Page 10 of Blood
Helen and Christopher taught me what family is, how to love, how to live.
The whore taught me how to fear, how to hate.
It’s because of her I learned how to kill.
It’s because of her that I enjoy it.
The Cromwells were too late. They fixed a lot, but there was no repairing that part of me. Images of dead hookers make my pants tight. Reaching down, I discreetly squeeze my crotch as I follow my dad and re-enter the house. Now is not the time.
Frustration joins my arousal. I didn’t get the release I needed tonight, a fuck or a kill.
My sigh causes Christopher to turn.
“We’re only a call away. An hour and thirty minutes tops. Any issues, just call.”
“I’m not worried,” I reassure, “just tired. And everything here will be fine. So far, only commercial properties have been burglarized. What are the chances the first home they hit is mine? Update me about Charlie and the baby?”
“Of course, of course.”
“Alright, babies, we’re leaving,” Mom announces. “Girls, behave for Kaleb. Samantha, I’m talking to you.” She gives the woman in question a pointed look.
Sam holds her hands out, palms up. “What have I ever done?”
“For starters, we’re going to chat about you never answering your phone.” I huff.
“I don’t know where it is.” She shrugs.
“And that’s what we’ll follow up with.”
Sam rolls her eyes. “Daddy, can I please come with you?”
“No.”
At her pout, I see him hesitate. So does our mother.
“Sorry, baby, not this time. Your dad and I will be busy helping with Belle, going back and forth from the hospital and the hotel room. People will be sleeping, so there won’t be much to do. Besides, you don’t want to leave Shelby here by herself, do you?” Mom asks.
“No,” Sam mumbles, squinting her eyes at me. “Can you at least tell Kaleb to get the stick out of his ass?”
My face drops to a blank stare. “Is that how we’re starting tonight?”
“No,” she mumbles again, her eyes flitting from me to my father and back. We both know why. If we had been alone, she’dhave added a “sir.” I don’t push, though. I think we’ve all had enough tonight.
“I started my night with a heart attack,” Shelby chimes in to save her friend. “I’m still having palpitations,” she declares dramatically, holding a hand to her chest.
“I think a few hours of sleep will fix that,” I tell her, looking down at my watch.
“You ladies grab your bags, please.”
“Can’t we just stay here?” Sam asks.
“No.” I shake my head. When she opens her mouth to speak, I continue, “Baby girl, I’m tired. I have at least three gray hairs now. I want food and to sleep in my own bed.”
“Okay,” she whispers, losing all her fight. Dragging the blanket off, she rises from the sofa. Shelby follows suit.
I feel even more of my earlier stress melt away when the girls pick up a backpack each from behind Sam’s sofa.
“We weren’t sure where you wanted to go, so we had them get ready just in case.” Mom smiles.
