Page 37 of Finding Hope

Hours later, after the guys left my house and went back to their own, after the girls returned from their cruise around town in my car, after my humiliating but ridiculously cathartic release while my brothers held me, and after the sun rose again; for the first time since before Steph was taken, I tie the laces on my sneakers and whistle for Annie to grab her leash.

She doesn’t need it, we don’t use it, but if the cops drive by, they’ll ticket me just because they’re dicks.

Alex Turner – our town’s new chief, since the former got old and threw his back out last year – has a hard on for my family.

It’s nothing too serious, he’d still save our lives if we were in genuine danger,probably, but he seems to get a sick thrill out of arresting us, and he hands out parking violations and dog-shit-on-the-lawn violations like they’re candy.

He justlovescashing checks with Kincaid or Reilly written on them, but he’s especially giddy when they’re signed Hart, since Jon kicked his baby brother’s ass a few years ago.

Over a girl. Over Tink.

Annie waddles toward me as though last night didn’t happen, as though she didn’t fuck me over for a girl, and dropping her leash at my feet, she looks up to me with a smug grin.

Scoffing, I walk away. “Pick your own damn leash up, traitor. If you wanna go for a run, you’ll carry it yourself. You can carry your own shit bags, too.”

In answer, she twerks her ass and spins in circles.

“And since you’re finally back from your girl’s night out, we need to talk.” Kneeling down, I act as though I’m scolding a naughty toddler. “Don’t you ever growl at me like that again! I know your traitorous ass was protecting her last night.” Shaking my head, I say goodbye to an almost decade long friendship. “A pretty girl walks in and you dump me like I stink of roach shit. Fuckin’ women. You team up and break the men.”

Grumbling, I shake my head to dislodge the‘you’re talking to a dog, man. You’re skirting that edge of insanity.’

I know who the fuck I’m talking to. And I know she understands.

“Maybe you should go live with her, huh? I bet she doesn’t make the meat and gravy like I do.”

Standing with a huff of dread, I turn for the door and prepare to run off the anxious energy that’s been in my gut since I first told Bambie to fuck off. Stepping in front of me, Annie stops me before I cross the threshold. Pushing her head against my stomach, she silently apologizes, then she runs her slobbery tongue up my arm andalmostforces a smile from between my lips.

Wiping the slobber away, I step into the sunshine and stare at the sky. “Whatever, traitor. Start running. Vacation time is officially over.”

10

BOBBY

FINDING HOME

Silently watching the security screens, I watch Jack run – hobble – out past the gates, then Annie, with only three legs, jogging more fluidly on his left. As soon as the gates close and lock behind him, I turn back to my family.

“He’s gone?”

Taking my wife in my arms and frowning at the more noticeable rib bones felt through her shirt, I press a kiss to her brow and nod.

I wasn’t lying to Jack; she’s not eating because of him. She’s not sleeping. She’s as stressed this year as she was when I first met her.

Pushing her hair aside, I drop a second kiss on her temple. “Yeah, baby. He’s gone.”

“Alright.” Clapping his hands, Jim turns on the kids. “I’ll give each of you ten bucks if you go to the TV room and play the PlayStation. I got you a new game, too.”

“Yay!” Several of the smaller kids jump up and send milk glasses toppling, silverware clanging, and crockery slamming together.

But of course, the older girls shake their heads.

“I don’t wanna go.” Stopping in front of Tina and Aiden, Evie pouts and looks up at her dad. “I know y’all are talkin’ about Uncle Jack. I wanna stay.”

“Well that’s just too bad.” Aiden gently tugs Evie’s springy curls down. “This is grown-up stuff, Smalls. I’m sorry, baby.”

“But I’m twelve now! I can handle it.”

“You don’t have to handle anything,” Tina argues with a soft smile. “Go to the living room and make sure the twins don’t kill each other.” She pauses thoughtfully. “Or anyone else.”

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