Page 29 of Tye

“Eddie could have taken Snickers, so you’re lucky,” Christian said.

“Snickers?”

“My rat. He’s about four now and getting on. Snickers loves snicker bars, hence his name. I’d have tanned her ass myself if Eddie had taken him,” Christian explained.

“Any other weird pets?” I questioned.

Christian grinned. “One or two. Ice doesn’t have any, so don’t worry. But our cousin Nova has a Goliath Birdeater Tarantula, and Cody, for whatever reasons, breeds frogs.”

“Cody is your brother?” I asked.

“Yeah.”

“Why do you have so many strange animals?” I inquired as Christian waved a hand for me to walk beside him as we headed to the dining room.

“It was a punishment for the MC. The brothers were being assholes, and the women came up with a creative way of punishing them. In all honesty, they find a variety of ways to get our caveman heads out of our asses.” Christian chuckled.

“You’re a prospect too. But you work for the Trusts?” I asked, trying to remember what Christian did.

“Yeah. Cody and I took over two of the Trusts to give Mum more time at home. She worked hard like everyone else but was starting to burn out. Juggling the Trusts, the kids, the club, and everything else she did, she needed a break. Cody and I gave her one,” he said as he opened the door.

A loud clamour greeted me as the children of the house all talked over each another.

Sitting in a chair at the end and looking perfectly contrite was Eddie. I almost bought it until I saw the cunning in her eyes. Well, damn. That child knew how to play an audience. I wondered if Phoe would fall for it.

Phoe sat in her seat answering a question from one of the children but keeping a sharp eye on everyone.

“It’s a buffet breakfast; just help yourself,” Phoe said to me as we walked in.

“Thank you,” I replied.

A hand touched my elbow as Christian moved towards the buffet. I looked over my shoulder and saw Ice.

“How are you feeling?” he asked.

“Better, thanks,” I answered as we moved towards the sideboards. I was amazed at the range of food on offer. But it made sense, considering how many people were eating. There was a full English, cereal, muffins, toast, and pastries. “Wow.”

“Mom believes that breakfast is the main meal of the day,” Ice said as he began loading a plate up.

I followed suit and sat next to him at the table, where Phoe calmly held Eddie’s gaze. Eddie shot me a look and ducked her head.

As soon as everybody had sat and eaten, Eddie stood up to escape.

“Sit,” Phoe commanded.

Eddie sat quickly.

“I’ve considered your punishment and have decided,” Phoe said, and silence fell as everyone looked in her direction. “Your carelessness and absolute determination in always being right and escaping consequences are unparalleled. Despite several warnings and shots across your bow, Eddie, you haven’t learnt constraint.

“The time on your punishment will hopefully make you consider in the future before you act. For the next month, you’ll clean the stables every night after school and every weekend evening. Then I have arranged for you to help for the next two months at Calamity and Rosie’s shelter once more.

“In the meantime, all privileges have been suspended for the next three months. No gaming, no mall time, no trips or treats. You will also volunteer at an old people’s home on a Sunday, serving dinners and fetching tea and coffee for them. You’ll be their gopher. Perhaps then you will gain a respect for people and their illnesses.”

“No!” Eddie exclaimed, horrified. “Old people smell!”

“That was going to last for three months. Instead, now it’s six,” Phoe stated.

“Mom!” Eddie cried.

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