Chapter 28: No Burden

PLEASE Read and Review! Thanks to Layne, Beth and Thade182 for reviewing! It means so much to me. A lot of time and effort went into writing this story and even if only three people read it those few words of support and enjoyment are well worth the blood, sweat, and tears.

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"I don't know where he went, he was here when I fell asleep last night." Alex stood in his living room the next morning pacing and smoking a cigarette.

Riley sat on his couch with her hands between her knees and her lower lip between her teeth.

David leaned against the wall. He had his eyes squeezed shut and arms crossed.


"I should have realized Dakota would do this, he never wants to be a burden on anyone," David shook his head. "Well, I've made a mistake and it's no use sulking over. Alex go about life like nothing's happened. Make up a story to your friends, and I'm sorry, but for their protection there's got to be more lying. And Riley, I'll drive you back to work and then try to find Dakota. It shouldn't be too hard."


"But maybe it's safer for him, to be alone anyway," Alex said. "I mean, no one will know where he is so no one can have their minds read..."


"Xander could still find him," Riley put in. "Dakota's strong but not as strong as he is. It would be better if we had him, because Dad and I are strong enough to elude Xander, or anyone else who wants to read us."


Outside rain tapped the window lightly. Alex looked out and a thought came. He has no place to stay out there in that. "Y'all are right. Find him fast, and if there's anything I can do let me know."


"We will. Riley, let's go," David said. "And may God help us all."