Page 75 of Havoc's Fox

“They did?” Analise asked. “When was that?”

“When I was sleeping.”

“But not really sleeping?” Analise asked.

Harley grinned up at her.

“I think maybe you aren’t really sleeping too much. Adult conversations are private.”

“Just like their houses.”

“Exactly. I’m going to tell your Poppy to get you some earplugs.”

“What are earplugs?”

“Little pieces of soft rubber that you use to block your ears so you don’t damage them by hearing really loud noises. They also keep you from hearing things so clearly.”

“That doesn’t sound fun.”

Analise laughed, then turned to face the door when she heard it opening.

“There you are!” Valerie said. “You’re supposed to ask us if it’s okay to go where you’re going before you go anywhere.”

“I know, Val. I’m sorry. I just missed Analise so much! And Daddy was getting yelled at, so I went to see Analise.”

“Daddy wasn’t get yelled at. We were all just concerned, and Daddy was doing some of his own yelling.”

“Oh. Well, Daddy knowed where I was. I heard Emmalyn call him on the phone, and she called him a bad name, but she was laughing, so I don’t think he was mad.”

“Do you ever not eavesdrop?” Analise asked.

Harley shrugged. “I can’t help it if I can hear things other people don’t.”

“What are we going to do with you?” Valerie asked, hugging Harley then pushing her gently into the house.

“Analise, would you like to come in and have some hot chocolate with us?” Valerie asked.

Analise looked over Valerie’s shoulder and could only see Harley. She wasn’t surprised, she knew that Havoc was outside, tracking her and Harley. “I think I’m just going to head back home, but I appreciate the offer.”

“Of course. You’re welcome here any time.”

Analise kind of gave her a little wave and backed off the porch.

Suddenly Harley appeared beside Valerie, who was watching her go. “Bye! Are we going for a walk tomorrow? You said we could maybe go for a walk if you were still here, and you’re still here.”

“Oh, I don’t know, Harley. Let’s see what happens tomorrow, okay?”

“If we go early it will be lots of fun,” Harley called out.

“I know. Lots of birds singing, right?”

“Right!” Harley exclaimed.

“But if we go later, we don’t have to get up so early.”

“As long as we go,” Harley said.

“No promises. We’ll see what happens tomorrow. If I can go, I’ll call and see if you’re able to go, and if you can go I’ll come get you so you’re not walking down by yourself. Okay?”