Page 4 of One of Six

Do the Redds like the way I look? I'm sure they're as curious about me, as I am about them.

"Found it!" a voice shouts.

"Don't drop it." Nico.

The sudden banging on the windows of the store freezes their movements. Mr. Gleeson gasps. "It's the sheriff." He goes pale.

Only one thing to do. I shuffle forward. "I suppose you have a truck in the back?"

"What of it?" Essex, the youngest, hisses and takes a step toward me.

Atilio holds out a hand. "Cut it out."

"If Mr. Gleeson doesn't open the front doors, the sheriff will drive around the back."

"She's right." Boone.

"Let me go out there with Mr. Gleeson and open up. I'll think of something to distract him. Just please don't leave until his car is gone." I wince. "My father will be furious if he finds out I helped you."

"We can't trust her!" Essex argues.

"I trusted you not to hurt me. I have no quarrel with you. Let me do this." I look at Atilio.

"Don't burn us," Atilio says.

"I won't." I look at each brother in turn, remembering which face goes with which name.

Mr. Gleeson takes my hand and pulls me through the store. "Are you sure, Beatrice?"

"You've always been kind to me, Mr. Gleeson, without asking for anything in return." I stop to wave to my uncle. "I'm doing this for you and them. They don't deserve the town treating them the way they do."

"Thank you." He slides the key into the lock. "If you ever need anything, come to me, okay?" He meets my gaze briefly.

I nod as my uncle bursts into the store. "Sheriff," Mr. Gleeson stutters. He sounds angry, and yes, my uncle notices.

"Uncle David," I rush forward and hug him. Something I haven’t done in a long time. I guess Mr. Gleeson isn't the only one acting strange. "I'm so glad to see you. I don't suppose you have a few minutes to give me a ride home. It's so hot out, and my mother wants some fresh, cold milk.”

Shut up, Beatrice!

“Why was the door locked?"

"Oh, I was helping Mr. Gleeson lift some boxes in the back, and he's alone in here today. We're done now." I smile. "A ride home, please?"

He's quiet and looks between us. "Get the milk."

"Thanks!" I say happily and run to get another carton of milk. I can't even remember what happened to the one I was holding when Atilio grabbed me.

As I get another, I look behind me and see Essex watching me. I'm not sure what to make of him.

"Beatrice!” Uncle David calls. “I haven't got all day?" His voice comes closer as Essex fades from view.

"Got it." I turn down the aisle and find Uncle David coming toward me with a panicked Mr. Gleeson trailing behind. "It was nice to see you again, Mr. Gleeson, I'll make sure to stop by more often."

Uncle David grunts and puts a strong hand on my shoulder. "You don't need to shop here anymore, Beatrice." He leads me out of the store and shoves me into the back of his patrol car. My heart races as the door slams shut. I tell myself I can survive this short ride.

I'm helping the Redds get out of town. I'm doing something rebellious. A first. My father will not be happy when he finds out. He won't be happy if anyone tells him what I wore into town either.

Uncle David gets behind the wheel and gives me a long look through the rearview mirror. His eyes make me want to squirm, but I don't. I can't go anywhere anyway.

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