What in God's name had we done? When I think back to that afternoon, and lord knows, I've pondered the incident a thousand times, I marvel at our collective wisdom in disregarding caution and acting as we did. If any one of us had retained a wit of common sense, we'd never have pursued the course we undertook. At the time, we felt so infallible in our rightness we grabbed the proverbial bull by the horns exposing ourselves to a wealth of trouble. Our little group anguished over our decision once we were back together, alternating between chastising and applauding what we'd done. Even Quinn seemed to have forgotten his desire to go public in the tension of our impromptu to act. Meanwhile, we locked on the television, all evening, awaiting the results of our actions.
For a little insight, I'll label each of us with a one word description. Quinn was fearful; afraid that somehow we'd made a terrible error and the wrath of law enforcement would descend upon us. Howie was bewildered, leaving everything in our hands. Martha was angry, certainly at the perpetrator but also at the Warwick police for not summarily arresting the man and rescuing the boy. My wife was as nervous as a hangman's customer. Her concern was exclusively directed toward the boy's welfare. I was, for a reason known to God alone, much more calm than the situation dictated.
Once my telephone ordeal was over, everything was out of our hands. Yes, I was as eager as the others to hear results, but my mind shifted to the practical. All our earlier actions were a series of what ifs. Now we knew we possessed an incredible tool at our fingertips. The potential of Howie's gift was awesome. It grew even more overwhelming after the broadcast of the eleven o'clock news.
"Young Timothy Burton was reunited with his mother shortly after ten PM this evening. The young boy was frightened and groggy but appeared unharmed. Police arrested Otto Rudman, age thirty-seven at his home in Providence where the boy was found. Alice Burton tearfully thanked the authorities for their prompt action. Details were withheld pending further investigation. Police dogs were seen combing the property. It does not appear Rudman is responsible for Amy Lou Lewis, who remains missing from her Cranston, Rhode Island home since last week."
We were ecstatic. Betsy leapt to her feet and high-fived everyone in turn. Martha cried and laughed and hugged each of us, one by one. Even Quinn showed more positive emotion than previously expressed. He found a bottle of scotch and insisted we toast our success. To me, the sense of accomplishment was overwhelming. Howie just smiled knowingly. I turned to him.