Page 8 of Hyde

“Spit it out.” I laugh, this kid’s always up to something.

“I’ve been talking to the others.” And I know he’s talking about the kids who have all grown up around the MC. “About half of them want to be home schooled with us, we just have to figure out how to work their parents.”

“Forget just being taller than me, you’re going for straight-up world domination, ain’t ya?” I smile and grab him behind the neck, giving him a friendly shake. “I’m sure that’ll keep you busy, but watch out for Leslee, alright?”

“Did you take care of that asshole?” he asks me in a voice that makes it hard to remember he’s still in grammar school.

Without another word, I turn and head inside the house. That ain’t business for kids.

Inside, Riley is noticeably upset even as she finishes up dinner and I hear the undertones of Gunner’s voice coming from the back of the house.

“Oh, Hyde,” Riley says, crossing to me and giving me a quick hug. “We’re just a mess tonight.”

“You do remember we’re nearly the same age, don’t you? I don’t need everything to be perfect, just want to enjoy some family time before I take my trip.”

“Would you try talking to Leslee? She won’t leave her room and I know it’s driving Gunner out of his mind,” she quietly makes the request.

I nod and walk down the hall to where the kids’ rooms are. “Hey, brother.”

“Leslee, honey? Hyde is here, will you come talk to him?” Gunner nods at me but is still trying to coax his girl out of her room.

“I HATE HIM!” Leslee shrieks and I don’t understand why those words feel like a knife is cutting me wide open.

Gunner presses his head against her door, bracing his hands on the top of the door frame and lets out a deep breath.

“Leslee,” I start, only to be cut off.

“Go away!”

“Okay. I wanted to see you before my trip but if that’s what you want…”

She yanks her door open and shoves past her father, right into my arms. “It isn’t a trip. People know when they’re coming back from trips and you… Don’t go, Joey.”

There’s barely room in the hallway but I take a seat with my back against the opposite wall and tug her down in front of me, holding her soft hands in my rough ones. “I’ll be back, Leslee, don’t know when exactly, but I suspect Gunner will call me in for extra security when you find someone you want to date.”

“I love you,” she whispers so softly I can barely make out the words. Looking defiantly at her dad before she turns back to me, she speaks louder. “I love you. You won’t have to worry about that.”

Gunner grunts, but Leslee pulls her hands out of mine and reaches behind her neck, removing her chain.

“Gram gave me this before she died and I’ve never taken it off. I want you to wear it every day. Promise?” she asks me, tears streaming down her face.

“Promise. Until you ask for it back,” I hesitantly say after getting a nod from her father, and I let her fasten it around my neck.

“How will I know where you are?” she asks, pulling her legs up against her chest as she sits across from me. “Dad won’t let me get a cell phone yet.”

“I’ll send you postcards,” I say after a moment, remembering how Bree would always send postcards to her niblings. “Every time I hit a new town. How does that sound?”

She nods before ducking her head down into her knees and sobbing again. “Sure. The cards will stop coming when you’ve forgotten about me.”

“Christ!” Gunner mumbles and I tilt my head just enough to see his hands fisted at his sides.

Getting to one knee, I lean over and kiss the top of her head before standing up.

Back in the main room, Riley looks up at us hopefully and Gunner motions down the hall. She nods before going to where Leslee is still sitting in the hallway and he walks over to pour us a couple of whiskeys before turning and walking to his den.

Drinking in silence, I’m nearly done with the beverage before he speaks.

“When Leslee was six years old, she told us she was going to be your Ol’ Lady. I know it’s been a while, but it happened back when you dated Trinity, long enough that you brought her as a date to Anvil’s wedding?”

---