90 Miles to Freedom by K. C. Hilton Read Free Book Online Page A

sighed again. He decided to try anyway. “Are you going to work on the yacht today? It’s going to be a great day. We could go get some more supplies if you need, and I’d be glad to help.”
    “ One day,” Morgan had said, and Joey has never forgotten those words. Yes, my brother. One day you will wake up again.
    “ No, not today,” Collin mumbled. He filled a glass with water, preparing to take his first dose of Tylenol for the day. “I have other things to do.”
    Joey slammed his fist on the table, finally losing patience. “You know what, Collin? You always have other things to do! But here’s the thing. I don’t see you doing anything! Nothing! All you do is drink. You never used to drink. And I’m sick of it. I’m sick of your whole self-serving attitude, the whole poor me thing you’re doing! They were my parents too, you know!” Joey shouted.
    Collin winced and placed a hand on his forehead.
    Joey was on a roll and decided to keep on going. “You don’t see me moping around, feeling sorry for myself. Grow up, man. You’re twenty-five years old, for Christ’s sake! I’m only nineteen and I know you’re acting like a baby.”
    Joey stood up, gaining momentum. He moved closer to Collin and jabbed one finger into his brother’s chest. “You’re supposed to be the adult, Collin. But in case you haven’t noticed, I’m the one taking care of you. What would Mom and Dad say if they could see you now?”
    “ Look, you little bastard!” Collin roared, and Joey noticed a vein pressing against his brother’s forehead. He didn’t recall that being there before. In fact, he didn’t remember even seeing so much red in Collin’s face until recently. “You don’t have to take care of me! I’m doing just fine!” Collin turned away, hacking until his face went red.
     
     

Chapter 11
     
    Collin’s health had become a priority for Joey. It hurt him to look at his older brother these days. He was always sleeping, his skin seemed blotchy, almost puffy. He was always weak, tired and, though Joey knew Collin would hate the very idea of it, he seemed almost fragile.
    Collin was broken. He needed help, but Joey knew he would never ask for it. Was he sick with something other than grief and guilt? Joey didn’t know how to tell. Collin wouldn’t have told Joey anything anyway.
    Because he didn’t know what else to do about it, Joey made sure the house was stocked with different over-the-counter medicines so Collin would have them just in case. He also filled the fridge and cabinets with healthy food so there’d be no danger of Collin eating the wrong things. He couldn’t think of what other steps to take.
    Collin never made mention of any of it, nor did he acknowledge that Joey was now taking care of the household. But Joey knew Collin ate some of the food. He also knew Collin came in the house when he was gone. Somehow that was comforting. Collin might not want to talk to anyone, but at least Joey knew he wasn’t lying around in bed all day. He wanted to make sure this kind of progress continued, so he always left the house vacant for at least part of the day, every day. That was another reason he headed out to the library each day, besides wanting to hang with some of his friends.
    But this morning Joey’d had just about enough. He’d done everything he could, and he’d been more patient than anyone could have expected him to be. He wanted to make a point this morning, whether Collin’s head was up for it or not. He had to let off some steam or he might explode.
    “ Oh, yeah,” he said with a sneer, taunting him. At least if he could get a rise out of Collin he’d feel more alive. He hadn’t backed off when Collin had yelled, and there was no way he was going to now. “You sure do look like you’re doing fine. Do you remember what you promised me? You said you were going to fix up the yacht. You said you were going to take me away, that you and I were going to get out of this place and