Read Online Bad Games 2 - Vengeful Games by Jeff Menapace - Free Book Online Page B

head had turned slowly back to her father after he had dismissed the hopeful notion that Oscar was still alive, and her eyes were heavy again. She nodded towards her father and that was all.
    Patrick cleared his throat, twice. He almost asked Amy for a glass of water before starting:
     
    “Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.
When an animal dies that has been especially close to
someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There
are meadows and hills for all of our special friends
so they can run and play together. There is plenty of
food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and
comfortable.

All the animals who had been ill and old like Oscar are restored
to perfect health. Those who were hurt are
made whole and strong again, just as we remember them
in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals
are happy and full of joy, except for one small thing:
they each miss someone very special to them who had
to be left behind.”
     
    Carrie started to cry again. Both Amy and Patrick consoled her until the crying softened to intermittent sniffles. Patrick continued:
    “ They all run and play together, but the day comes when
Oscar suddenly stops and looks into the distance.
His eyes are bright. His excited body quivers.
Suddenly Oscar begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and
faster.

You have been spotted!
    And when you and Oscar finally meet,
you cling together in a gigantic hug, never to be parted again.
The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress his
beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting
eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but
never absent from your heart.

Then you and Oscar cross Rainbow Bridge together….”
     
    Patrick expected more tears. His delight was off the charts when he saw hope and joy in his daughter’s eyes.
    “Is all that really true?” she asked. “Oscar’s at Rainbow Bridge waiting for me?”
    Patrick smiled and nodded. Carrie turned to her mother. Amy smiled and nodded.
    Carrie frowned for a moment, her lips tightening. “But when I go to heaven, I’ll be old. Will Oscar still remember me?”
    “Of course,” Patrick said. “That’s what Rainbow Bridge is all about. Right now he’s just playing and having fun and waiting for you to arrive. He will never forget you. Ever.”
    Carrie’s frown left. Her tight lips softened and eventually became a smile. “I like Rainbow Bridge.”
    Patrick didn’t know who wrote it, but if he ever found out, he was buying him or her a diamond-studded diamond wrapped in diamonds. “I’m so glad, baby,” he said as he kissed her forehead. “You feel a little better?”
    “A little,” she said. Her eyes were still puffy, but the tears were drying.
    Amy took her turn kissing her daughter before she and Patrick tucked her in. When Patrick checked on her ten minutes later, Carrie was already fast asleep. He hoped she was dreaming about Oscar and Rainbow Bridge.
     

Chapter 14
    Monica Kemp watched her father appear among the masses at the gates of Philadelphia International Airport. He was not hard to miss. Six-foot-one and two hundred and fifty pounds of solid mass that made men half his fifty-two years glance in envy, John Brooks could have easily been mistaken for a retired linemen of the Philadelphia Eagles, returning to his old stomping grounds. A retired linemen who opted for a gym as opposed to a couch after retirement.
    Monica, catching glances from young men herself (for exceptionally different reasons), was dressed in posh attire that hugged every curve of her tight figure with a design that allowed teasing glimpses of skin while still maintaining a decent level of warmth during the winter season.
    John wore faded jeans, a grey wool coat, and boots.
    “You always dress that way?” he immediately asked, setting his bag down to hug her.
    She hugged him back and said, “Like what?”
    He grabbed