Free Secrets in Battle: Secrets of Savannah Series Book 3 by S.M. Donaldson Page B

ground. “Was he okay?”
    He shrugs. “I don’t know. A little embarrassed, I think, more than anything. He didn’t want you to know that happened. The fact that you’re the one who found the apartment that way upset him.”
    “Do you think that he’ll ever be able to get through this ? Ever be able to get a decent night’s sleep?”
    He shakes his head. “I don’t know. He doesn’t talk about much . He doesn’t want to talk about what the counselor says.”
    “What can I do ? I feel so helpless.”
    He sits down on a bucket. “I know . I do, too. You know, Judd has always been there for me.”
    “I know , he always tried to keep you from getting locked up.” I laugh.
    He shakes his head. “I’m going to tell you something I haven’t ever really talked about.”
    I nod. “Okay.”
    “You and I grew up together in school, but Judd was my best friend. He’s a couple of years older than me, but he’s been my best friend since diapers. Not many people I went to school with knew about my life. I didn’t trust many people.” He looks away and then back to me. “When my mom passed away, I quit talking. Judd spoke for me. A little while later, my dad started dating a woman. I wanted my dad to be happy because he’d been so sad. She had a thing for young boys like me. Judd kept wondering what was wrong with me. Finally, I broke down and told him. I really didn’t understand what was going on, but I knew it was wrong. Once I talked to Judd, he told Nelson. My point is, Judd and I have trusted each other our entire lives. I know the helpless feelings, though, because I feel like I’m letting him down. He’s never failed me, but I feel like I’m failing him.”
    I wipe a tear from my face. “I’m sorry. I know this is rough for everyone. How much do his parents know?”
    “He doesn’t want them to know. I think his dad suspects but they won’t talk about it. My biggest concern is the pills he takes to sleep mixed with the alcohol.”
    “Does Nana know?”
    He shakes his head. “Not from me. I’m sure she does, though. Nana knows everything.”
    I laugh. “Okay , well I need to go over and work with her for a while. Let him know I’m okay and I want to see him.”
    He nods. “Okay.”
    I take one of the Rangers over to Nana’s. As I pull up, she’s sitting on her porch smoking.
    “Nana , those things are gonna kill ya.”
    “Yeah. These, moonshine, wild sex and any food I eat. I figure I might as well go out with a bang.”
    I shake my head. “Nana, you have such a way of putting things.”
    “So what’s wrong with you ? You look like someone just kicked your puppy.”
    I sit down and shake my head. “Nothing , just tired form work.”
    “Child , don’t lie to me. I don’t tolerate lyin’, I’ll take you over my knee.”
    “When Mr. Abbott came home from war , did he have some hard times?”
    She rocks back and forth a little faster. “Yes , sweetie. They all do.”
    “Can I help him?” I as k as my voice quivers.
    She shakes her head. “Every man is different . They are still fighting a battle in their head. Sometimes it’s guilt, sometimes it’s fear. They have so much more information on it now than they did back with my Grayton. Just be there for him, that’s the biggest thing you can do for him. Let him talk when he wants to talk and don’t push him when he doesn’t want to.”
    I nod. “I’m trying.”
    She pats my hand. “I know, baby. I know. It’s not going to be easy. I’m guessing he hasn’t talked about any of this with his momma and daddy?”
    I shake my head. “No , ma’am, I think just me and Ryder.”
    She shakes her head. “Of course Ryder knows. Those two have a bond like brothers. It’s the reason I knew they’d need each other when Nelson retired and Greer moved.”
    I nod. “I think you’re right. I just hope I’m enough for him. I think I’m falling in love with him.”
    She shakes her head. “Baby , you think, therefore you are. Trust