“I told you there was magic,” she said. “You just didn’t remember. I had to remind you. I believe in magic. Because I know blind people can see again. I know kindness can create miracles. I know if you hold on tight to faith and memories, they’ll always be with you.” She pressed another remote button as she started playing again: “Always.”
Two monitors in the studio flickered and an old home video suddenly appeared of Ryan’s father playing his guitar and singing to Ryan. Kendra felt her throat tighten. So much love. She could almost feel the strength of the bond between the father and son. “You sang with him then, Ryan.”
Tears were running down Ryan’s face as he stared at his father’s face.
“A song about magic and love and friendship that would never really go away, even if you grew up and had trouble believing, or even if your father had to leave you,” Kendra said. “You both believed it then, didn’t you? I think your father probably loved to have you sing with him. I know your mother loved to hear the two of you together.”
Ryan didn’t look away from the image on the screen. He whispered, “Daddy?”
Silence.
Then, softly, only a wisp of sound …
“Puff … the magic … dragon…” Ryan’s voice was so low and broken Kendra could scarcely hear it as he started to sing. His voice broke again. “Puff—the magic—” He had to stop as sobs shook his body. “Daddy?”
“Always, Ryan,” Kendra whispered. She gestured to Janice to come in. “As long as you and your mom remember him and believe in the magic, he’ll always be here.”
Then Janice was beside Ryan, holding him tightly in her arms. He was still. Then he slowly reached out and suddenly his head was pressed to her breast as he grabbed her even closer. “Mom … she said there’s magic if we both…”
“Maybe there is,” Janice said as the tears ran down her cheeks. “I think maybe she’s right. I’m willing to believe in it if you are. How about it?”
He didn’t answer, but he held her closer as she rocked him back and forth.
Kendra moved quietly across the room. They didn’t need her now. There might be questions later, but what they were sharing now should only be between the two of them. She’d come back later.
But it was somehow filling her with contentment that she was still hearing the strains of “Puff (The Magic Dragon)” as she left the room.
*
KENDRA SMILED AS SHE watched Janice settle Ryan into her minivan. “Remember, he should see his primary physician as soon as possible. Maybe not today; you two have a great deal to talk about. But first thing tomorrow.”
Janice nodded. “I’ll call on the way home. But I’m not worried about waiting a little while to tell him what happened today. He’ll think it’s the same miracle I do.” Her face was radiant as she turned and hugged Kendra. “Thank you. Thank you. I can’t tell you—” Her eyes were misting. “Look at me. I can’t stop crying. But at least they’re happy tears now. We’re halfway there, aren’t we?”
“We’re on our way,” Kendra said gently. “But your specialist has to answer those questions. That’s why you have to consult with him. Ryan was in bad shape, and we have to make certain his body will heal with his heart and mind.”
“It will. He’s already using his arms and he—” She stopped. “I’ll do whatever you say. What should I do when I get him home?”
“Whatever comes naturally. Play all kinds of music you know he likes. Some that you know your husband also liked, but also music you like. Or get down the photo albums and look at photos of the three of you through the years. This isn’t only about his father, it’s about you and Ryan and the family as a whole.” She smiled and took a step back. “And what the two of you are going to do to work out what comes next. Call me if you need to talk to someone besides Ryan. Somehow I don’t believe you will.” She leaned closer to the van and said to Ryan, “See you next session. Maybe we’ll try a few guitar lessons.”
He stared gravely at her. “More songs about magic?”
“I know a few.” She smiled. “Maybe you and your mother will be able to find more.” She waved at him and stepped back. “Get out of here, Janice. You’re both exhausted. You may not be feeling it right now, but it’s going to hit soon.”
“I know.” Janice was getting into the driver’s seat. “I’m just … flying so high.” She looked around the parking lot. “Where’s your car? Do you need a lift?”
“No, I called my ride. He’ll be here soon.”
“Do you want me to wait?”
Kendra chuckled. “No, but I can tell your maternal instincts are also flying sky high. I don’t need you to hover. It’s broad daylight, and my ride will be here any minute. Lynch is very punctual.”
“Whatever you say.” Janice lifted her hand. “Thanks, again. I’ll call you.”
Kendra watched her back out of the parking spot and then head for the exit. She couldn’t keep from smiling. She wanted to reach out and hug the entire world. She was feeling as if she was riding as high as Janice at this moment.
*
SOFTNESS. VITALITY. RADIANCE.
Zachary had never seen Kendra Michaels with that expression of exuberant happiness. She was standing there in the parking lot surrounded by sunlight and that glowing look of triumph and supreme satisfaction.
What a magnificent time it would be to take her life now when she at the height of realizing how much she valued every moment of living.
Pity, he thought regretfully. His plans didn’t call for her death yet. She was to be the last and best. He’d been very careful about choosing the victims to precede her. Each one to make a statement or cause her pain to accelerate. He mustn’t be impatient because this particular moment was close to perfect.
But why not, he thought recklessly. He could change those plans. He was the one in charge. He’d have to move fast, but he was brilliant enough to change his plans and still obtain the extreme pleasure that this opportunity offered.
He reached out to start his car.
He muttered a curse.
Too late.
Lynch was driving into the parking lot in his damn Ferrari and pulling up in front of Kendra.
A bolt of searing rage tore through him. He hadn’t realized how much the idea of taking Kendra Michaels today had begun to grip him. Okay. Adjust. Think about it. He refused to give up the idea entirely. How to destroy her in this perfect moment of happiness …
*
“YOU LOOK … EXTRAORDINARY,” Lynch said as Kendra got into the car. He tilted his head. “It reminds me of that phase one that you told me about earlier. You’re practically glowing. Everything went well?”
“Everything went splendidly.” She still couldn’t stop smiling. “Not perfect. We’re a long way from perfect. But we’re on our way. His mother was over the moon.”
“And so are you.” His gaze was on her face as he pulled out of the parking lot. “I’ve never seen you like this.”
“I was able to reach him. I made a difference. That doesn’t happen every day. It’s wonderful. Zachary has surrounded me with sadness and horror for too long. But not today, not right now.”
“No, not today.” He smiled. “Want to go out to dinner to celebrate? What do you feel like? I know a great Mexican restaurant.”