CHAPTER 11
Saturday morning, Lucky fielded calls from his parents, Walter, Rett, and even Mrs. Griggs his former landlady, checking to see if they were all right.
Charlotte received a call and, casting a suspicious glance Lucky’s way, made herself scarce.
One day soon, he’d have a talk with the man on the other end of the line. The conscience that sounded one hell of a lot like Bo said,“He’s calling her. He’s checking on her. He’s being good to her. It’s your business how?”
The illogical side that ruled most of Lucky’s actions said,“Bah! Humbug!”
They all stayed home pretending everything was fine.
He walked to the couch, Andro in his arms, and didn’t have to step over a furry lump to get there. Then again, he wouldn’t mind navigating around a horse-sized dog. If only Moose were here. For a moment Lucky’s heart ached. Poor dog. Hurt protecting Charlotte.
Two family members now saved by Moose: Charlotte, from attackers, Bo from depression.
Mostly, the family sprawled in front of the TV, watching comedies that weren’t nearly as funny as Lucky once thought.
He accidently set off the alarm system, three times.
Monday came all too soon. Bo volunteered to drop Ty off at school on his way to an early meeting. Lucky eyed the clock. About time for him to get on the road too.
Leaving Charlotte and Andro alone.
“You’re sure you’re all right?” he asked his sister over a breakfast of eggs, pinto beans, and mashed sweet potatoes. Ah, the joys of the pregnant belly.
“Yes, Lucky.” Charlotte squeezed more maple syrup onto her sweet potatoes.
“Are you sure you’re gonna be okay?” he asked while putting away the dishes she’d washed.
“Yes, Lucky,” Charlotte paused cooing at Andro long enough to say. “I’m going to hit you if you ask one more time.”
“But…”
Charlotte spun, coming nose to nose with him. Damned her high-heeled boots. “Lucky, I swear I’m okay. You can go to work.” She gave his shoulder a push, shoving him toward the front door. “Please! You’re driving me crazy.” She nodded at the child in her arms. “Andro too.”
Was the kid scowling?
Lucky dug his heels in. “I don’t want you here by yourself.” What if some other assholes showed up? With guns, not knives, since they now knew the intended victim fought back.
Too quickly, she said, “I won’t be.”
Oh, really? He narrowed his eyes. “Who?” Better not be Salters.“But he’ll protect her!”he heard in Bo’s voice.
“If you must know, Rett is spending the day with me. She’ll be here in about an hour.” Charlotte lifted her chin a defiant inch. “Really, brother. Li’l ole me can take care of herself.”
Lucky chose not to acknowledge her “taking care of herself” comment. He’d promised when they were kids to always be there for her. She shouldn’t have to take care of herself. He’d never say so aloud or she’d kick his ass. “She’s taking a vacation day? I could take time off too.” He should’ve thought of it first. Was it too late?
“I’d ratheryougo to work. You’re a little, how shall I say this? Overbearing? Irritating? A pain in the ass?”
Wow. The knife struck deeper than he’d thought it would. “You mean to tell me you’d rather a near stranger stay with you than your own brother?”
Charlotte released a guffaw. Andro giggled. “Rett is not a near stranger. Do you hear yourself?” She bowed to a group of imaginary people, making Andro giggle again. “Ladies and gentlemen of the jury, may I present exhibit A?” With a dramatic flourish, she waved a hand toward Lucky. “Your attitude is exactly why you’re not the best choice.” She softened her tone. “I mean, I love you and appreciate your wanting to protect me, but really. Two guys broke in. One’s in the hospital still and the other’s in jail. Could you have handled the situation any better?”
What would Lucky have done? Probably the same thing Charlotte did: kick ass and take names. “But you’re staying here, right?”
Charlotte rolled her eyes and let out a snort. “No. We’re going to the vet to pick up Moose. The poor baby.”
Yeah, Lucky needed to drop by the pet shop and get the biggest dog treat he could find, and maybe a catnip mouse. He dared not piss off Cat Lucky. “But…”