Deadbeat Dads by Roseanne Dowell Read Free Book Online Page B

statement without emotion.
    Dear God, would he ever return to being a normal ten year old?
    “Do you know where he’d go? Josh this is important if you know you have to tell me.”
    Josh shrugged.
    “I know.” Katie piped up. “He’s probably at the cave in Paradise Cove.”
    “Paradise Cove, where’s that?”
    “That’s what we call the woods at the end of Beacon Street.” Katie stuck her tongue out at Josh.
    Josh threw Katie a dirty look.
    “Okay , let’s go.” I grabbed Becky’s and the kid’s jackets off the hook.
    I started the car just as Becky came running down the street toward us.
    I threw open the car door and ran toward her. “What is it? What’s wrong?”
    “Erica, thank God you’re here. Sammy’s up in a tree , and he won’t come down. I ran out without my cell phone. Call the police, fire department, someone.”
    Oh Lord, what next ? I pulled my cell phone out of my purse and dialed 911, explained the situation, and hung up. “They’re on their way, let’s go. Here put this on and get in.” I shoved the coat at Becky and got back in the car, threw it in reverse and pulled out of the drive. “What happened?”
    “I don’t know . I explained that Fred left and why. I tried to be gentle, like you said.” Becky stopped and took a deep breath. “All of a sudden Sammy jumped up and took off. We ran after him, but before I knew it he was in the tree and kept climbing.” Becky lowered her head in her hands. “I didn’t know what to do. Larry and Alice even tried to talk him into coming down. He won’t talk to us. He just keeps climbing higher. Oh Lord, Erica, I’m so scared.”
    “It’s okay, Beck . Just stay calm. The fire department will know what to do. Listen they’re on their way.” I pulled along the curb and parked. “You go ahead, Josh, Katie and I will show them where to go.”
    Poor Becky, not like she didn’t have enough to deal with, but now this. I shivered. I couldn’t imagine what I would have done if Josh had reacted that way. It was hard enough coaxing him out of the bedroom.
    A hook and ladder truck pulled up behind my car, and suddenly I was surrounded by fireman.
    “I’m Chief Lawrence, are you the one who called?”
    “Yes, my friend’s son is up in a tree and won’t come down. He keeps going higher. Um uh… his mother just gave him the news that his father left with his dental assistant and isn’t coming back. He’s upset, probably scared.” I explained, while we hurried to Paradise Cove. We entered a small clearing amidst the trees and shrubs, just tall enough for us to get through. It would be almost impossible to find it in the summer. What a beautiful place. I understood why the kids called it Paradise Cove.
    Becky ran to the fire chief. “Please do something, he keeps climbing higher.”
    I put my arm around her.  My own stomach tensed when I saw how high Sam had climbed the tree. How were they ever going to get him down? Whatever they did, I knew we had to remain calm. The important thing was not to panic or scare him.
    “What’s his name, Ma’am”
    “Sa..Sammy.” Becky’s lips trembled, and she brushed a tear from her cheek. “Please get him down.”
    “Okay, Ma’am you stay here with your friend. We’ll get him down.”
    I held Becky close while we watched Chief Lawrence approach the tree.
    “You’re a pretty good climber , son, but aren’t you getting a little cold?”
    Sam didn’t answer but he stopped climbing. Poor thing looked scared to death. Probably wished he hadn’t gone up there to begin with. Lord, let him come down, I prayed.
    Katie, Josh, Alice and Larry stood near the chief. Might be better if they weren’t there. “Josh, Katie, come here.” I motioned for Josh to bring Larry and Alice. Alice came with them but Larry shrugged them off and stood his ground. Stubborn as Fred, probably thought he had to be the man of the family now.
    “Come on, Sammy, you proved your point and whatever the problem, you