?
Her tummy made a growling noise and Ta-mara realized she had to give in. Gently patting Keith's face, she spoke to him in a motherly tone. "You lie here and don't move. I'll be right back, okay?" She smoothed the blanket and hesitantly moved toward the door. Then she slipped out, making sure to close the door behind her.
%%%%%
It seemed that all hell was breaking loose in the Partridge house that horrible morning. The word had gotten out of Keith's 'demise' and reporters and friends were converging on the house, the phone was ringing off the hook and it was all up to Reuben to handle it. Shirley and Laurie had holed themselves upstairs, still trying to deal with the news, however premature it was, leaving the already harried manager to deal with the chaos ensuing downstairs.
After two hours of utter commotion, Reuben finally released a press statement, explaining that while the bike had been found in the river, Keith had not, nor did they expect to find him there. It just didn't make sense. The river was at least 20 miles away from the house, in the opposite direction of the taco stand, and all the witnesses had verified that Keith was indeed on his way home when he disappeared. And, Reuben continued, while the Family was grateful for the concern shown at this time, but they were not giving up hope of finding the young man alive, and should anyone have any more information, to please contact the San Pueblo Police Department.
It had all sounded a bit crass, but at the time, it was the best he could do. He still had Laurie and Shirley to deal with, not to mention 3 younger Partridges still unaware of the news.
So, he locked the doors, turned down the phone and holed himself up in the kitchen. It was a good thing he wasn't a drinking man, because he would be plastered by now.
He slumped into a chair at the table. Poor Shirley, he thought. What could be going through her mind? Sure, Keith was like a son to him; all the kids were like family, probably the only family he would ever have. But Keith was Shirley's; her pride and joy. What if she has lost him? Not to trivialize the situation, but what about the Partridge Family as a group? Keith was the anchor. There would be no Partridge Family without him. And where did that leave him, Reuben Kincaid, the manager?
The thoughts started churning and Reuben put his head in his hands, wanting to scream and knowing he couldn't because he was always the calm one in these situations. He had to remain stoical; distance himself from any emotion. For Shirley and the kids.
He heard himself sob. It took him by surprise, and he looked around the room as if expecting to see Danny there, playing a joke on him or something. No, he realized, he was crying. Reuben Kincaid was actually crying. To hell with being calm. He was only human, after all!
%%%%%
Ta-mara was falling asleep, nearly tumbling off of the chair she'd put next to Mama's bed. The action snapped her out of it and she went back to the book she'd been reading aloud to Keith, even though she knew he couldn't hear her. She'd always been a good reader, and it was her favorite past time. Since the Jackson's couldn't afford a television set, Mama had always encouraged her and Lamar to read. Ta-mara especially loved the classics, like The Wizard Of Oz, Kidnapped!, and the one she was reading now, Peter Pan.
She scanned the page to see where she had left off. It was about her twentieth time reading this book. She could practically tell the story. Her favorite character was Wendy; how she would love to be able to fly! And Wendy's crush on Peter Pan; but he was too silly to know it. Boys.
Just as she started to read, she happened to glance at Keith. His eyes were open; just looking at her.
Startled, she nearly dropped the book. "You…you're awake!"
He blinked.
She got up, setting the book aside. His eyes followed her, but she sensed he was only half-seeing. Putting her hand on his forehead, she winced, feeling the heat. "Your fever's worse. Can you talk, honey? Can you tell me your name?"
He just blinked again and she turned, taking the rag from the bowl of water. She wrung it out, leaving some moisture in it. She gently placed it on his forehead, pressing gently down on it, letting the water seep out and trickle down. He closed his eyes and she took the rag, wiping his face with it. His waking up was a good sign, she told herself. But why wasn't he talking? Was he too weak? He'd lost a lot of blood, being shot and all. She soaked the rag again and put it back on his forehead.
She looked at the clock. Still a couple of hours before Lamar would be coming home from school. Looking down at Keith, she noticed to her dismay that he was out again. Oh well, she thought, at least he wasn't in any pain this way.
%%%%%
Shirley was all cried out. Dried completely up. No more tears left to come. She looked over at Laurie, all curled up on the bed asleep, thanks to the over-the-counter sleeping pill Shirley had given her. At least one of them was resting. She pulled an afghan over her daughter, kissed her forehead and left the room. Perhaps Reuben had good news.
She made her way down the stairs to find their manager on the phone.
He noticed her approaching, and cut the conversation short. "Okay, we'll be right here in case you do. Right. Thanks."
He hung up. Shirley looked terrible, and his heart went out to her. "Are you all right, Shirley?"
She nodded wearily. "As good as I can be, under the circumstances." She said it with a heavy sigh. "Any news?"
"Well, they completed their search of the river and didn't find him. I didn't think they would. It just doesn't mesh."
"Then where is he?" Shirley dropped onto the couch next to him, still clutching tissues in her hand.
"I don't know. The police are scouring the area in case maybe he's lying helpless nearby. And I think we can rule out a kidnapping; we would have gotten a ransom note or call." Reuben shook his head. "I just don't…I just don't know, Shirley."
She put her head on his shoulder. He smiled sadly, slipping his arm around her.
"The press has been relentless, so I released a statement. I couldn't go into any details, but I thanked the public for their concern and asked them for any information. They're supposedly running it continuously throughout the day."
"Oh, Reuben, what would I ever do without you?"
He put his head back on the sofa, unable to reply. Darn this Family, anyway! How could he love them so much?
%%%%%
It had to be the fever. Keith was dreaming he was on the motorcycle, riding through a fire. The heat was severe; scorching. The flames licked at him from all sides, and the fire was never ending. It stretched out in front of him forever. He kept riding, riding, riding, listening to the crackling and smelling the choking smoke. Soon, the flames died, leaving a smoldering, blackened pathway in their wake. Yet, the heat remained.
He opened his eyes. Someone was hovering over him and he did his best to focus. The figure wasn't huge; but all he could see was a shadow. Why couldn't he define the image? His head hurt, pounding at his eyes. His left shoulder throbbed. And the heat!
The figure moved. He felt something cool on his forehead and heard a muffled voice. Was it speaking to him? He couldn't be sure. He couldn't make out any words. Where was he? Who was he?
The feeling frightened him. He couldn't remember his name! With a cry, he forced his head up off the pillow, still unable to see clearly around him.
Ta-mara swallowed, sensing Keith's fear. She put a comforting hand on his shoulder. "It's okay, sweetie…you're okay," she soothed. Looking at the clock, she frowned. Where was Lamar? School let out a good twenty minutes ago!
It was then that she heard the door open. She hoped he was alone, but she didn't dare chance leaving Keith's side to find out. "Lamar!"
He entered a few seconds later. "What?"
"He woke up, and he's…he's delirious. He's scared, Lamar, and really hot! I've been cooling him down with the washcloths, but it's not working!"
Lamar went to the bedside, putting a big hand on Keith's damp forehead. Frowning, he pulled the blanket away. Keith's shirt was soaking wet and sticking to his body. Lamar reached over, gently rolling Keith towards him. His shoulder beneath the torn shirt was red and oozing something sticky. Lamar swallowed. "Bullet wound's infected."
Ta-mara looked mortified. "Oh, no! What're we gonna do?"
Lamar bit his lower lip, trying to think. "I'm gonna go get Ricky Avila's sister. She helps out at the free clinic."
"Theresa? She's only nineteen!"
Lamar looked angry. "So, she won't tell anybody he's here. You want me to call an ambulance or something? How would we explain him, 'Mara? We could get in a lot of trouble!"
"What kind of trouble?"
"We're black, aren't we? They're automatically gonna think I shot him!" He shouted.
His words were like a slap in the face. He was right. A wounded white boy in this neighborhood…there wouldn't even be so much as a trial.
"Okay, but hurry. He's sick, Lamar!" Ta-mara pleaded as he hurried out.
%%%%%
From the looks on the two smallest Partridges' faces, Reuben could tell that the reality of Keith's disappearance hadn't quite hit home yet. Only Danny understood. His blue eyes misted over in spite of himself and he fought hard not to cry in front of everyone.
"But if they haven't found him, isn't that good news?" Danny swallowed, tasting the tears way back in his throat.
"Of course it is, honey, but the longer he's been gone…" Shirley's voice trailed off.
"Are you sure he wasn't in the river?" Laurie sat with her arms around Chris and Tracy.
"Positive. They called off the search. Only the bike was found." Reuben reiterated.
"Maybe he went to Disneyland," Tracy piped up. "Keith loves Disneyland."
Shirley reached over, putting her hand on her little daughter's head. "No, baby. He's not at Disneyland," she said shakily.
"Mom," Chris stared up at Shirley. "Suppose he never comes home?"
Shirley's eyes darted first to Reuben's face, then to Laurie's. What could she say? She was speechless.
Tracy sighed, scowling at him. "He's gotta come home. All his clothes are here!" Her voice reflected disdain.
Laurie closed her eyes, leaning down and putting her face in Tracy's red hair. "You're right, Tracy. He's got to come home."
"And he will soon. If we all say our prayers tonight, maybe tomorrow we'll hear some good news," Shirley added.
"I tried that last night," Danny muttered, his eyes cast to the floor. "And all they found was that stupid motorcycle!" He shouted, flopping onto the couch, his face as red and fiery as the mop surrounding it. He bitterly wiped his eyes with the back of his hand.
"You can't yell at God," Tracy glared at him.
"I can if I want to!" Danny snapped.
"Well, then, if Keith doesn't come home, it's all your fault, because God doesn't like to be yelled at!" Tracy broke into tears, turning and burying her head into Laurie's shoulder.
"Okay, enough, all of you. I realize that everyone's upset with the news about Keith, but we're not going to fight like this." Shirley looked (and felt!) ten years older than she was. "Why don't we get some take-out and watch a good musical on television?"
"Good idea." Laurie nodded. "It'll help take our minds off of Keith for a while. Will you be staying, Rueben?"
"That is the best invitation I have ever received," Reuben sighed.
continued...
The morning light drifting in and Lamar shaking her woke Ta-mara. She found herself on her bed, still in yesterday's clothes.
"Come on, 'Mara, time to get up."
She tried to shake off the sleepiness, then she remembered Keith. The last thing she remembered before falling asleep was placing a cool wet rag on his forehead.
She sat up. "How is he?"
"Still out. Come on. Better get ready for school."
She stared at Lamar. "You're going to school? What about him?"
"He'll sleep all day. Come on, or we'll be late."
Ta-mara scrambled out of the bed, following her brother into the living room. She stopped to look at Keith there on the couch. He was still feverish and sweating profusely and Ta-mara felt his cheek with the back of her hand. "He's so hot…and really pale."
"Fever can be a good thing, 'Mara. It means he's fighting off infection. Now come on!"
She shook her head. "I'd best stay with him. What if he falls off the couch or something? Or he could wake up and panic, not knowing where he is."
Lamar looked amused. "He's gonna panic whether we're here or not. We have to go to school, 'Mara. We promised Mama. Besides, I can't call you in sick. They have to talk to an adult."
"Well, how about getting Miz Sanders to do it? You could tell her I've come down with the flu."
"Uh huh, and suppose she wants to check you out? She'll see him here."
Defeated for the moment, Ta-mara looked sadly over at Keith. Then she brightened. "I know…we can move him onto Mama's bed and close the door. Then if she did come over, he'd be hidden."
This little girl was determined, Lamar thought. And stubborn. Just like him. "Okay," he said, after a thought. But you'd better fake it good. Miz Sanders is pretty smart. It'll be hard to fool her."
Ta-mara nodded, watching anxiously as Lamar lifted Keith from the couch.
%%%%%
Shirley stared at the coffee in the cup before her. She really didn't feel like drinking it; besides, it was cool now much to her distaste.
Reuben sat at the table across from her, not knowing what to say anymore. Really, how many times can you reassure a person when you were beginning to feel hopeless yourself? Looking at the clock, he saw the time was nearly 11:00 a.m. Keith had been missing for nearly twelve hours, now.
He had to say something. "Maybe he did get hurt. Not seriously, mind you," he said quickly to her look of horror. "But just enough to make him afraid to come home and tell you."
Shirley shook her head. "My children know that they can come to me anytime with any problem, Reuben. Do I look like some sort of monster?"
He smiled. "Hardly."
She was boiling now. "If he came home injured, I'd do what any mother would do. I'd fix him up, make sure he was all right…" she glanced at Reuben, knowing full well what was coming next. "Then I'd kill him."
The manager nodded. "That's what I thought."
Shirley smiled in spite of herself. "Oh, Reuben, this…not knowing! It's so frustrating!"
He reached over, patting her hand as Laurie poked her head in the door. "Mom, there's a police car and a big van outside."
"A van?" Shirley's heart leaped into her throat. The nightmare.
She and Reuben jumped up, hurrying for the door.
True to Laurie's word, a marked police car and a large white truck were parked at the curb, a uniformed policeman was heading their way, and two others sat in the cab of the truck.
"Mrs. Partridge, I'm Sergeant Fowler, San Pueblo Police Department." The officer offered his hand.
"Sergeant, this is my daughter, Laurie, and our manager, Reuben Kincaid."
The Sergeant nodded, shaking their hands as well. "Yes, Mr. Kincaid and I have spoken before."
"Do you have any word on Keith?" Laurie glanced uneasily at the van.
"As a matter of fact, we do." The Sergeant looked behind him. The two officers got out and went around to the back of the truck.
"Good news, I hope?" Shirley's voice was barely audible.
They watched as the truck doors were pulled open and Shirley half hoped that Keith would just step out of there, looking sorry for what he'd put them through.
It wasn't to be. The men climbed inside and pulled down a ramp. The officer, Shirley, Laurie and Reuben moved around to the back of the truck.
Shirley was almost mortified to see them unload Keith's motorcycle. "Sergeant?" she turned to him.
"We found it in the San Pueblo River."
His words hurt her ears. She wasn't hearing this!
"The…the river?" Laurie squeaked.
Reuben's stomach churned. Did he dare ask? "And Keith…?"
"We're dragging the river. We haven't found him, yet. I'm sorry."
Shirley cried out, sinking down. Reuben caught her just in time. "Come on, Shirley…let's go inside."
Shirley shook her head, squirming away from his hold. "No!" she screamed, her hands to her head. She fell to her knees, weeping, as Laurie, in shock herself, reached down, taking her mother by the shoulders.
"Mom, please…they haven't found him…it doesn't mean …it doesn't mean he's dead." The last word was a sob, and she dropped down beside her.
Reuben was feeling numb. He looked at the officer. "Will you let us know…if you - ?"
Sergeant Fowler nodded. "Of course." He paused. "I wish I had better news."
He moved back to his car as Reuben knelt beside the two women, his hands on their backs. "Please…let's go inside."
He managed to bring them both to their feet and they clung to one another, hysterical, as he walked them back to the house.
%%%%%
Ta-mara was beginning to feel just a little guilty. Here she had lied to Mrs. Sanders about being sick; and the neighbor had been trying to ply her with her special chicken soup all morning. Finally, Ta-mara had to just lock the door and pretend to be asleep every time the woman knocked. Still another lie! Mama would not be happy with her right now!
But, she tried to tell herself, it was all for a good cause. Keith could wake up any moment and she wanted to be there to ease his fears. Although were it her, waking up in a strange place with a stranger staring down at her, Ta-mara surmised that she'd be more than fearful. She'd be downright terrified! Perhaps Lamar was right; she should have just gone to school like she was supposed to. Then again, she would probably want to tell her friends of their find, and that could bring even more trouble! Especially if she told Jenny Lewis. That girl couldn't keep a secret to save her life!
It was like having the devil on one shoulder and an angel on the other, now. Ta-mara was feeling more and more confused. Sitting at Mama's battered old dressing table, she scowled at herself in the mirror. What have you gotten yourself (and Lamar) into, child?
Behind her, on the bed, Keith moaned and Ta-mara tensed, first looking at him in the mirror, then turning fully around.
He was on his back, a blanket tucked neatly around him, still sweating; still as pale as Casper the Ghost. He moaned again and Ta-mara got up, going to his side. Taking the wet rag from the bowl of water on the nightstand, she wrung it out and wiped off his face.
"It's okay, honey…are you awake? Can you hear me? Come on, open your eyes…" she spoke softly to him, not knowing whether or not he could hear her.
He made another sound, then was silent again, and Ta-mara sighed, continuing to try to cool him down.
She looked at the clock. It was eleven; Lamar and the kids would be on their lunch hour at school, now. She wondered what was being served. Let's see, it was Monday; probably chili. Just the thought of it made her hungry. She knew that the chicken soup that Mrs. Sanders had brought on her second trip down the hall was sitting on the stove. All Ta-mara had to do was heat it up. It wouldn't take five minutes. But now Keith was moaning. He'd been so quiet before. Suppose he woke up while she was in the kitchen?
Her tummy made a growling noise and Ta-mara realized she had to give in. Gently patting Keith's face, she spoke to him in a motherly tone. "You lie here and don't move. I'll be right back, okay?" She smoothed the blanket and hesitantly moved toward the door. Then she slipped out, making sure to close the door behind her.
%%%%%
It seemed that all hell was breaking loose in the Partridge house that horrible morning. The word had gotten out of Keith's 'demise' and reporters and friends were converging on the house, the phone was ringing off the hook and it was all up to Reuben to handle it. Shirley and Laurie had holed themselves upstairs, still trying to deal with the news, however premature it was, leaving the already harried manager to deal with the chaos ensuing downstairs.
After two hours of utter commotion, Reuben finally released a press statement, explaining that while the bike had been found in the river, Keith had not, nor did they expect to find him there. It just didn't make sense. The river was at least 20 miles away from the house, in the opposite direction of the taco stand, and all the witnesses had verified that Keith was indeed on his way home when he disappeared. And, Reuben continued, while the Family was grateful for the concern shown at this time, but they were not giving up hope of finding the young man alive, and should anyone have any more information, to please contact the San Pueblo Police Department.
It had all sounded a bit crass, but at the time, it was the best he could do. He still had Laurie and Shirley to deal with, not to mention 3 younger Partridges still unaware of the news.
So, he locked the doors, turned down the phone and holed himself up in the kitchen. It was a good thing he wasn't a drinking man, because he would be plastered by now.
He slumped into a chair at the table. Poor Shirley, he thought. What could be going through her mind? Sure, Keith was like a son to him; all the kids were like family, probably the only family he would ever have. But Keith was Shirley's; her pride and joy. What if she has lost him? Not to trivialize the situation, but what about the Partridge Family as a group? Keith was the anchor. There would be no Partridge Family without him. And where did that leave him, Reuben Kincaid, the manager?
The thoughts started churning and Reuben put his head in his hands, wanting to scream and knowing he couldn't because he was always the calm one in these situations. He had to remain stoical; distance himself from any emotion. For Shirley and the kids.
He heard himself sob. It took him by surprise, and he looked around the room as if expecting to see Danny there, playing a joke on him or something. No, he realized, he was crying. Reuben Kincaid was actually crying. To hell with being calm. He was only human, after all!
%%%%%
Ta-mara was falling asleep, nearly tumbling off of the chair she'd put next to Mama's bed. The action snapped her out of it and she went back to the book she'd been reading aloud to Keith, even though she knew he couldn't hear her. She'd always been a good reader, and it was her favorite past time. Since the Jackson's couldn't afford a television set, Mama had always encouraged her and Lamar to read. Ta-mara especially loved the classics, like The Wizard Of Oz, Kidnapped!, and the one she was reading now, Peter Pan.
She scanned the page to see where she had left off. It was about her twentieth time reading this book. She could practically tell the story. Her favorite character was Wendy; how she would love to be able to fly! And Wendy's crush on Peter Pan; but he was too silly to know it. Boys.
Just as she started to read, she happened to glance at Keith. His eyes were open; just looking at her.
Startled, she nearly dropped the book. "You…you're awake!"
He blinked.
She got up, setting the book aside. His eyes followed her, but she sensed he was only half-seeing. Putting her hand on his forehead, she winced, feeling the heat. "Your fever's worse. Can you talk, honey? Can you tell me your name?"
He just blinked again and she turned, taking the rag from the bowl of water. She wrung it out, leaving some moisture in it. She gently placed it on his forehead, pressing gently down on it, letting the water seep out and trickle down. He closed his eyes and she took the rag, wiping his face with it. His waking up was a good sign, she told herself. But why wasn't he talking? Was he too weak? He'd lost a lot of blood, being shot and all. She soaked the rag again and put it back on his forehead.
She looked at the clock. Still a couple of hours before Lamar would be coming home from school. Looking down at Keith, she noticed to her dismay that he was out again. Oh well, she thought, at least he wasn't in any pain this way.
%%%%%
Shirley was all cried out. Dried completely up. No more tears left to come. She looked over at Laurie, all curled up on the bed asleep, thanks to the over-the-counter sleeping pill Shirley had given her. At least one of them was resting. She pulled an afghan over her daughter, kissed her forehead and left the room. Perhaps Reuben had good news.
She made her way down the stairs to find their manager on the phone.
He noticed her approaching, and cut the conversation short. "Okay, we'll be right here in case you do. Right. Thanks."
He hung up. Shirley looked terrible, and his heart went out to her. "Are you all right, Shirley?"
She nodded wearily. "As good as I can be, under the circumstances." She said it with a heavy sigh. "Any news?"
"Well, they completed their search of the river and didn't find him. I didn't think they would. It just doesn't mesh."
"Then where is he?" Shirley dropped onto the couch next to him, still clutching tissues in her hand.
"I don't know. The police are scouring the area in case maybe he's lying helpless nearby. And I think we can rule out a kidnapping; we would have gotten a ransom note or call." Reuben shook his head. "I just don't…I just don't know, Shirley."
She put her head on his shoulder. He smiled sadly, slipping his arm around her.
"The press has been relentless, so I released a statement. I couldn't go into any details, but I thanked the public for their concern and asked them for any information. They're supposedly running it continuously throughout the day."
"Oh, Reuben, what would I ever do without you?"
He put his head back on the sofa, unable to reply. Darn this Family, anyway! How could he love them so much?
%%%%%
It had to be the fever. Keith was dreaming he was on the motorcycle, riding through a fire. The heat was severe; scorching. The flames licked at him from all sides, and the fire was never ending. It stretched out in front of him forever. He kept riding, riding, riding, listening to the crackling and smelling the choking smoke. Soon, the flames died, leaving a smoldering, blackened pathway in their wake. Yet, the heat remained.
He opened his eyes. Someone was hovering over him and he did his best to focus. The figure wasn't huge; but all he could see was a shadow. Why couldn't he define the image? His head hurt, pounding at his eyes. His left shoulder throbbed. And the heat!
The figure moved. He felt something cool on his forehead and heard a muffled voice. Was it speaking to him? He couldn't be sure. He couldn't make out any words. Where was he? Who was he?
The feeling frightened him. He couldn't remember his name! With a cry, he forced his head up off the pillow, still unable to see clearly around him.
Ta-mara swallowed, sensing Keith's fear. She put a comforting hand on his shoulder. "It's okay, sweetie…you're okay," she soothed. Looking at the clock, she frowned. Where was Lamar? School let out a good twenty minutes ago!
It was then that she heard the door open. She hoped he was alone, but she didn't dare chance leaving Keith's side to find out. "Lamar!"
He entered a few seconds later. "What?"
"He woke up, and he's…he's delirious. He's scared, Lamar, and really hot! I've been cooling him down with the washcloths, but it's not working!"
Lamar went to the bedside, putting a big hand on Keith's damp forehead. Frowning, he pulled the blanket away. Keith's shirt was soaking wet and sticking to his body. Lamar reached over, gently rolling Keith towards him. His shoulder beneath the torn shirt was red and oozing something sticky. Lamar swallowed. "Bullet wound's infected."
Ta-mara looked mortified. "Oh, no! What're we gonna do?"
Lamar bit his lower lip, trying to think. "I'm gonna go get Ricky Avila's sister. She helps out at the free clinic."
"Theresa? She's only nineteen!"
Lamar looked angry. "So, she won't tell anybody he's here. You want me to call an ambulance or something? How would we explain him, 'Mara? We could get in a lot of trouble!"
"What kind of trouble?"
"We're black, aren't we? They're automatically gonna think I shot him!" He shouted.
His words were like a slap in the face. He was right. A wounded white boy in this neighborhood…there wouldn't even be so much as a trial.
"Okay, but hurry. He's sick, Lamar!" Ta-mara pleaded as he hurried out.
%%%%%
From the looks on the two smallest Partridges' faces, Reuben could tell that the reality of Keith's disappearance hadn't quite hit home yet. Only Danny understood. His blue eyes misted over in spite of himself and he fought hard not to cry in front of everyone.
"But if they haven't found him, isn't that good news?" Danny swallowed, tasting the tears way back in his throat.
"Of course it is, honey, but the longer he's been gone…" Shirley's voice trailed off.
"Are you sure he wasn't in the river?" Laurie sat with her arms around Chris and Tracy.
"Positive. They called off the search. Only the bike was found." Reuben reiterated.
"Maybe he went to Disneyland," Tracy piped up. "Keith loves Disneyland."
Shirley reached over, putting her hand on her little daughter's head. "No, baby. He's not at Disneyland," she said shakily.
"Mom," Chris stared up at Shirley. "Suppose he never comes home?"
Shirley's eyes darted first to Reuben's face, then to Laurie's. What could she say? She was speechless.
Tracy sighed, scowling at him. "He's gotta come home. All his clothes are here!" Her voice reflected disdain.
Laurie closed her eyes, leaning down and putting her face in Tracy's red hair. "You're right, Tracy. He's got to come home."
"And he will soon. If we all say our prayers tonight, maybe tomorrow we'll hear some good news," Shirley added.
"I tried that last night," Danny muttered, his eyes cast to the floor. "And all they found was that stupid motorcycle!" He shouted, flopping onto the couch, his face as red and fiery as the mop surrounding it. He bitterly wiped his eyes with the back of his hand.
"You can't yell at God," Tracy glared at him.
"I can if I want to!" Danny snapped.
"Well, then, if Keith doesn't come home, it's all your fault, because God doesn't like to be yelled at!" Tracy broke into tears, turning and burying her head into Laurie's shoulder.
"Okay, enough, all of you. I realize that everyone's upset with the news about Keith, but we're not going to fight like this." Shirley looked (and felt!) ten years older than she was. "Why don't we get some take-out and watch a good musical on television?"
"Good idea." Laurie nodded. "It'll help take our minds off of Keith for a while. Will you be staying, Rueben?"
"That is the best invitation I have ever received," Reuben sighed.
continued...