Page 58 of Relentles
Rebel held up the large towel she’d gotten from the bathroom in front of Mom, while their mother sniffled through removing her clothes.
“This was one of my favorite outfits,” Mom sobbed. “Not only that, but Jo’s doctors also are waiting.”
“It’s okay, baby,” Dad soothed, though his eyes promised murder.
“Come on, my dudes,” Axel instructed.
Ryder and Ransom exchanged glances and their eyes widened. Their sudden paleness almost garnered sympathy from CJ.Almost. “Go ahead, you little mites. You created this fucking chaos with Dad. Face your punishment with him.”
Waving CJ’s T-shirt, Axel tipped forward, Ransom and Ryder close behind him. Though Ransom fell in the middle of the Terrible Triplets, he was already the tallest.
“Before you pass judgment, we’d like to explain,” Axel started, settling the white T-shirt over his neck. He sidled a glance over his shoulder. “He might not buy it, so be ready to run on my signal.”
“Ain’t no fucking explainin’ dousin’ your ma full of fuckin’ pig shit,” Dad snarled.
“Now, Dad, you can’t administer punishment while you’re so angry,” Ryder reasoned. “You’d subject us to cruel and unusual harshness.”
“Your retribution doesn’t fit the crime,” Ransom added.
“Hush, men,” Axel ordered. “Let me explain, then we’ll plead for a lighter ass beating.”
“Mom, if you’ve removed all your clothes, this is an Uncle Johnnie moment,” Ryder said.
Mom narrowed her eyes, her look violent. “I tripped over your stupid rope,” she snarled. “I heard a creak and looked up. Poop hit my face first!”
Dad glowered at Axel, Ryder, and Ransom.
“That sounds horrendous.” Axel’s voice shook. “Would it help if we admit that Hogzilla’s shit soup was meant for Rebel and not you?”
Still holding the towel, Rebel looked over her shoulder. “Iwould’vekilled you little fuckheads then.”
“We just wanted to shower you in flour, Mom.” Axel turned and whispered to the other two before looking at Mom again. “You’reourflower. What better way to express our love, than to cover you with the evidence of it.”
“That’s sweet,” Mom said, allowing Rebel to help her wrap the towel around her.
“Ain’t givin’ a fuck. I’mstillbeatin’ the fuck outta all three of you lil’ motherfuckers. And each of you watchin’.”
“Mom, talk to your husband,” Axel squeaked. “His rules of engagement are fucked up.”
Dad started for them, but Mom caught his arm. “You three will clean this mess, the flour and—” She glanced at CJ. “The ketchup.”
“No way!” Axel complained.
“Get a lighter sentence for us, Ax,” Ryder ordered. “You’re the baby of us. She’s supposed to fall for your cuteness.”
“She fuckin’ did,” Dad said sourly, “since I’m guessin’ that’s what she wants as your punishment.”
Axel’s little shoulders sagged in relief, while Ryder and Ransom congratulated his brilliance.
“Nope,” Mom said with a shake of her head. “Your daddy’s beating you,thenyou’re cleaning up.” She turned, holding the towel tightly in place, and stalked away. “Come on, Reb. You need to wash the flour off you.”
“Mom, can I borrow your Lexus?” CJ called. She’d never allow him to drive her Corvette.
“My keys are in the foyer console,” she said, not turning around.
“Your fucking asses are toast,” Rebel said gleefully. She smirked, unconcerned that Axel burst into tears. “I owe you motherfuckers.” Whistling, she rushed to catch up with Mom.
“I have to pee, Dad,” Ryder said, turning.
