Page 6 of Tripp

“Tyler Katherine Landry,” Gabe chastised, his voice low and controlled. I knew that tone.

“Daddy said I could say it.” The little girl started to cry.

“Gabe, don’t.”

“Hey, Ty, can you tell us what happened today?” Jackson got on his knees and hugged his niece. “Uncle Jacks will go have a talk with him.”

“I had to beat him away today. He doesn’t stop poking me. I don’t like it. I told him to stop. Teacher didn’t do anything. She said to stay away from him. It wasn’t my fault.”

“For fuck sake.”

“Baby, take a deep breath.”

“No. I’m going to the damn school right now. If anyone wants to come along so I don’t end up in a cell, now’s your chance. Tyler, you stay with Gramps and Day Day, okay? Mommy is going to see about this little boy bothering you.”

“Mommy, don’t hit nobody. You don’t want to be in trouble too.”

“I make no promises, baby.” Dani Lynn kissed her head. “No matter what, you know we have your back. You have a right to defend yourself. Always.”

“Should I kick him in the nuts next time? Auntie Stella?—”

“We’ll talk about how to handle it if there’s a next time, later, okay?”

“Ma?” I watched the kid and Dani Lynn. he’d called her Ma. Then I remembered they’d adopted an older boy. One that was a part of saving Dani Lynn years ago. He is so grown up now. Damn I felt old.

“I’m heading over to pick up Noelle from Robert, then going to get Lana and take them home. Gramma had lunch going. I’ll take Rambo here with me; this isn’t the best place for her anyway. We can talk about school bullies on the way.”

“Okay. We’ll meet you back at the house.”

“Day Day, you proud too? I did okay?”

He walked over and scooped up the girl. “I’m so proud of you. But there’s other ways to handle it first. Okay? Trust me. Ma helped me with bullies, so now I’ll help you out.”

“Hey,” Dani Lynn called out. “Supper is at six. Don’t be late. Any of you.” She stopped before me. “Uncle Tripp, if you and your friend wanna join us, you can. There’s plenty of kids for the little one to play with; and there’s going to be plenty of food on hand.”

“I’ll see how things go, but for now, I need to talk to your dad and find Phoenix. Thanks for the invite.”

“He’s probably out on a job site.” Gabe looked at his watch. “I’ll call Wayne and see for sure. Come on, let’s go talk in my office, then we’ll do what needs doing. Derek?”

“Yeah, Gramps?”

“Tell your grandma I’m not making it home for lunch; y’all just eat without me.”

“Why am I the bearer of bad news?”

“Because she won’t yell at you,” Dani Lynn stated, laughing as she walked out the door.

“I’ll fix you a plate. Uncle Jacks, you need anything? I’ll be gone for about two hours.”

“Nah, kid, I’m good. Your Aunt Kris made my lunch this morning. Thanks, though.”

“This place always this busy?” I asked, rubbing the back of my neck.

“Today’s a slow day,” Gabe answered, walking toward the back. We followed. Time to get to it. I needed answers and to find my—Casey.

Chapter 3

Casey

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