Page 44 of Intangible
“Did I do okay? I just thought I’d say good morning,” she said, trying for her best sultry voice. “I didn’t hurt you, did I?” His bright green eyes caught her as a smile slowly spread over his face.
“You can say good morning like that any time you want.” When Memphis tried to sit up, he flopped back with a groan. “I need to go clean up. I think I might have pulled a staple out.”
“No, Memphis! I’m so sorry, I didn’t think.” Memphis cupped her concerned face with his hand.
“So worth it,” he said with a grin. “But I think you’re going to have to help me.”
“No, stay there. It’s my turn to clean you up.” She hopped out of bed, crossing quickly to the bathroom. “What are you laughing at?” she asked, walking out of the bathroom carrying a wet washcloth.
“Because we’re living on the run, my side feels like it’s on fire, I can’t use my dominant arm and I’m completely covered in cum. This relationship is about as far from normal as you can get. What’s not to laugh about?”
“I think it’s me,” Thayer continued quickly when he knitted his eyebrows together, looking at her. “Think about it. If it wasn’t for me, you’d still be living a quiet existence in the woods. Because of me, you’ve been tased, shot, and your house set on fire.”
“Just think how bored I’d have been if you hadn’t come along. I can tell you this though, this is definitely the hardest I’ve ever pursued a woman.” His laugh sounded painful as Thayer cleaned his stomach before inspecting his side. She helped him sit up on the edge of the bed.
“I think we could both stand a little more boredom,” she said, leaning down for a quick kiss. “Jay and Knox are meeting us this morning at Miss Beulah’s. I’ll get Jay to check your staples, then. Go do your thing in the bathroom so I can help you get dressed, I think Knox is already over there waiting.”
“You want to have some fun with Knox?” Memphis asked with a wicked grin. “Watch.” Thayer watched Memphis as he went into some kind of trance. After a few minutes, he seemed to pop back into his body. “We’d better go, he’s hopping mad now.” He laughed, telling Thayer what he had just done.
“Wait,” Thayer said. “I thought you had to have something personal belonging to the person you’re trying to find? Do you have something of Knox’s?”
“No, that’s the weird thing. It’s like I can just feel where he is. I’ve never had that happen before. I don’t know, I’ve learned not to try to understand it. Now, come on, before he hunts us down.”
Thayer had a suspicion she knew what it was about, but this was something Knox needed to tell Memphis about. In the end, the relationship between them was none of her business.
Chapter 18
Knox had shownup at the house where Memphis had spent his high school years half an hour ago. He greeted Miss Beulah, taking her up on her offer of coffee while they waited for everyone else.
Sitting in the dining room sipping on his coffee, he watched as kids of different ages came to a screeching stop outside the door to stare at him. Though he tried nodding at them, they just stood with their mouths open, watching him until Miss Beulah finally pushed them out the door for school.
“Sorry about that, they don’t see many giant white guys sitting at the table,” a deep voice announced from behind him. Holding his hand out, Jay shook Knox’s hand before sitting down.
“It’s been what, around thirteen years?” Jay added, watching the big man over the rim of his coffee. “I would never have talked to you that first time you showed up on the doorstep looking for him if I had known you’d bring him into this shit show.” Leaning over, he rubbed on Murphy’s head where he was snoozing at Knox’s feet.
“Yeah, you would’ve. I had to get him out of the previous shit show.” They sat in silence for a while, waiting until Ben showed up. Introducing himself, Ben plopped down into the chair next to Jay, immediately petting Murphy as the dog thumped his tail. They all jumped when Memphis suddenly appeared at the end of the table.
“Hey guys, we’re on our way. Just as soon as I get dressed from tapping your student, Mr. Monroe.” Memphis laughed, slowly fading away when Knox made a grab for him. Ben giggled as Jay just shook his head, watching Knox set his chair back up where he had knocked it over.
If they looked close enough, Knox was positive they could see actual steam coming out of his ears as he ran his hands through his hair.
“Don’t let him get to you. He’s always been a little ass,” Jay said with a smile at Knox. “You should have been around him in his teens.”
“I’m going to kill him when he gets here,” Knox growled, with a scowl on his face, slamming back down into his chair.
* * *
“You know he’s going to kill you,” Thayer stated as they pulled the Bronco into the driveway of the house. They spotted Jay and Ben’s cars, as well as what they assumed was Knox’s rental already here. Miss Beulah waved, walking down the steps to take the younger kids to the bus stop.
“I figured it’s just a matter of time anyway,” Memphis said with a shrug. Opening the passenger door, he walked around the hood to open Thayer’s door.
Sliding out, Thayer found herself suddenly pushed against the SUV. “You’d better kiss me now; you might not get another chance.” With a smile, Thayer pushed up on her toes, meeting Memphis’ mouth so he didn’t have to bend too far. When he finally stepped back, he winked at her.
“Dead man walking!” he announced, taking her hand to pull her up the steps.
Opening the door, Memphis was greeted by two paws placed firmly on his chest. “Murphy! Where did you come from, boy?” He painfully squatted down to rub on the dog as Murphy danced around him barking. “Did the big, scary man bring you with him?” Standing, Memphis pulled Thayer by the hand through the house as the dog pranced after them.
Memphis managed to make it into the kitchen before Knox grabbed him by the throat, pushing him against the wall, sending a jolt of pain through his body. Thayer pulled on Knox’s muscled bicep, trying to free Memphis from his grip to no avail.
