A/N Thanks so much for all the interest in this story. Especially to Millie whose request spawned a better direction for this story. Keep letting me know your ideas and thoughts. Enjoy!
Follow the Lights Home
Chapter 2 Like Candle Light
"How far that little candle throws his beams! So shines a good deed in a weary world."
― William Shakespeare, The Merchant of Venice
Deputy Chris Larabee took a second to take in the filthy, shivering boy on his door step. Rushing into action he hurried to his side. Checking for a pulse and then injuries he planned out what to do. Hefting the slight child into his arms he carried him into the den, grabbing the blanket off the back of the couch on his way to the fireplace. Removing the ruined shirt and Levis he took note of the shredded bare feet but not of the dirt building up on the carpet. Quickly wrapping the still shivering frame in the blanket Chris settled onto the ground pulling the boy onto his lap.
Chris held the boy close; he couldn't help but think of his two boys. One was forever taken from him while the other was much too old to be held in such a way. Once the boy's shaking subsided Chris carefully set him onto the nearby couch. Growing slightly alarmed at the boy's prolonged unconsciousness he rushed to get his supplies together. In the bathroom he wet multiply washcloths, got a few towels and grabbed the large first aid kit.
Back in the den he found two pained pools of blue.
"Hey Pard, I'm Deputy Larabee. I'm a cop. I'm going to look you over and get you cleaned up. Can you tell me what happened?" Chris cautiously approached.
Huge blue eyes tracked Chris' every move. Chris slowly and deliberately got his supplies situated on the couch next to the boy.
"My dad needs help," the boy drawled quietly with a Texas accent.
Sitting next to him Chris asked, "What happened? Do you know where he is?"
"We was driving to a new campsite. I think we slipped off the road. My dad wouldn't wake up," sniffling he ran his dirty arm under his nose making a bigger mess.
Offering the warm washcloth Chris waited as some of the grim began to be wiped away. Mostly it was just smeared around.
"What's your name?" Chris asked after receiving the soiled piece of cloth back.
"I's Vin," the boy offered his grimy hand. Stretching his own out Chris was surprised to feel the little fingers clasp around his arm instead of his hand.
"Well Vin why don't you tell me what you remember and we'll get your dad some help."
Vin beamed up in relief and told the deputy all he could remember about his trip through the dark. Mulling over the details Chris was able to determine that the car was probably down the ravine on a side road leading to the summer campgrounds. The town of Four Corners was closer to its location. Realizing what Vin, a hurt little boy, had hiked through made his gut clench. How easily he could have not made it. He sent up a prayer of thanks for a certain teenager's irresponsibility of not turning off the barn loft light before heading to a friend's house. That one forgotten light had led another little boy to Chris' porch.
Vin had dozed off again while Chris was thinking. Checking on him again Chris promised to get him cleaned up and checked over once he awoke again. Grabbing his cell phone Chris dialed a familiar number.
"Josiah, I have a situation up at my place," Chris began rehearsing the boy's story.
"We will be able to reach the father from our side. But the snow is coming down hard," Chris walked up to the window in surprise; he hadn't even noticed, "Will he be okay until we get some snowplows out that way in the morning?"
"Yeah most of it is cuts and bruises. His wrist is a little swollen but it should keep till morning. Just go get his dad out," Chris finishes.
"Will do. I've got a car to track down. Watch after that lost little lamb. We'll come dig you out about sunrise."
"I'll send up a flare if you get lost," Chris paused before continuing seriously, "Bring Vin's dad home."
Turning from the snowy landscape Chris was again meet with wide blue eyes. Walking to the couch he took a seat next to Vin.
"We gonna go find my dad?" Vin asked hopefully.
"No Vin, I sent out some of my friends to search for him. They are a bit closer and we can't get out of the snow right now," Chris explained patiently.
"Oh," Vin paused sadly then asked curiously, "You really a deputy with a badge and everything?"
"Yep," Chris smiled down at the filthy enthralled face.
Vin scratched at his dirty hair sending clumps of mud falling to the couch. He watched their descent in horror. Chris had to stop himself from laughing at the little guy's muddy plight. Without another word Chris picked him up and carried him to the bathroom. Vin stiffened in his arms but remained silent. He deflated with a sigh once he was placed in the running warm water in the bathtub. Soaking away the aches as well as the grime.
Vin continued his questions as he washed, "Do you shoot the bad guys?"
"I try not to Pard," Chris answered walking back into the bathroom with a towel and shirt.
"You arrested anybody?" Vin asked as he wraps himself in a large towel.
"A few," Chris answered carrying him back to the couch.
"Ever rode out in a posse?" Vin quickly dried himself.
'I help out with search and rescues once in a while," Chris said kicking himself as the words left his mouth.
"Is that who's getting my dad?" Vin asked, dejected again.
"Yeah my friend Josiah leads it. He's one of the best," Chris turned towards him and comforted.
After a quiet sniffle Vin asked with a watery smile, "So you got any horses?"
"Yeah I've got a few," Chris handed over the t-shirt.
"So you're like a cowboy?" He lit up in excitement quickly pulling it over his head.
"Did you just call me a cowboy?" Chris mocked growled; taking in the cheekily smiling boy drowned in a too large shirt.
"He hates that," Chris and Vin both turned to the new voice from the doorway.
A/N I have some ideas for ages and roles for most of the Boys, but I'm welcome to any ideas or suggestions.