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“My uncle was very paranoid. I now think he was likely ill. He thought there were people after him. That’s why he hid us away. He’d get confused easily as well. Sometimes he’d call me his son, tell me he was sorry. But he didn’t have a son. I’m surprised that Child Protective Services managed to track him down to see if he would take me after my parents died. Although he seemed to get progressively worse over the years. Anyway, I guess that paranoia was something I grew up thinking was normal. After a few years, I could scarcely remember my parents or how I’d lived before.”
She undid her seatbelt so she could scoot over and comfort him.
He scowled at her. “What do you think you’re doing?”
“Coming over to you.” They had passed the house and were working their way through the trees. This wasn’t even a proper road.
“Put your seatbelt back on, it’s not safe.”
“We’re not on the road,” she protested as he clipped the belt back into place.
“That’s not the point. You really do need that booster seat.”
She sighed. She could tell that he wasn’t going to give this idea up.
After they drove into the bunker, they emptied out the back of the truck. The guys wouldn’t let her carry anything, but Eli came out to help them.
“Where’s the ice cream?” she asked as soon as they entered the kitchen. She started searching through the bags.
“Why?” Zander asked.
There it was! She dragged it out, opening the top.
“Because everyone knows the best time to eat ice cream is when you first get it home from the store and it’s slightly melted.”
“It’s nearly time for lunch, you don’t need ice cream,” he told her.
Pfft. Not need ice cream? Was he delusional?
“Oh, but I do. Look at it. It’s delish. I need a spoon.”
Webb handed her over one with a wink.
“Hey! Don’t encourage her,” Zander complained.
Zander reached for the tub of ice cream, but she picked it up, cradling it to her chest. “Mine.”
Webb chuckled and even grouchy Eli looked like he was contemplating a smile.
Maybe.
“Little Thief, I’m going to make you some sandwiches for lunch. If you eat them, then you can have some ice cream.”
“Nuh-uh. By then the ice cream will have gone all hard in the freezer.” She quickly scooped her spoon along the edge of the tub, where it was most melted. Yummy. She moaned. “That’s so good.”
Zander scowled as he peered into the tub. “It looks awful. How many different colors did they get in there?”
She put the tub down and scooped up some more. Then she held it up to him. “Try it.”
He backed away. “No way.”
“Try it.” With a grin, she moved closer. “Or are you chicken?”
His eyes narrowed. “Brat.” He leaned in close. “You’ll pay for this later.”
Her bottom tingled. “Bring it on Daddy Z.”
He took the mouthful and immediately made a face as she giggled.
