Page 66 of Echoes of Fear
“The girl will be taken into protective custody until a safe foster home is found,” the officer says. “We’ll keep our eyes on this group. That’s all we can do for now.”
“Right,” I nod. “And, when you get a call about a mass suicide because they thought that was the only way to achieve divinity, I want you to remember this conversation.”
The officer sighs, but I walk away.
“He’s right,” King says when we reach our bikes. “There isn’t anything that can be done. Those people will do whatever they want, regardless of our intervention.”
“I know it,” I say.
“Ghost wants the club to meet tomorrow. Is it alright if we do it at your place?”
“Of course,” I straddle my bike and wait for King to settle on his. “How’s my sister?”
“A royal pain in my ass,” he grumps. “I have this trampoline that I built into the ground so the kids don’t get hurt, but Emily insists I need to move it next to the pool area. And she has my Madeline in on it.”
“Why not just install a diving board?” I ask.
“Apparently, that would be too simple for her taste,” King replies, adjusting his sunglasses. “She’s got this whole vision of a mini-water park in her head. Wants to make my backyard into some kind of summer amusement park.”
I chuckle, shaking my head. “Sounds like Emily. Always aiming for the grandest ideas.”
“Yeah,” King agrees. “And then there’s Madeline, egging her on every step of the way.”
I nod knowingly. “Those two together are a force to be reckoned with.”
“Tell me about it,” King says with a sigh. “But what can I say? Madeline’s got me wrapped around her little finger. If she wants a damn waterpark, she’ll get a damn waterpark. See you tomorrow, brother.”
“Later.”
With DeeDee in safe hands, I head back home to my beautiful man.
***Knox***
The highway beside Taylor’s house is dangerous. There’s a fork in the road right as you pass the driveway that’s going to get someone killed. The left turn is safe enough, but to the right is the sharpest curve I’ve ever seen.
I watch as a red truck drives by, slowing down well before they get to the fork. Smart driver.
Just as the truck turns right and rounds the curve to where I can no longer see it, I hear Taylor’s bike coming from the opposite direction.
My heart races, knowing that he’s home. I don’t really like being alone. But it’s not even that. I’m just really happy to see him.
“Everything okay?” I ask when his bike is powered off.
“DeeDee is safe,” He answers.
“Good,” I sigh. “It’s already pretty late. Don’t you have to go to Oasis tonight?”
“Nope. Boss gave me tonight off. I’m all yours. What will you do with me?”
Well, isn’t that a loaded question.
“I want to see behind your house,” I say. “Will you come with me? I don’t think I’m ready to do that on my own.”
“There isn’t much back there at the moment,” he tells me. “But there is a beautiful pond that we can sit next to and talk if you want.”
Smiling, I stand and reach for his hand. Strangely, I'm not scared as we leave the porch and walk out back.
“I feel fine,” I laugh. “But don’t let go of my hand.”