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people can snag a med school scholarship,” Kelly said, letting her admiration show.
    “Thanks . . . thanks both of you,” Tommy said, a slight blush creeping up his still youthful face. “I was really fortunate.”
    Kelly dropped her things on the table. “I’ve observed that good fortune usually occurs to those who’re prepared. Mimi told me she’s known your mom for years and watched you grow up. Did you meet Burt at church, too?”
    “Actually, Tommy and I met on a traumatic occasion, Kelly. He was one of the paramedics on the ambulance that responded when my wife had her heart attack four years ago.” Burt looked over at Tommy. “I’ve kind of taken a fatherly interest in Tommy since then.”
    “I always appreciate your advice, Burt,” Tommy said, then glanced at his watch. “I’d better get going. I have to find Holly and talk to her before I drive back to Denver.”
    Kelly couldn’t help her reaction. “You drove in from Denver today just to talk to Holly? Why didn’t you call her on the phone?”
    Tommy gave her a sheepish look. “Well, I need to explain why I can’t stay here in town this weekend like I have before. My anatomy professor scheduled a Saturday study session. I just want to make sure Holly understands.” He shrugged. “I want to make sure she’s okay. Holly doesn’t really have anyone else in town, except my mom and me. Her mom’s dead, and her dad moved to Florida.”
    “Holly seems to be doing really well now,” Kelly said, settling into a chair beside Burt. “I’m so glad. She was totally out of it the night she showed up on my patio. Couldn’t remember her name or anything. She couldn’t communicate at all.”
    “I know, that’s what happens when she’s taken Ecstasy. I got her to swear to me she wouldn’t take it anymore. She promised,” Tommy declared.
    “I’m glad to hear that. Those hallucinogenic drugs are dangerous. I saw kids in college get pretty messed up with those. Let’s hope Holly stays away from them for good.”
    Tommy nodded. “This last time really scared her. She’s sworn to me she’s done with them.” Moving toward the doorway, he added, “It was great to see you again, Burt. And, Kelly, nice meeting you, and thank you again.”
    “No problem, Tommy. Good luck with those med courses.”
    “Keep your nose to the grindstone, okay?” Burt added.
    “You bet.” Tommy gave a wave and hurried for the front door.
    Kelly stared after him for a moment, then leaned back in her chair. “Boy oh boy, let’s hope Holly stays on course.”
    Burt shook his head. “We can only hope, Kelly.”
    “Mimi was at the table the other day, and she filled us in on the long history between those two. She also said Tommy has come down to Fort Connor every weekend to make sure Holly’s okay since her incident. Not good, Burt. His medical studies require his full attention.”
    “Yeah, I know.” Burt sighed. “It’s a shame Holly can’t seem to get herself together and stand on her own two feet. Tommy’s got too many demands on him now to run back and forth from Denver to check on her.”
    Kelly pondered what Burt said, then decided to speak her mind. “I think you’re letting Tommy off the hook way too easily. Holly can’t force Tommy to leave his work and drive back to Denver. He chooses to do it.”
    “Yeah, well, apparently Barbara’s told Mimi that Holly whines and cries whenever Tommy tries to say ‘no.’ So, he caves in.”
    Kelly shook her head. “You know, I only met Holly a month ago, so I don’t have any past history with either of these two kids like you guys do. So I’m just telling you what I see. It appears to me that Holly depends on Tommy to take care of her. Mimi says she calls Tommy every day and even when he’s here in town trying to study. That sounds like manipulative behavior to me, Burt. And Tommy is allowing himself to be used, for whatever reasons. He needs to grow a backbone and learn to say no. If he’s serious