Concerned when there still was no reply, he put his hand to the doorknob and turned it carefully. The lock gave way easily and allowed him entrance. Even though Peter had given him a key to the apartment, he had never found it necessary to use a small bit of metal to unlock a door.
He looked around as he walked through the hallway into the living room, his nose twitching at the slightly airless odor of a dwelling that had been minus its residents for an extended time.
Kacie was sleeping on the couch, curled up under an afghan. Caine stopped short and caught his breath at the aura of ineffable sadness that surrounded her. {Peter is right to be concerned. She is too pale, too thin.}
He sat beside her on the couch and gently smoothed back the hair from her forehead.
Her eyelids fluttered sleepily, and she looked at him in confusion until she roused enough to realize who was with her. "Dad?" She flung her arms around him. "Oh! I'm so glad that you're home." As she nestled in his strong arms, she sighed wearily. "Oh, Dad, it was so awful, and you weren't here, and I was so scared."
"And now you are ill." He could sense there was more to her emotion than she was revealing, but he did not press her.
"Have you seen Peter yet? Of course, you have," she answered her own question. "And he sent you to check on me."
"The doctors are pleased with his recovery. Dr. McClanahan says he may be released soon. And yes, he was concerned because he had not heard from you today."
"I didn't realize it was so late. I've been zonked out right here most of the day."
"You have not eaten?"
"I wasn't really hungry, and I don't think that there's anything edible left in the place. I've been staying at Paul and Annie's since the accident."
"I will make you some soup. I have some herbs in my pouch." He kissed her forehead and got to his feet. "Perhaps you should call Peter now?" he suggested.
He moved off to the kitchen as she picked up the phone and punched a speed dial number. "Room 412...Peter?" Her voice quivered unexpectedly and she tightened her grip on the phone. "No, I'm OK, really...I just miss you...Yes, he's here...He's making us something to eat...Can I come and see you tonight?" Her eyes filled with tears at his response. "Please, Honey? I've rested all day and I feel so much better...I know I promised...I know...I love you, too." She blinked and slow tears trickled down her cheeks as she sniffled. "All right, I'll stay home...I'll get him for you." She paused a moment. "Peter?...Nothing. I-I love you...Yeah, OK...I'll see you in the morning...Here's your dad."
She handed Caine the cordless phone through the opening at the kitchen counter and choked out, "I'm going to take a shower." She walked quickly into the bedroom, brushing away tears with the back of her hand.
Caine continued to stir the saucepan of soup that he was preparing as he spoke into the phone. "Peter?...Yes, she was resting when I came...Yes, I will care for her tonight...Yes, I will stay."
Kacie stood in the shower and let the water mingle with her tears. {I have to stop this. I have to. Peter's father can look into a person's eyes and see through to their soul. He wants a grandchild so much. He would be so disappointed with me. I can't let him know. I can't let any of them know.}
She emerged from the bedroom some time later, wearing a robe belted securely around her waist and toweling her hair dry. She sniffed the air appreciatively. "Mmm. Something smells good."
Caine smiled at her. "Sit. I have made you some tea." He poured her a cup and set it in front of her before turning and continuing to stir the contents of the pot on the stove. "Peter said you have not been sleeping well?"
Kacie held the hot tea cup in both hands, soaking in its warmth. "No, I guess I haven't. I just lie awake at night and think."
"Worry?"
She smiled ruefully. "OK, worry. And pretty soon my imagination starts running away with me."
"Perhaps you can worry less now?"
"Perhaps. I'll be better now that you're here, and especially when Peter can come home." She sipped at her tea and was surprised at how good it tasted. "This is wonderful stuff." A soothing warmth started spreading through her system.
Caine set two bowls of soup on the small table and they ate in companionable silence. Kacie finished her entire bowl, and to her amazement, found herself hungry for more.
"You are finding your appetite again?" He gave her an approving smile, and got up to get her another half bowl.
By the time she had finished the soup and her tea, her eyes were blinking sleepily. She yawned and looked at him accusingly. "What did you put in my tea?"
He shrugged one shoulder. "Some herbs. You must rest." He looked at her a little sheepishly. "You are angry with me?"
They both got to their feet, and she walked into his arms to hug him. "You look just like Peter does when he's been up to something," she choked as tears welled up in her eyes. "Oh, Dad...I love him so much."
Caine patted her back. "As he loves you."
She swallowed around the lump in her throat. "I think I'll go to bed now. You're staying here tonight, aren't you?"
He nodded at her solemnly. "I hoped you would ask."
She kissed him on the cheek and whispered, "I love you, Dad. Thanks for being here with me."
He kissed her forehead. "Good night, my child." He looked after her as she disappeared into the bedroom. The shadow of sorrow had never fully left her eyes, and he longed to relieve the pain he saw there. It was not his way to pry, so he knew he would simply have to wait until she was ready to share whatever burdened her soul. He wondered at the ache within his own breast. He was able to empathize her pain, and he felt the heaviness of her heart in his own. Shrugging his shoulder, he lowered himself into his favorite meditative position and let his mind float free.