Author's Note: This'll be the last chapter...thanks for the reviews and readership!
OoOoOoOoOoO
Rick Epstein walked slowly home that night. They had told him that Mr. Wetherall was M.I.A, presumed dead. That word seemed to follow him, whispering in his ear.
Dead. He's dead. Rick wouldn't believe it. He would find him one day.
And Kate. Little Kate, all alone. He had never asked Mr. W about his wife. But despite all his pleadings, an orphanage in Chicago had come to pick her up. He still remembered the look in her eyes as she held his hand.
"Where's daddy, Rick?" He had sighed, and answered with a simple, "Don' know, Katie. But he's okay. Trust me, he's okay." He held her hand the entire time the Orphanage Director rambled on about reputation and and other non-sequiturs. It was insensitive, he had thought, to talk about such things when a child's father had just been ripped from her at such an early age.
"Please don't leave, Rick."
"I won't, Katie. I'm gonna move to 'Cago, I promise. I'll visit, an' I'll bring you all your things." She had wrapped her tiny arms around him, not showing any signs of ever letting go. But, the time came when the Director escorted them outside, and he gently pried Kate off, and took her face in his rough hands.
"Be strong fer me, Katie. Jus' like yer Dad."
"Okay, Rick. I promise." He had smiled, suddenly filling with pride at her extensive vocabulary.
"Love ya, kid." And they had driven off, the last remaining reminder of a great man.
THIRTEEN YEARS LATER
Rick had never moved to Chicago. He often regretted that lie, but he doubted Kate would remember him, after all those years. Yet somehow, he couldn't shake the feeling that they would meet again someday.
He had moved to California, however. He couldn't stay on the East Coast, no it just reminded him of Mr. Wetherall, and Kate.
Kate. She would be fifteen and a half now. He hoped she was doing well. Poor kid, she probably doesn't even remember Mr. Wetherall.
But Rick does. He'll always be his savior, his mentor.
His superhero.