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leaned forward. “But I still don’t understand completely why, to you, taking in foster kids is exclusive of marriage and having your own kids.”
    “The marriage thing just hasn’t worked out for me.” Tuck twisted his empty beer bottle, knowing he had to share parts of his life for Beau to understand him. “Have you ever seen a two-year-old who’s been hit so hard that his jaw broke into four pieces and punctured his eardrum?”
    Beau shook his head.
    “Have you ever seen a four-year-old who’s had a pot of boiling water poured over him because he wouldn’t mind?”
    Beau winced and shook his head again.
    “Have you ever seen a six-month-old baby girl malnourished and with cigarette burns all over her body?”
    Beau held up a hand. “Stop. You’re going somewhere with this, so please just get there.”
    “Those three cases are vivid in my memory. When the grandmother in Arkansas was finally awarded full custody of the six-month-old, she didn’t even resemble the battered baby that had come to live with us. Ma rocked and sang to her and doctored her burns. Eli and I did, too. She was a laughing, happy child and we were sad to see her go. But there are so many kids like that, Beau. The violence and abuse never stops. I just would feel selfish bringing more children into the world when there are so many who need someone.”
    Tuck looked at his friend. “I’ve had these goals of taking in foster children ever since I witnessed how one person can change a life. Ma and Pa did it every day. I learned everything about life from them. I feel its something I have to do. I feel it’s something I need to do.” With his thumb, he peeled the label off the beer bottle. “I like being with a woman just as much as the next guy, but I haven’t found anyone to change my mind—or anyone to share my goals. Eli says it’s a mind-set because of the circumstances of my birth, but it’s much more than that.”
    Beau eyed him with a strange look on his face. “You feel very deeply about this.”
    “Yes. Brady needs someone and I can be that someone.”
    “You’re a better man than me. I don’t think I could give up so much.”
    Tuck shrugged. “I’m different. I guess I’ve always known that.”
    “And you wish your friends would stop trying to change you.”
    “No. I know they care about me and I need that, too.”
    “Well, Tuck, I’m going to do everything I can to make sure you’re granted custody of Brady Harper.”
    “Thanks, Beau. I’d appreciate that.”
    “And I sincerely hope that one day you find a woman to share your incredibly selfless dream.”
    Tuck grinned. “Ah, a romantic.”
    “You bet,” Beau said. “I just want you to be happy.”
    “Helping Brady would make me happy.”
    Beau patted his shirt pocket, searching for a pen. “Do you have the caseworker’s name? I’d like to find out all I can about Brady—to make our case as strong as possible.”
    Tuck handed him a pen and gave him the information. They walked out together. “I’m really happy about the baby, Beau. Give Macy my congratulations.”
    “I will and thanks.” They shook hands and hugged briefly. “You’re a rare man, Jeremiah Tucker, and I’m proud you’re my friend. I’ll call as soon as I have any info.”
    Tuck swallowed back emotions as he slid into his vehicle. He sat for a moment savoring that bond of friendship. Backing out, he reached for his phone and called Sergeant Scofield. He wanted to go by the trailer and look for the stuffed dog so Brady could have it when he woke up. The sergeant gave permission and Tuck went by the station for a key.
    Darkness had fallen by the time Tuck arrived at Brady’s so-called home. He saw the yellow police tape that surrounded the trailer. Getting out, he noticed the dogs were gone but the vans were still parked in the yard. There was an eerie quiet about the place.
    He went up the steps and unlocked the door. As he flipped a switch, a light came on. Good. The