Page 54 of Freedom to Love

Brynn opened the screen door. “You better get inside then.” Kat hurried inside and stopped in the dim light. The house was frigid cold and smelled of cigarettes. Light tried to come through closed blinds, but it wasn’t enough for her to step confidently.

“This way.” Brynn walked through what Kat suspected was the living room. A man, one she assumed to be Billy, was asleep on the couch, the old television tuned in to cartoons.

Brynn crossed to the kitchen and sat at a table, the sunlight streaming in strong in this room, so strongly Kat had to cover her brow and squint until she adjusted.

“What do you need to talk about?” Brynn sipped what looked like Sun Drop from a sweaty glass.

Kat settled in across from her and took in the framed photos of Brynn’s family along the dining room wall.

“It’s Damien. He’s coming home today, and he wants you to be there with him to celebrate.”

Brynn laughed and traced the sweat on her glass. “He said that?”

“He did.”

Brynn met her eyes. “I seriously doubt he cares if I’m there or not.”

“You’re wrong,” Kat whispered. “He wants you there. We all want you there.”

Brynn looked away but not before Kat saw her pulse jump in her neck.

“I’ve missed you,” she said. “I’ve wanted nothing more than to know how you are. Talk to you…hold you.”

Brynn stood. “You can’t talk like that here.” She took her glass and dumped it in the sink. Stood in front of it, in front of the window, glowing like a goddess. Kat was breathless with desire, but it was obvious Brynn was terrified.

“Come with me to the party,” Kat said. “So we can have fun and talk some.”

“You really want a Williams girl at this party?” She was scowling, arms folded across her chest.

Kat walked to her. “You’re Brynn. Not Bea or Billy or those men out there. You’re Brynn and I see you. I see who you really are.” Brynn inhaled sharply; she trembled. Kat touched her, ran her hands up the outside of her arms. “Come here.” She enveloped her and drew in the scent of her hair and moist skin. Both went straight to her spine like a bolt of lightning. She, too, shuddered.

“What in the hell is this?” a voice said from behind. Brynn cried out and pushed Kat away. She turned toward the refrigerator as if she were afraid to look at him.

The older man Kat had seen outside stood with his shotgun hanging down his leg. His overalls were filthy and so were his hands. He’d been working with soil; she could smell it. Probably his garden.

“She was just leaving,” Brynn said.

“You’re that cop, ain’t ya?” He looked at Kat with pure disgust.

“I just came to check on Brynn.”

He jerked his chin toward Brynn. “She’s fine. See? She don’t need you checking in on her.”

Kat held up her hands. “I see that, thank you.” She looked to Brynn. “Think about it,” she said. “He’d love to see you. We all would.”

Kat excused herself and edged past the angry uncle. She recognized him from his lengthy rap sheet. Mostly DUIs, breaking and entering. Mo, his name was Mo. Short for Montgomery. She hurried outside and found his boys meandering around her car. Her heart raced as she unlocked the door and climbed in. She started the engine, but the boys didn’t move. She edged down her window. “You want me gone, then let me go.”

They moved but continued their dead-eyed stare. Kat sped off, kicking up dirt. But just before she turned onto the main road, she saw Brynn emerge and stare off after her, wiping tears from her eyes.

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