The Letters

Chapter 4 (December-January)
 

 

February 1, 2022

Most Reverend Colm O’Hara
Bishop of St Anthony’s RC Church
Pittsburgh, PA

Your Excellency,

After my last letter I could have sworn you were going to send out the church police for me...poor joke, I know. I’m almost embarrassed recalling the words I wrote. But you asked for honesty and that means being truthful to you and to myself.

The rest of January passed quietly here on the lane. The younger members of the family eventually returned to their various schools or other pursuits as did the older members of the lane. Brian has returned to work in Pittsburgh several days a week. While he can run his ‘empire’ from home he says that’s it’s good for him to stir up Kinnetik now and then. I think he just loves causing trouble and in general making a nuisance of himself . I know he spent several days with his lawyers and primary accountant going over his charitable contributions. As a side note, Brian assured me that no matter what my decisions are regarding my career in the church his contributions to St. Anthony’s will continue. His mother Joan Kinney was very devout and spent much of her time at our church. He makes his donations in her memory.

I have little else to report other than I did something a little stupid. Actually, a lot stupid. I took my daily trek out to my small cabin in order to pray for guidance...

Yours in God,

Thomas
 

*****
 

“I’m off,” Tom called out to Justin. Tom hitched his backpack over his shoulder then checked the reception on the radio that had become his standard equipment for his trips to his little cabin. Justin who was painting in the sun porch barely acknowledged Tom as Tom clicked his radio a couple times. Hearing the echoing clicks from Justin’s radio but nothing from Justin himself, Tom shrugged his shoulders then left the porch, cutting through the gardens toward the B&B and beyond.

It was still early in the day, sunny but frigid with the temperature barely reaching freezing. John had just taken the kids to school while Bobby accompanied Brian to Pittsburgh for a meeting with Ted regarding the Jason Kemp Center, the theater and the bowling alley. The only one left on the lane was Justin. (And Beau, of course.) Rachel and George were away on vacation to someplace warm. Since Brian and Bobby were planning to stay overnight at the loft, John decided to bring the kids over to his mother’s house for dinner. Justin had no objections to fending for himself. Besides, it was rare when he had the whole cottage to himself; he planned on painting to his little heart’s content.

“Mmm,” Justin mumbled his response a minute or two after Tom left the porch. Beau who was lounging in his corner looked up, sniffing the air. He looked toward his young master then out the windows toward the woods. He laid his head back down on his pillow, closing his eyes but not sleeping. Beau’s doggy intuition was kicking in.
 

*****
 

“Hey!” Todd said as he let himself in through the porch door. The whole cottage was dark save for the sun porch.

“Hi,” Justin said as he looked up, startled by Todd’s arrival. “Wow, it’s dark,” Justin observed.

“It happens when it’s after nine at night and it’s winter,” Todd replied dryly.

“That late?” Justin took a quick glance at his watch to verify it was really that late.

“Where is everyone?” Todd asked.

“Uh, I’m not sure. I mean Brian and Bobby have a lot of business in the Pitts this week so instead of going back and forth they’re staying at the loft for a few days.”

“Makes sense,” Todd nodded. “And John and the kids?”

“Not sure,” Justin said as he checked his phone for messages. He found a text from John saying that he and the kids were at his mother’s for dinner. “Well that explains John and the kids,” Justin said.

“Um, the B&B is dark,” Todd said with concern. “Where’s Tom?”

“I’m not sure.” Justin checked his phone again for a message. There was one from Lindsay who called to say she was flying to London to see Charles and exchange gallery ideas but nothing from Tom.

“Isn’t that the companion radio?” Todd asked as he picked up the small radio. He clicked it a couple of times but didn’t get a response. “Tom, are you out there?” Todd said. Getting no response, he repeated himself trying not to panic.

“Tom? Please answer,” Justin said as he grabbed the radio from Todd, squeezing the talk button. They exchanged worried looks.

“We should check his cabin,” Todd stated.

“Wait, you’re not dressed for a walk in the woods,” Justin said, noting that while dressed warmly Todd was more prepared for hopping out of his truck and into a warm house rather than a prolonged walk in dark and frozen woods. “Let me find out where John is; we might need more hands,” Justin said as he led Todd to his room for heavier socks and a thicker sweater. Justin called John.

“Where are you?” Justin said as soon as John picked up.

“Just passing the general store. Why, you want us to pick up something for you?”

“No, we may have a problem. Tom is missing.”

“Missing? Did you check the cottage?”

“I didn’t; Todd said it was dark. Hold on. Todd did you actually go into the B&B?”

“No, not really, I opened the door and saw it was dark. I put on a couple lights and shouted for him but I didn’t check his room,” Todd explained. “Is that John?” Justin nodded. “I’ll run down there to do a thorough search. He may have just gone to bed early.” Todd threw on the woolen sweater Justin handed him, put on his hat and his scarf before sprinting down the lane.

“John...” Justin was beginning to panic and he was all alone.

“I’ll be home in a minute. We’ll find him,” Justin heard John’s reassuring voice. Over the phone Justin could almost hear Brian’s voice.

“Okay,” Justin whispered as he began to change out of his painting clothes for something much, much warmer.
 

*****
 

“He’s not there,” Todd said as he burst through the front door of Edna’s Treasures just as John and the kids pulled up in front. Bree and Patrick ran into the house and threw their arms around Justin while John turned his SUV around to face toward the gate just in case they needed to take Tom off the lane in a hurry. “We need to go to his cabin,” Todd demanded.

“And we will,” John said calmly. “Let me change.”

“We don’t have time!” Todd shouted.

“And how are you going find him out there in the dark?” John shouted back. “We need to pack a few supplies. A few minutes preparation might make the difference,” John said steadily for Todd and Justin’s benefit. John took Patrick with him as he moved swiftly toward his end of the cottage. He rattled off orders to his son as he added a layer of clothing to what he was wearing including his special sub-zero overalls, socks and boots. Patrick ran off to do his father’s bidding knowing that time was of the essence. When he had a backpack stocked with the items John had requested, Patrick asked his father if he could go with them.

“Not this time, I need you to stay with Bree. You know she’ll be worried about everyone. You’re old enough to look after her,” John said in all confidence. Patrick nodded, proud that his father had such faith in him.

“Should I call Poppa?”

“Not yet, no need to worry them. We may find him reading in his cabin nice and warm. If we called them now your Poppa and uncle would just drive up here in a panic. Let’s see what happens first. Just stay by the house phone. Did you pack the other radio?”

Patrick nodded. “Take Beau with you,” Patrick suggested.

“I intend to,” John said before giving his son a hug and kiss.

“Daddy, I want to go too,” Bree said in a tiny worried voice. “I love Uncle Thomas.”

“I know you do but I need you to stay by the phone just in case we need you to call for the rescue squad. You and Patrick will listen for the radio and the phone,” Justin said.

“Okay, Daddy, I will.” Bree steeled her spine understanding the job she and Patrick had to do. Patrick reached out his hand for Bree which she clasped. They watched the men and Beau go through the porch door and waited huddled close together.

“It’ll be okay,” Patrick assured Bree. Bree nodded, trusting her Patrick to speak the truth.
 

*****
 

“Shit, it’s cold,” Todd said, grateful he had put on the clothes he borrowed from Justin. “What if he...”

“Don’t say it,” Justin interrupted any bad thoughts.

“He’ll be fine. He probably lost track of time,” John quickly added. “I know he has plenty of wood for the stove. I stacked it myself last week.”

They trudged quietly through the frozen meadow until they reached the narrowed section of the stream.

“It’s frozen,” Todd murmured as he scanned the stream with his flashlight.

“Careful, wait for Beau,” John cautioned as they let Beau go across first then followed in his footsteps. “Go, boy,” John urged the big dog as they followed. The path was now well worn and fairly clear from Tom’s constant use.

Beau took off like a shot toward the small cabin. The men picked up the pace, hearing Beau bark as they approached the cabin.

“It’s dark,” Todd said.

“No fire,” John mumbled worriedly. Justin said nothing as he stayed close to John.

“Tom!” Todd shouted as he burst through the door. “God, it’s freezing in here,” Todd said as he scanned the shelter with his light. He focused the light on the small futon as he flung himself toward it.

“The stove is cold,” John murmured as he touched the top of the potbelly stove. “It must have gone out while he slept. Thank God he’s buried under those blankets.” Tom had several blankets covering him and they discovered he was also in a sleeping bag. The small window was also cracked open.

Justin reached up to light the lantern that John had rigged up so that Todd and John could see better. John shuttered the window closed. Beau waited at the bedside pawing at the blankets then jumping up next to Tom adding his body heat.

“Tom, can you hear me?” Todd said, gently shaking the man who appeared to be deep in slumber with only the top of his head visible.

“Todd?” Tom said weakly. His teeth chattered a bit.

“Here, babe,” Todd said with relief in his voice. “We need to get him out of here,” Todd said as he looked up at John. Justin had no clue what to do so he stayed quiet.

“Not yet, he’s too cold and too groggy to walk out of here under his own steam. Let’s warm him up first and then we can go back,” John said as he loaded up the stove with kindling and wood. In a few minutes the wood caught and the tiny cabin rapidly began to heat up.

“I’m going to call the kids,” Justin said as he stepped to one side to use the radio. He knew the kids were very worried.

John and Todd slowly peeled back the layers of blanket down to Tom’s skin so they could check for frostnip or frostbite.

“It’s cold,” Tom said as his head began to clear.

“I know but we have to check you out,” John said gently. John had taken many first responder classes over the years and was used to working in extreme temperatures. He checked out Tom’s fingers, toes, ears and nose looking for the telltale signs of damage. Finding none he relaxed and smiled at his fellow rescue team.

“Why are you all here?” Tom asked as he slowly recovered his wits. Justin found some instant hot cocoa and a bottle of water that hadn’t totally frozen. He was able to make enough for all of them to share.

“I stopped by the B&B and you weren’t there so I went to the cottage to look for you,” Todd explained. “When we realized you never came back we went looking for you.”

“Crap!” Tom exclaimed as he tried to sit up. Beau whined but shifted back so that Tom could sit. “Thank you, Beau,” Tom said as he reached around the blankets to give the dog a pat on the head. “I guess I really screwed up. I only meant to be out here for a few hours. I lit the stove and opened one side of the shutters to let in the sun so I could read. I guess I fell asleep. Between the stove and the sunlight it was fairly warm but I get cold...”

“Easily,” Todd finished Tom’s sentence. “A good thing too because you bundled up before falling asleep.”

“The cold kept you asleep,” John observed.

“Yeah, much longer and it would have been permanently,” Tom grumbled. “I’m so sorry I worried you,” he said as he reached out his hands toward John and Justin. They each clasped one of Tom's hands.

“I just thank God you aren’t hurt,” John said with a gleam in his eyes. “I’d hate to explain to Brian why his favorite friar became a frozen friar,” he said with a straight face. They all broke out into nervous laughter that eased their tension.

“I’m never going to live this down, am I?” Tom asked.

“Nope. Be prepared to be scowled, glared and possibly hissed at,” Justin said, trying to imagine Brian’s reaction. “And maybe hugged until you’ve turned blue,” he added.

They were out there for another hour before John felt that Tom was ready for the trek back home. John rummaged through the pack that Patrick had filled for him. In it was a pair of woolen socks, mittens and a sweater. Todd helped Tom dress up for the cold as John and Justin made sure the cinders in the stove were dying and well contained. Just before they left, John pulled out one more item from the pack.

“What’s that?” Tom asked as he watched John unpack something that looked like foil.

“A space blanket. I keep a supply of them just in case,” John explained.

“You must have been a boy scout in a previous life,” Todd stated amazed.

“Just worked construction in all kinds of weather. I got used to being prepared for the worst. Are we ready?” John asked as he scanned faces. Beau barked loudly as he circled them. “I guess Beau’s ready to go home. Show us the way, boy,” John said to the dog. John, Justin and Todd turned on their flashlights then slowly led Tom back to the B&B.
 

*****
 

“Are you sure you don’t want to stay in our cottage tonight? We certainly have enough room,” Justin asked Tom and Todd.

“No, I’ve been enough of a burden today,” Tom said sullenly.

“You can never be a burden,” John said as he hugged the shorter man. “You’ll stay the night and take care of him?” John asked Todd.

“I’m not leaving his side for the next two days,” Todd averred as he wrapped his arm around Tom’s shoulders.

“Good,” both John and Justin said before they went back to the cottage and to two very happy kids.
 

*****
 

“Is he all right?” Brian hissed into his phone as he lay in the loft bed. It felt strange to be there without Justin. Bobby was sprawled out on the futon cushion in the alcove talking to John.

“Yes, John checked him out. His skin is fine, not red or discolored and he’s much more alert. Todd’ll take care of him,” Justin said as he snuggled into their bed.

“I’m sure he will,” Brian snarked.

“Behave.”

“Moi?”

“Oui, toi!”

“If I have to. Justin, are you sure Tom’s all right. They could have stayed with you.”

“I know and we asked. I think Tom was embarrassed but he assured us that he was okay, and Todd’s staying for a few days. John will check on them in the morning. He even gave the B&B the once over checking on the heating system and hot water tank.”

“I will never make fun of my anal retentive brother again when it comes to construction.”

“We can probably thank his construction of the cabin as well. Even though the window was slightly open it allowed the sun in but not the wind. And I thought John was wasting his time adding the shingles last month but I was wrong. It helped to insulate the cabin a little more.”

“I swear John must be psychic. He not only predicts the weather but disasters as well,” Brian grumbled.

“Listen, I don’t want you scolding Tom,” Justin warned.

“Scold Tom? When have I ever ‘scolded’ anyone?”

“Lots of times, but in your own way. Tom feels bad enough as it is; he doesn’t need Brian Kinney coming down on his ass,” Justin admonished. “Don’t say it, Brian,” Justin quickly added before Brian could make a bad pun. Brian snorted but said nothing.

“Sometimes I wish I still did E,” Brian whispered.

“I miss you,” Justin whispered back, dismissing Brian’s remark. Justin knew it was only Brian’s anxiety over his friend talking.

“I miss you too.”

“When are you coming home?”

“Tomorrow night.”

“So soon? I thought this was going to take a few days,” Justin said with relief.

“Bobby and I were planning on stretching out the meetings over a few days but we don’t have to. I’ve already called Teddy.”

“You didn’t wake him, did you? It’s very late.”

“No, I left him a voicemail. I set up a service for him years ago so I could leave messages at odd hours without bothering him. He checks it first thing every morning right after he brushes his teeth and kisses Allen.”

“That’s an image I didn’t want burned into my brain.”

“What, Teddy kissing Allen?”

“No, Teddy brushing his teeth,” Justin giggled. “Just come home soon.”

“As soon as we can.”

“Bobby won’t mind?”

“Nope, he’s on the phone with the big guy now making kissy noises. He wants to go home just as soon as I do.”

“I love you, Brian.”

“I know.”
 

*****
 

“Patwick?” a tiny voice said in the dark, as Bree slowly pushed open Patrick’s bedroom door.

“Bree, are you okay?” Patrick whispered. Bree shook her head. “You want to stay with me?” Patrick asked. Even though he couldn’t really see Bree in the dark, he knew her reactions. Bree nodded. “Come on,” Patrick said as he made room in his bed and held the blanket up.

Bree quietly crawled under, snuggling up against him with grey bunny. He lowered the blanket, tucking her in.

“Better?” he asked her. He felt her nod her head. “Go to sleep,” he whispered. She nodded one more time then sighed. Soon they were both asleep.
 

*****
 

“Are you warm enough?”

“Yes.”

“Are you sure? You’re still shivering.”

“I don’t think the temperature has anything to do with me shivering.”

“Oh. Should I sleep on the couch?”

“Todd, there are several more bedrooms in this cottage. Even if I didn’t want you in my bed you wouldn’t have to sleep on the couch.”

“Oh. I guess I’m nervous. I never slept with a priest.”

“I’m Tom.”

“I never slept with a Tom before.”

“There’s a first time for everything.”

“We are just going to sleep?”

“Yes. I don’t think I can handle much more than that.”

“Maybe just a kiss; I have kissed a Tom before.”

Tom stopped shivering as Todd gently kissed him. They wrapped their arms around each other, snuggled under thick blankets then drifted off to sleep.
 

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