Chapter 7
-:- CHAOS -:-
Today is the day I am taking Victoria home to her apartment. I’m sure she’ll be fine once I get her settled into the place. It’s a pleasant apartment but small, so she’s going to know I’m around even if I try to keep a low profile, which I’m not likely to do if I’m being honest about it.
Walking into the hospital room once more, I give Jack a slap on the back. “Thanks, Jack. You’ve been great watching over Victoria.” I stop speaking when I notice Victoria is sitting in the easy chair Jack had been using, and she has one of Jo’s books in her hand. Shit, that’s raunchy stuff and I know the brothers love them as they play out the scenes. Well, the damn sex scenes that is.
“Why are you reading that?” I ask, which has her nearly jumping out of the seat.
Giving me a dirty look as she looks up at me, “Goddamn it. Don’t do that. This is a good book, and it’s the first in a five-book series.”
“Okay, have you everything packed ready to go?”
Jack nods and holds a small weekender that has the few things Victoria had for her use here. “All here, Chaos. I’ll carry them to the truck for you.”
As I’d already signed the release papers and told the nurse to stick the wheelchair because if Vicky couldn’t make it out of the place I’d carry her, bridal style.
Victoria walked out perfectly fine. She had her arm laced through mine and Jack walked in front of us, making sure nobody got in our way. We took it slowly as I didn’t want her to get dizzy.
After settling Victoria into the truck, I thank Jack again and watch him walk over to the hog he received from Target. It looks like what it is, a bike that needs fixing, but he’ll get it done. I know he’s been cleaning every inch and has a list of things he needs to get it in peak condition. Victoria happily waves at Jack as we pass him leaving the hospital parking lot.
It doesn’t take long to reach the apartment, but once inside I take a deep breath because the Three Stooges are sitting in the kitchen waiting. Who the hell gave them a key?
“What are you three doing here? And how did you get in?” I ask. Specs had BS come over and fit a solid lock on the door, and I can bet he’s given these three a spare key.
Wriggling a key in front of her, Amelia smirks right before sliding that key down the front of her dress and into her bra. Now, I know I’m a daredevil and I’ve done some shit in my time, but putting my hand down an eighty-year-old woman’s dress is not one of them, and not going to be one of them.
“Oh, hello,” Victoria steps towards the three and gives them a huge smile.
“Hi, Victoria. I’m Amelia and this is Bitty and Sybil.” Amelia points out who is who right before grabbing Victoria into a hug before passing her to Bitty for the same. Of course, Sybil won’t be left out, so she has a hug, too. I’m standing here like a fool but quickly shake myself into moving and take the weekender into the bedroom.
Walking back into the kitchen I lean against the wall as I watch the three women fuss over Victoria. They have a plate of ribs with a salad on the side in front of her. They are talking about what they’ll do if anyone tries anything underhanded when they are around. But when Amelia shows how well she can use a cane, for defense purposes of course. I smirk when Victoria starts to laugh. That is the trigger that sets all three of the Stooges to acting like five-year-olds.
“Okay, you three it’s time to go.”
Sybil huffs. “No, it’s time for you to go. We are getting Victoria settled in. You have a message to go speak with Sheriff Forest and Nell.”
“I’ve not had a message from Forest!” I take out my phone and see nothing. No missed calls or messages. I give Sybil a questioning look, and she smirks while flicking her head towards the door.
“Shit’s sake, okay. You three stay with Victoria and I’ll hurry and don’t do anything, and I meananythingstupid…” I give all three a serious look, but the fuckers are looking at me like butter wouldn’t melt in their mouths, and we all know that’s not true.
“I’ll be fine, Chaos. Honestly, the ladies are lovely, and we are getting along like a house on fire. I’ll eat and then shower before I climb into bed. The ladies will be here to help me.”
The door opens and Star walks inside, and I’m wondering why she is here and who told her where Victoria lives. But turning to look at Bitty I can see she’s doing everything she can not to give me eye contact. Yeah, now I know who the guilty party is.
“Hey, all. I brought some pastries from the bakery, and a good headache remedy from my dad. He brings it from the UK when he visits friends.” Star empties the bags onto the kitchen counter, and I make my escape by giving Victoria a kiss on the forehead while whispering I’d see her later.
****
I decide to send a text to Aaron since he was the one I spoke to initially.
Chaos: Any news on the situation?
It doesn’t take long for him to reply, which I’m pleased about. I hate waiting for responses to text messages.
Aaron: The parents have been keeping a low profile. I’ve a few kids watching the place for any kind of movement. The kid has not been to school yet either. He has been seen in his bedroom window, so we know he’s alive. I may go ask to see him, just to fuck up whatever it is they are doing.
Chaos: If you go I’ll go with you.
