Page 77 of Running Winter

"Right, that sucks."

"Yeah, it does. But Leigh didn't finish school or learn to read or write properly. He has serious anger issues, and he has nothing. The only way he has anything is by stealing it, and now he is getting Rayna to take things from her house of value for him to sell."

Chase looked so angry I thought his veins were going to pop out of his forehead.

"Okay, calm down, bro. She is here with you now," I exhaled. "What are you thinking?"

"I honestly don't know. I just know that she can't be with him alone, especially with that crazy bitch he calls his girl."

"Guys, Rayna is going to rest in the guest bedroom across from yours, Rafe. I'll call her parents and let them know where she is and welcome to stay as long as she likes. You too, Chase, but you know that."

Mom smiled at us, and I thanked her silently.

"But both of you remain right where you are, I need to speak to your father, and then we will come in to discuss this with you. You should be grateful I paid attention to this conversation. Things like this turn dark quickly."

Chase and I nodded as Mom walked Rayna up the stairs.

"Great, so I get to hear you two fucking.” I yawned and Chase scowled at me.

"Not entirely sure she is in the mood, bud, but we will bear you in mind.” Sarcasm dripped from his voice as he flopped back onto the sofa. "Your dad, of all people. What solution will he offer, do you think?"

"Um, a family meal?"

My attempt at humor fell flat, and I dragged my fingers through my hair.

"He is unpredictable. But if this Leigh guy is sticking around Winterburg, he will want to know about it," I groaned. "This is shitty. But at least it wasn't another guy."

"Yeah, I know," Chase muttered, staring after the direction Rayna had taken moments earlier. "Thank fuck, because I don't know what I'd have done."

"Hopped back on a flight to Cali with your boy?" I laughed as he smiled faintly. "Come on, man. Rayna is alright. We’ll look after her. Chill."

"I feel like shit. I knew something was wrong, and I assumed it was her fucking around. She is struggling, Rafe. Imagine finding out all of that and then being made to steal from the people who you love?"

"Yeah, it's fucked up for sure. Is this brother, Leigh, a nasty fucker? You sure his girl did that to Rayna?"

Chase closed his eyes, shrugging his shoulders.

"I'm fucked if I know."

"Right, you two. Listen up.”

Mom swept into the room with an air of authority that made both of us sit up straight.

"Lucas will deal with Leigh, and you two will forget about him entirely."

"What about Rayna? Leigh isn't going to just walk away from her nor her him," Chase waved his hands in the air with frustration. "When you say Lucas is going to deal with someone, it usually means they disappear."

That was true, but I didn't want to cause the anger volcano to erupt from Mount Mom. So Chase was given a lighter pass than I was.

"Leigh won't disappear, but he won't be badgering Rayna for money. It's not her fault she grew up in a loving home, and he didn't."

Chase nodded then, satisfied with Mom’s explanation.

"Can I go up and see her now?"

Mom waved her hand dismissively.

Chase nodded at me before disappearing up the stairs, taking them two at a time.

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