Family Affairs, Chapter 13

“Here.” Michael tucked the gun into the rear end of Virginia’s jeans.

“What are you doing?” Virginia asked.

“I’m worried about you.”

“So you tuck a gun into my pants?”

“I’m not always going to be near you. I don’t want you to be unprotected if he comes after you and I can’t get there.”

Virginia leaned over and kissed Michael. “I know that you’re worried about me. I have faith.”

“I just don’t think this is a good idea. I think you should stay somewhere else. What if he comes back for you in the middle of the night? No one heard him take Leah. I’m worried that we won’t hear you.”

“Alright I’ll keep the gun.”

“Mr. Sikes, Ms. Virginia, supper’s ready.” Billy called upstairs.

“God, it’s supper time already? Has it really been almost a whole day since Leah was taken? Two since Carry was taken?”

“Yeah. How’s Grandma holding up?”

“She’s okay. She’s a strong woman. She has a lot more faith than I have.”

“Billy?”

“He’s a wreck. He’s so worried about Leah and the baby. Grandma’s the only thing holding him together.”

“I just wish this was all over. I’d love to be back at your home with all of our boys.”

“Yeah. I know. Me too.”

“Virginia, could I ask you a question?”

“Michael, you know you can ask me anything.”

“Would it upset you if I thought about taking in that Tyler kid?”

“Michael, you don’t know anything about him. He’s trouble.”

“Didn’t you tell Billy that all of the boys are ‘good upstanding boys.’?”

“I was just comforting him.”

“It looked like you meant it to me.”

“It’s just that…”

“Maybe he reacts the only way he knows how. Just think about it. Maybe give him a chance.” Michael led Virginia downstairs to dinner. Grandma looked like Grandma with a piece of her heart missing. Billy was an absolute wreck. He looked like he hadn’t slept in weeks.

They ate dinner in near silence. Virginia and Michael helped Billy and Grandma clear the table and clean up. It was the least they could do when she wouldn’t let them pay her for room and board.

After everything was put away in its place they all went into the den to watch TV.

A rustling in the hallway roused only Michael. He went to check the noise out. Everyone in the den was alerted with a gunshot. Soon Robert stepped into the entranceway. Robert shot Grandma when she came charging at him waving her broom. She never even saw the gun. Billy tried to usher Virginia out of a back doorway but was shot in the process.

“It’s been a long time, Darling, too long.” Robert said. “You just come with me and there won’t be anymore trouble. No one else has to get hurt.”

Virginia thought about retrieving the gun from her backside, but decided against it. It was not the right time. “Where are the boys and Leah?”

“They’re at home waiting for you.” Robert held his hand out as if were waiting for his bride-to-be’s hand.

Virginia decided that she could be more help to her boys and Leah if she were with them. She casually took his hand.

“You see that we need to be family again, don’t you? The kids need a mother and a father at home to take care of them. Right?”

Virginia nodded her head. He’s lost it. He’s totally lost it. He’s out of his mind. She looked at Grandma and Billy as she passed them. Billy was breathing, but it didn’t look like Grandma would make it. She looked for Michael in the hallway, but she didn’t see him. Where was he? She got in the van and looked back at Grandma’s inn as Robert drove her to her boys.