NaNoWriMo, Part II
In the four years that Jay had been in the Army, a lot had changed in Vermont. Although the war had been going strong for two years prior to his shipping out, Vermont had still had electricity for homes and gas for cars. Since then, much like the other, larger states that had been targeted first, electricity had been conserved for the major metropolitan necessities, like the hospital and airport. Once the war had broken out the price of gas had soared-then like electricity, gasoline had become reserved for emergency or government vehicles only. Although he knew this from Morgan’s letters, Jay still found it extremely disconcerting to be riding in a horse drawn wagon down Interstate-89. The route to and from the city used to be nonstop but it was deserted now. Despite being a small town boy at heart, Jay had become used to living in barracks with 20 other men-the silence surrounding them was unnerving. With Morgan off in her own little world and Hunter enthralled by the scenery-so different from his home state of Nevada, Jay decided to try and distract himself by poking around in the back of the wagon. He flipped back the cover, only to be surprised yet again.
“Johnson forgot his rifle?” Morgan glanced at him, then slapped the hand reaching in to remove it.
“It’s mine-and leave that in there. If you pull it out, you’re only going to attract the wrong sort of attention to us. I’d rather not have to shoot anyone today, if it’s all the same to you.” That got both men’s attention focused on her face. Jay felt like he was in an episode of the Twilight Zone-his little sister, all grown up, was talking about shooting people. Hunter asked the obvious question.
“Why would you have to shoot anyone?” Morgan laughed, but it wasn’t an amused noise.
“I’m sure that you don’t run into this sort of problem while you’re in the Army, but around here, people take care of themselves-and some people just may feel that a couple of horses in their prime and a working wagon are a additional necessity.”
“And hiding the rifle discourages them…how?” Morgan sighed.
“If you have the rifle out and are obviously armed, they’re going to think that there is something valuable under that cover and are going to be twice as inclined to steal it.”
Jay stared at her for a moment, trying to follow her logic.
“I see. And how did you make it to the airport then? If, by your logic, having the rifle out would only encourage bandits-and I can’t believe I just said bandits in reference to the highway-more, then how exactly does an apparently unarmed female drive 20 miles alone without being attacked?” Morgan grinned at him, although it didn’t reach her eyes.
“Well, the first time I had to go to the city alone, I was a bit…overenthusiastic… defending myself. I have a bit of a reputation now. Also I took the longer route to get to the airport-it’s generally less of a hazard.” Jay’s eyes narrowed.
“What do you mean, you had to defend yourself…” Now Morgan’s eyes turned to slits at Jay’s tone.
“It’s none of your business. Now shut up about it, and just be thankful I came to pick you up. If I had remembered how much of an ass you are, I might have let you walk.”
Hunter was silent, but Jay could see the corner of his mouth turn up as he looked away. Feeling slightly out of control Jay snarled at him, then turned away to stare at the scenery on the opposite side. The rest of the ride was silent.
Pulling up to the house, Morgan sat back for a moment, trying to imagine how it must look to Jay and Hunter. Although she had been telling Jay about events as they happened-such as the loss of electricity, gas, their parents dying-it had been four years since he had actually been home. Instead of the neatly landscaped yard he was accustomed too, the entire front yard was tall grass and wildly growing flowers, too sturdy to wither under Morgan’s decidedly un-green thumb. Instead of wide open and pristine windows facing the road, the what used to be decorative shudders were pulled shut. Duct tape shimmered around the front door frame, sealing any cracks heat would seep out in the winter. The shed now had a hole in the roof, through which and extremely lopsided chimney emerged. Morgan felt her shoulders pull down. Although she had done her best to maintain the house and property and the changes had all seemed necessary at the time, the house no longer resembled the pretty little ranch that her parents bought 20 years ago. Turning to look at Jay, she couldn’t read his expression. Unexpectedly he turned from the house to her, his green eyes searching. Wisely, Jay chose not to say anything at all. Pulling a bag of supplies from the back of the wagon, Morgan was grateful.
Entering the house, Morgan dropped her bag to the floor beside the door, grateful that the house was still cool. Although the nights had been starting to cool down, the days were still unreasonably hot for September and the house tended to retain heat like an oven. Jay followed her inside, but Hunter stood in the garage for a minute, looking around. The idea of this stranger judging her hard work irritated Morgan.
“You can come inside. The house doesn’t bite.” One of his black eyebrows arched.
“No, I’m sure the house doesn’t…but it’s not the house that I’m concerned about.” For the first time since he’d met her, a genuine smile broke out on Morgan’s face. Small though it was, it managed to reach her eyes, amusement lightening them to a more vibrant green.
“Funny you should mention that…” She stepped over to a second door, which led to the fenced in back yard. “Kahn! Link! I’m home.” Hunter couldn’t see much of the back yard, but he was able to hear a low rumble start, and then frantic whining. Assuming that Morgan owned dogs, he wasn’t prepared for the sheer size of the beasts. Jumping over each other in their frantic excitement at seeing their mistress, Hunter realized that each dog was 130 pounds of lean adoring muscle. Stepping in the house prepared to haul Morgan out from underneath the pile of wriggling fur, he realized that neither animal had seen him until that point. Instantly they leapt in front of Morgan, hackles raised, growling at both Jay and himself. Hunter took a step back and away from Jay, hoping distance would make him appear less threatening.
“Perhaps you should let them know that we’re friends?” Morgan’s smile grew, becoming a little wicked. Hunter stared, fascinated by the promise inherent in her expression. Although Jay had told him that his little sister was considered quite the beauty, he hadn’t been able to see it until now. However, with her green eyes sparkling and that wicked smile, Morgan had become infinitely more attractive. She laughed, the sound low and husky from disuse.
“I believe you mentioned something about bites? As long as you behave, it won’t be an issue.” Despite the situation, Hunter was disconcerted to find blood pooling in his groin, imagining all the ways he could misbehave.
“Morganna! Stop it.” Jay’s tone was sharp, but he didn’t move any closer to her. At the sound of his voice, both dog’s growls deepened and speeded up. Morgan sighed.
“It’s ok boys. You’re good boys.” Voice softening to a melodious croon, she ran a gentle hand down each dog’s back, then up to their heads, rubbing perked ears. Getting on their level, she stared each animal in the face, voice so low that neither man could hear her. The growling slowed, but didn’t cease.
Standing again, Morgan walked over to Jay, running a hand down his arm similar to the way she had petted the dogs. Seeing them accept that, she hugged him, careful to keep soothing the animals with her voice. “Alright, now Jay, I want you to get down to their level. Don’t approach them, but talk to them, let them hear your voice…let them know that you’re not a threat.” Hunter watched, amazed as Jay willingly crouched, unfazed as the animals came forward to sniff his outstretched hand. Ears pinned back, one looked from Jay to Morgan, as if to say ‘do we have to?’ She got down on her knees next to Jay, petting first him, then the dogs, letting them know that she was safe, that she trusted him. Finally reassured, one of the dogs turned from Jay to Hunter, only to start growling again.
Morgan sighed.
“Kahn, sit.” Kahn, big, black, and burly fellow that he was, only looked at Morgan, before turning to growl at Hunter some more. Hunter felt his eyes narrow. Although they had accepted Jay, apparently the whole process needed to start over again.
“I ought to turn you into a throw rug.” Despite the words, his voice was pleasant. Morgan’s eyes turned hard. Ignoring the growling, she strode over to Hunter, stopping when she was less than two inches away. Grabbing the front of his t-shirt, she pulled. When he refused to bend over, she used the shirt as balance for rising onto her toes. Getting into his face, she met his silver eyes.
“You so much as touch a single hair on either of those dogs and I will skin you alive, then nail your bleeding carcass to that pergola out front. Understood?” Unfortunately Hunter’s body chose to react to her presence, not her words-he hardened in a violent rush. As close as she was, Morgan couldn’t help but notice. Hunter held her gaze as she blushed, then pushed away from him. “Kahn. Link. Watch.” The growling stopped as both dogs abruptly sat, continuing to stare at him. Morgan turned away, blush just barely fading. “Your rooms are down here.” Jay watched her retreating back for a moment, before turning to look at Hunter. Hunter could tell that Jay realized he had missed something, but wasn’t sure exactly what. Considering that Morgan was Jay’s only sibling, and a younger sibling at that, Hunter hoped Jay continued to remain oblivious.
Following first Morgan, then Jay, Hunter was surprised to see both Kahn and Link wait for him to pass. As he walked by, both animals rose to follow him silently down the hall.
The next morning Hunter found himself alone in the kitchen with Morgan, who was finishing up her breakfast. She ignored him, focusing solely on her oatmeal as he stood awkwardly by the inoperative refrigerator. Without actually acknowledging his presence, she spoke.
“There’s more oatmeal in the oven. There’s honey or jam in the cupboard to the left of the oven.”
Helping himself, Hunter couldn’t help the urge to seat himself across from her, in her direct line of sight.
“Where’s Jay? I walked by his room, but it’s empty.” Morgan shrugged, staring down at her oatmeal.
“He had to go out. He should be back in another hour or two.” If Hunter found it odd that Jay would leave him with the woman he just met a day ago, he didn’t say.
Morgan glanced up, only to find those silver eyes studying her. Abruptly she pushed away from the table, no longer hungry. “I’ve got stuff to do. Make yourself at home.”
Hunter stared at her.
“Wait-what do you have to do? Maybe I can help. I’m not used to inactivity.”
“No. I’ll be outside if you need something.” The door slammed behind her.
Outside, Morgan took a minute to savor the cooling wind. Although she had told Hunter that his being there wasn’t going to be a problem, she knew that statement wasn’t entirely true. While his presence wasn’t going to be destructive, it was going to require some skillful manipulation. Even though she wasn’t sure how Jay would react to what she had to tell him, she knew that he would never do anything to harm her. Hunter, on the other hand, was an unknown. Sighing, Morgan shook her head. There wasn’t anything she could do about it at the moment. Whistling for Kahn and Link, she started walking. It was time to talk to Jay.
Morgan found Jay exactly where she thought he’d be. Sitting in the shade of the huge oak tree, Jay was facing two chunks of granite. He didn’t look up at her approach, but she knew he was aware of her.
“How did it happen?” His voice was flat. “You told me when it happened, but never how…do you think you can manage now? Or do I have to wait another three years before you feel that you can talk about it.” She shrugged, although she was feeling anything but cavalier.
“I didn’t know what else to tell you. I was having a hard enough time trying to figure out how to survive by myself. I couldn’t find a way to tell you safely, and I certainly couldn’t handle any other crisis’s myself.” Now Jay turned towards her, eyes hard.
“What. Happened.” Looking away, arms wrapped around her midsection, Morgan had to remind herself to breath, that it was three years ago, that he deserved to know.
“Alright. So this is what happened…”
Looking up from her work at the kitchen table, Morgan smiled at the picture her parents made, waltzing around the room. She didn’t know what had gotten into them lately, but it seemed like every time she turned around, they were laughing, or doing something pointless, but fun. Ever since the war had started and they had both had gotten laid off, it seemed like they were more relaxed. Although life was decidedly harder now without electricity or a democratic centralized government, both Morgan’s parents had settled into their roles as providers. Her mother gardened and preserved what she grew, while her father was the handyman and hunter. Both were equally capable of the other’s job, but found more satisfaction in the traditional roles. Seeing her look up, Dad skipped over to the table, curious.
“What have you got there Morganna m’dear?”
“I have to figure out what we’re going to cover this year-I’m trying to find something that the kids will appreciate, as well as learn from.” Due to a lack of transportation, now all towns had to staff schools with locals, and Morgan had volunteered to teach English to the 3rd graders this year. Dad laughed
“You’ve got another month before you start classes. Why don’t you come sit outside with us, or we’ll take the puppy for a walk.” Morgan followed Dad’s gaze to the puppy sleeping bonelessly in the middle of the kitchen. He hadn’t even woken up when Mom and Dad waltzed around him.
“Thanks, but I really need to get this done.” Dad’s eyes widened and one eyebrow rose as a wicked little smile crossed his face. Leaning forward, he put his arms around her, then snatched the papers out from before her. “Hey! That’s not funny. Give it back.”
Still smiling, he shook his head.
“Nope. Outside. We’re going to spend time as a family even if it kills us.” Standing up, Morgan snatched the papers back.
“For God’s sake, just leave me alone! We can be a family tomorrow. Right now I have other things to do!” Slamming her chair back underneath the table, she scowled down at the paper before snarling at Dad. “Go. Away.” He shrugged, then dramatically held out a hand to Mom.
“Ready dear? I believe our chariot awaits.” Morgan continued to scowl as they tangoed out the back door.
Ten minutes later, there was a knock at the front door. Morgan swore.
“What the hell is it now?” Opening the door, Morgan was shocked to see the sheriff and four deputies. “Can I help you?” The sheriff smiled, but it didn’t reach his eyes. Morgan’s stomach began to sink as she noticed the deputies had their weapons out.
“Actually, we were wondering if your parents are home.” Morgan thought about telling them no, but she hesitated too long. The sheriff turned back to the deputies.
“I’m going to take that as confirmation. Boys, lets go.”
‘Hey!” Morgan cursed as all four men charged through the doorway, two deputies stopping beside her to force her to her knees.
“You’re going to have to stay here miss.” Opening her mouth to warn her parents, Morgan choked as a hand slapped over her mouth and nose. It wasn’t until the deputy on her left looked down at her that she recognized him. It was Parker Smith, one of the bullies she had grown up with. By the look in his eyes, he hadn’t changed over the years.
Despite Parker and the other deputy’s grip, Morgan continued to struggle. She managed to get onto her feet as she heard her father bellow from out back. The sheriff yelled as well.
“Parker! Get your ass out here and help us.” Staring down at her, Parker grimaced, the urge to hurt her clear in his eyes. Instead he chose to drag her outside with them, where the sheriff had her parents handcuffed.
“What took you so long?” Parker shrugged, twisting Morgan’s arm behind her back as she tried to run to her parents. Finally taking his hand from her mouth, he backhanded her causually.
“I don’t want there to be any problems sir. And Morgan tends to cause problems.” The sheriff barely looked at her.
“I don’t care. Handcuff her to something then get over here.”
“Yes, sir.”
“Johnson forgot his rifle?” Morgan glanced at him, then slapped the hand reaching in to remove it.
“It’s mine-and leave that in there. If you pull it out, you’re only going to attract the wrong sort of attention to us. I’d rather not have to shoot anyone today, if it’s all the same to you.” That got both men’s attention focused on her face. Jay felt like he was in an episode of the Twilight Zone-his little sister, all grown up, was talking about shooting people. Hunter asked the obvious question.
“Why would you have to shoot anyone?” Morgan laughed, but it wasn’t an amused noise.
“I’m sure that you don’t run into this sort of problem while you’re in the Army, but around here, people take care of themselves-and some people just may feel that a couple of horses in their prime and a working wagon are a additional necessity.”
“And hiding the rifle discourages them…how?” Morgan sighed.
“If you have the rifle out and are obviously armed, they’re going to think that there is something valuable under that cover and are going to be twice as inclined to steal it.”
Jay stared at her for a moment, trying to follow her logic.
“I see. And how did you make it to the airport then? If, by your logic, having the rifle out would only encourage bandits-and I can’t believe I just said bandits in reference to the highway-more, then how exactly does an apparently unarmed female drive 20 miles alone without being attacked?” Morgan grinned at him, although it didn’t reach her eyes.
“Well, the first time I had to go to the city alone, I was a bit…overenthusiastic… defending myself. I have a bit of a reputation now. Also I took the longer route to get to the airport-it’s generally less of a hazard.” Jay’s eyes narrowed.
“What do you mean, you had to defend yourself…” Now Morgan’s eyes turned to slits at Jay’s tone.
“It’s none of your business. Now shut up about it, and just be thankful I came to pick you up. If I had remembered how much of an ass you are, I might have let you walk.”
Hunter was silent, but Jay could see the corner of his mouth turn up as he looked away. Feeling slightly out of control Jay snarled at him, then turned away to stare at the scenery on the opposite side. The rest of the ride was silent.
Pulling up to the house, Morgan sat back for a moment, trying to imagine how it must look to Jay and Hunter. Although she had been telling Jay about events as they happened-such as the loss of electricity, gas, their parents dying-it had been four years since he had actually been home. Instead of the neatly landscaped yard he was accustomed too, the entire front yard was tall grass and wildly growing flowers, too sturdy to wither under Morgan’s decidedly un-green thumb. Instead of wide open and pristine windows facing the road, the what used to be decorative shudders were pulled shut. Duct tape shimmered around the front door frame, sealing any cracks heat would seep out in the winter. The shed now had a hole in the roof, through which and extremely lopsided chimney emerged. Morgan felt her shoulders pull down. Although she had done her best to maintain the house and property and the changes had all seemed necessary at the time, the house no longer resembled the pretty little ranch that her parents bought 20 years ago. Turning to look at Jay, she couldn’t read his expression. Unexpectedly he turned from the house to her, his green eyes searching. Wisely, Jay chose not to say anything at all. Pulling a bag of supplies from the back of the wagon, Morgan was grateful.
Entering the house, Morgan dropped her bag to the floor beside the door, grateful that the house was still cool. Although the nights had been starting to cool down, the days were still unreasonably hot for September and the house tended to retain heat like an oven. Jay followed her inside, but Hunter stood in the garage for a minute, looking around. The idea of this stranger judging her hard work irritated Morgan.
“You can come inside. The house doesn’t bite.” One of his black eyebrows arched.
“No, I’m sure the house doesn’t…but it’s not the house that I’m concerned about.” For the first time since he’d met her, a genuine smile broke out on Morgan’s face. Small though it was, it managed to reach her eyes, amusement lightening them to a more vibrant green.
“Funny you should mention that…” She stepped over to a second door, which led to the fenced in back yard. “Kahn! Link! I’m home.” Hunter couldn’t see much of the back yard, but he was able to hear a low rumble start, and then frantic whining. Assuming that Morgan owned dogs, he wasn’t prepared for the sheer size of the beasts. Jumping over each other in their frantic excitement at seeing their mistress, Hunter realized that each dog was 130 pounds of lean adoring muscle. Stepping in the house prepared to haul Morgan out from underneath the pile of wriggling fur, he realized that neither animal had seen him until that point. Instantly they leapt in front of Morgan, hackles raised, growling at both Jay and himself. Hunter took a step back and away from Jay, hoping distance would make him appear less threatening.
“Perhaps you should let them know that we’re friends?” Morgan’s smile grew, becoming a little wicked. Hunter stared, fascinated by the promise inherent in her expression. Although Jay had told him that his little sister was considered quite the beauty, he hadn’t been able to see it until now. However, with her green eyes sparkling and that wicked smile, Morgan had become infinitely more attractive. She laughed, the sound low and husky from disuse.
“I believe you mentioned something about bites? As long as you behave, it won’t be an issue.” Despite the situation, Hunter was disconcerted to find blood pooling in his groin, imagining all the ways he could misbehave.
“Morganna! Stop it.” Jay’s tone was sharp, but he didn’t move any closer to her. At the sound of his voice, both dog’s growls deepened and speeded up. Morgan sighed.
“It’s ok boys. You’re good boys.” Voice softening to a melodious croon, she ran a gentle hand down each dog’s back, then up to their heads, rubbing perked ears. Getting on their level, she stared each animal in the face, voice so low that neither man could hear her. The growling slowed, but didn’t cease.
Standing again, Morgan walked over to Jay, running a hand down his arm similar to the way she had petted the dogs. Seeing them accept that, she hugged him, careful to keep soothing the animals with her voice. “Alright, now Jay, I want you to get down to their level. Don’t approach them, but talk to them, let them hear your voice…let them know that you’re not a threat.” Hunter watched, amazed as Jay willingly crouched, unfazed as the animals came forward to sniff his outstretched hand. Ears pinned back, one looked from Jay to Morgan, as if to say ‘do we have to?’ She got down on her knees next to Jay, petting first him, then the dogs, letting them know that she was safe, that she trusted him. Finally reassured, one of the dogs turned from Jay to Hunter, only to start growling again.
Morgan sighed.
“Kahn, sit.” Kahn, big, black, and burly fellow that he was, only looked at Morgan, before turning to growl at Hunter some more. Hunter felt his eyes narrow. Although they had accepted Jay, apparently the whole process needed to start over again.
“I ought to turn you into a throw rug.” Despite the words, his voice was pleasant. Morgan’s eyes turned hard. Ignoring the growling, she strode over to Hunter, stopping when she was less than two inches away. Grabbing the front of his t-shirt, she pulled. When he refused to bend over, she used the shirt as balance for rising onto her toes. Getting into his face, she met his silver eyes.
“You so much as touch a single hair on either of those dogs and I will skin you alive, then nail your bleeding carcass to that pergola out front. Understood?” Unfortunately Hunter’s body chose to react to her presence, not her words-he hardened in a violent rush. As close as she was, Morgan couldn’t help but notice. Hunter held her gaze as she blushed, then pushed away from him. “Kahn. Link. Watch.” The growling stopped as both dogs abruptly sat, continuing to stare at him. Morgan turned away, blush just barely fading. “Your rooms are down here.” Jay watched her retreating back for a moment, before turning to look at Hunter. Hunter could tell that Jay realized he had missed something, but wasn’t sure exactly what. Considering that Morgan was Jay’s only sibling, and a younger sibling at that, Hunter hoped Jay continued to remain oblivious.
Following first Morgan, then Jay, Hunter was surprised to see both Kahn and Link wait for him to pass. As he walked by, both animals rose to follow him silently down the hall.
The next morning Hunter found himself alone in the kitchen with Morgan, who was finishing up her breakfast. She ignored him, focusing solely on her oatmeal as he stood awkwardly by the inoperative refrigerator. Without actually acknowledging his presence, she spoke.
“There’s more oatmeal in the oven. There’s honey or jam in the cupboard to the left of the oven.”
Helping himself, Hunter couldn’t help the urge to seat himself across from her, in her direct line of sight.
“Where’s Jay? I walked by his room, but it’s empty.” Morgan shrugged, staring down at her oatmeal.
“He had to go out. He should be back in another hour or two.” If Hunter found it odd that Jay would leave him with the woman he just met a day ago, he didn’t say.
Morgan glanced up, only to find those silver eyes studying her. Abruptly she pushed away from the table, no longer hungry. “I’ve got stuff to do. Make yourself at home.”
Hunter stared at her.
“Wait-what do you have to do? Maybe I can help. I’m not used to inactivity.”
“No. I’ll be outside if you need something.” The door slammed behind her.
Outside, Morgan took a minute to savor the cooling wind. Although she had told Hunter that his being there wasn’t going to be a problem, she knew that statement wasn’t entirely true. While his presence wasn’t going to be destructive, it was going to require some skillful manipulation. Even though she wasn’t sure how Jay would react to what she had to tell him, she knew that he would never do anything to harm her. Hunter, on the other hand, was an unknown. Sighing, Morgan shook her head. There wasn’t anything she could do about it at the moment. Whistling for Kahn and Link, she started walking. It was time to talk to Jay.
Morgan found Jay exactly where she thought he’d be. Sitting in the shade of the huge oak tree, Jay was facing two chunks of granite. He didn’t look up at her approach, but she knew he was aware of her.
“How did it happen?” His voice was flat. “You told me when it happened, but never how…do you think you can manage now? Or do I have to wait another three years before you feel that you can talk about it.” She shrugged, although she was feeling anything but cavalier.
“I didn’t know what else to tell you. I was having a hard enough time trying to figure out how to survive by myself. I couldn’t find a way to tell you safely, and I certainly couldn’t handle any other crisis’s myself.” Now Jay turned towards her, eyes hard.
“What. Happened.” Looking away, arms wrapped around her midsection, Morgan had to remind herself to breath, that it was three years ago, that he deserved to know.
“Alright. So this is what happened…”
Looking up from her work at the kitchen table, Morgan smiled at the picture her parents made, waltzing around the room. She didn’t know what had gotten into them lately, but it seemed like every time she turned around, they were laughing, or doing something pointless, but fun. Ever since the war had started and they had both had gotten laid off, it seemed like they were more relaxed. Although life was decidedly harder now without electricity or a democratic centralized government, both Morgan’s parents had settled into their roles as providers. Her mother gardened and preserved what she grew, while her father was the handyman and hunter. Both were equally capable of the other’s job, but found more satisfaction in the traditional roles. Seeing her look up, Dad skipped over to the table, curious.
“What have you got there Morganna m’dear?”
“I have to figure out what we’re going to cover this year-I’m trying to find something that the kids will appreciate, as well as learn from.” Due to a lack of transportation, now all towns had to staff schools with locals, and Morgan had volunteered to teach English to the 3rd graders this year. Dad laughed
“You’ve got another month before you start classes. Why don’t you come sit outside with us, or we’ll take the puppy for a walk.” Morgan followed Dad’s gaze to the puppy sleeping bonelessly in the middle of the kitchen. He hadn’t even woken up when Mom and Dad waltzed around him.
“Thanks, but I really need to get this done.” Dad’s eyes widened and one eyebrow rose as a wicked little smile crossed his face. Leaning forward, he put his arms around her, then snatched the papers out from before her. “Hey! That’s not funny. Give it back.”
Still smiling, he shook his head.
“Nope. Outside. We’re going to spend time as a family even if it kills us.” Standing up, Morgan snatched the papers back.
“For God’s sake, just leave me alone! We can be a family tomorrow. Right now I have other things to do!” Slamming her chair back underneath the table, she scowled down at the paper before snarling at Dad. “Go. Away.” He shrugged, then dramatically held out a hand to Mom.
“Ready dear? I believe our chariot awaits.” Morgan continued to scowl as they tangoed out the back door.
Ten minutes later, there was a knock at the front door. Morgan swore.
“What the hell is it now?” Opening the door, Morgan was shocked to see the sheriff and four deputies. “Can I help you?” The sheriff smiled, but it didn’t reach his eyes. Morgan’s stomach began to sink as she noticed the deputies had their weapons out.
“Actually, we were wondering if your parents are home.” Morgan thought about telling them no, but she hesitated too long. The sheriff turned back to the deputies.
“I’m going to take that as confirmation. Boys, lets go.”
‘Hey!” Morgan cursed as all four men charged through the doorway, two deputies stopping beside her to force her to her knees.
“You’re going to have to stay here miss.” Opening her mouth to warn her parents, Morgan choked as a hand slapped over her mouth and nose. It wasn’t until the deputy on her left looked down at her that she recognized him. It was Parker Smith, one of the bullies she had grown up with. By the look in his eyes, he hadn’t changed over the years.
Despite Parker and the other deputy’s grip, Morgan continued to struggle. She managed to get onto her feet as she heard her father bellow from out back. The sheriff yelled as well.
“Parker! Get your ass out here and help us.” Staring down at her, Parker grimaced, the urge to hurt her clear in his eyes. Instead he chose to drag her outside with them, where the sheriff had her parents handcuffed.
“What took you so long?” Parker shrugged, twisting Morgan’s arm behind her back as she tried to run to her parents. Finally taking his hand from her mouth, he backhanded her causually.
“I don’t want there to be any problems sir. And Morgan tends to cause problems.” The sheriff barely looked at her.
“I don’t care. Handcuff her to something then get over here.”
“Yes, sir.”