Page 171 of Releasing 10
“Okay.” Claire was quiet for all of twelve seconds before asking, “What if a bear gets us?”
“In Ballylaggin?” Patrick groaned loudly. “We don’t have any bears in Ireland. The worst you’re going to see around this neck of the woods is a fox.”
“Or a squirrel.”
“Or a badger.”
“Or a frog.”
“Or a hedgehog.”
“Or a field mouse.”
“Or maybe a rogue bullock.”
“Highly doubtful considering we’re on the outskirts of town.”
“Aw, crackers, I don’t like cows.”
“You like all animals, Claire.”
“Normally, but not cows.”
“Don’t worry. I’ll protect you from the cows, Baby Biggs.”
“What about me? I don’t like cows, either.”
“I’ll protect you from the cows, too, Gibs.”
“You promise, Pa? You super swear you’ll save us?”
“Oh, for fuck’s sake, just pack it in, will ye?” Hugh snapped. “You’re creeping yourselves out.”
“Don’t get cross with me, Hughie! I’m younger than you, okay!”
“I know, Claire. That’s why you should listen to me, your elder, when I tell you to shut up and go to sleep.”
“You know what, lads, if Claire-Bear’s not staying, neither am I.”
“Shut up, Gibsie.” That was Patrick. “Everything’s fine. Just close your eyes and go to sleep.”
“Fuck, what if there’s a rat out here?” Gibsie groaned. “I don’t cope well with rats.”
“It’s the tails, huh, Gerard?”
“Yep, that and the impending Weil’s disease, Claire-Bear.”
“Super spooky.”
“I don’t want to get a disease.”
“Nope, me either.”
“Oh my Jesus,” Hugh groaned. “I am begging the two of you to just stop talking.”
“Baby Biggs, get out of my sleeping bag!”
“Oops, sorry Patrick. I can’t see in the dark. I thought it was Gerard’s sleeping bag.”
