Chapter 60: Ready For Some Good Sleep
For the first time since he was twelve years old, Derek Haven had slept for hours, it was huge, a big deal. But since coming awake, both at the motel and after his in-flight nap, he had been pretending like it was all normal stuff to him.
That he just found a bed, laid down, and his body just went to sleep without any trouble. But now he had put all of the day’s work behind him, including the nasty piece of work that was his uncle, and he was on his way.
And finally alone with his thoughts and not having to keep up a front, Derek Haven let himself feel the full extent of his emotions. At first he laughed, and when his ribs got too painful, and his driving erratic, he stopped laughing. But a big smile replaced his laughter. The smile so wide it made his teeth hurt. If he were to be stopped by the police in that moment, he was certain that they would think that he was one of three things.
Number one, as drunk as a skunk.
Number two, high out of his mind.
Number three, a serial killer who had just come from a successful murder spree and probably had a dead body in the car with him.
If he were to say that he was just happy he had gotten a good night’s sleep, Derek was sure that none of them would believe him.
But the euphoria that came from the sleep he had gotten and the sleep that he was going to get was just beyond words. One had to experience it to actually believe him. In an effort to get himself under control. Derek stopped the car on his way home, got out and did multiple fist pumps, the cool night air against his cheeks also helping to calm him, then he got back into his car and headed for the manor.
By the time he got home and walked through the quiet manor, headed for the kitchen, the only thing giving away his good mood was the slight bounce in his step.
He walked into the kitchen feeling like he was flying, and when he spotted his mother by the fridge his mood elevated even more.
"Good evening, mother," He greeted, moving forward to plant a kiss on her cheek.
"Good evening, son of mine," She greeted, her bright smile matching his.