Creighton's Hideaway by LoRee Peery Page B

felt lonely. I was a book nerd and studied most of the time through high school and college.”
    Creighton’s hand spread warmth that soothed the anxiety in her stomach.
    The truck ate up the miles.
    Shana decided she liked cottonwoods. Their yellowing leaves stood out amongst the rows of trees they whizzed by. “Did you have a good friend when you were a kid?” she asked.
    He smiled and nodded his head. “Oh, yeah. I went a step further and had a blood brother.”
    “Wow. My dad would love to hear about this. He’s into Native American history. Are you now in contact?”
    “I wish. The storm brought Leslie to mind last night.” His hand stiffened. “He’s dead.”
    “I’m sorry, Creighton. What happened?”
    “We used to ride and play in the pasture across from my place. He was only ten years old. I was the last one to see him alive. Struck by lightning while riding his horse. Ole Silver must have got a jolt, or a broken heart killed him. The horse was never the same and died about six months later.”
    “That must have been so hard. What do you remember most about Leslie?”
    “Well, let’s see. He was deep. Sometimes I thought he was an old man inside, especially when I looked into his eyes. A little spooky. Like the spirits of his ancestors really lived within his soul, as he believed. The only time he was free and full of life was when we rode together out on those hills.”
    “I imagine it was difficult for him, living in the white man’s world, away from his own people.”
    “Sure it was. ‘Course, I didn’t see that until I was an adult.” Creighton leaned his left elbow on the armrest and rubbed his forehead before he continued. “One of the reasons I read westerns is because I’m always on the lookout for a link to Leslie’s memory in those novels.”
    “Did you have support after Leslie was killed, someone to help you get through it?”
    “Not really. It was a rough time. Rita was a kid, spent time with her dolls and kittens. Mom gave me long looks and gentle smiles. I know she prayed and would have listened, but I didn’t have the words to tell her how I felt.” Creighton lifted his chin and narrowed his eyes, fisting his hand on the seat. “Dad never liked my friendship with Leslie. And Tom was pretty much a baby.”
    Shana covered his hand and gave it a light squeeze.
    Then he needed both hands for a turn.
    Conversation ebbed and flowed. They drank coffee from a thermos and ate some wonderful, chewy fruit-filled cookies that tasted homemade. Time flew by.
    Before she was ready, Shana spied the state capitol rising above the horizon to the east. Uncertainty squeezed her insides, reminding her that the ball of unease remained, building in her stomach.
     
    ****
     
    Creighton braked off the cruise control and took the West O Street exit into Lincoln. Traffic was heavy all the way to the hospital just south of O Street. He thanked the Lord that he didn’t have to face so many drivers on the road every day. He followed the signs to the new hospital entrance, impeded by mammoth construction equipment.
    After turning into the parking garage he found a spot, turned the key, and stretched his arm over the seat. Squeezing Shana’s shoulder, he said, “I’ve been praying off and on since Ray called last night, do you mind if we pray again now?”
    She shook her head, and he reached for her hand.
    “Father God. You are the Creator of all life. We just ask that You do Your will in Rita’s life and especially in the life of the baby whom she carries. Please show Shana and me how we can be used to help Rita and Ray through this rough patch in their lives.”
    He lifted Shana’s hand and lightly touched her second knuckle with his lips. “Ready to get the kinks out?”
    She gave an enthusiastic nod, and he went around to her side to help her down from the truck.
    Creighton missed the fresh air the dry fall day promised. He longed for blue sky as they followed the long enclosed entrance