Becoming His Read Online Free Page B

opens, but words don’t come and I take the opportunity to attempt to smooth things over. “Let’s go. I’m starving,” I lie, placing a hand on Kyle’s shoulder and the other on Caulder’s. I gently push them forward, hoping to diffuse the situation before Caulder starts issuing citations and giving gun safety advice.
    “I’m real sorry about that, kids. She’s been hearing all these stories on the news about people breaking into homes, and all the terrible ruckus they’re causing. It’s got her a little on edge.” Mr. Janes shakes his head and shoots us an apologetic grimace.
    “You guys should consider mace, or another form of protection ... maybe calling the police ,” Caulder suggests, turning around and looking between the gun holes in the wall, and to me. “You could have easily killed someone today.”
    “Bye, Mr. Janes.” I call over my shoulder as I give my brothers another shove in the hopes of moving them before any of the Bosse women make their way over. They would lose it.
    I can feel Kyle’s reluctance under my palms as his muscles strain against me and realize my efforts are likely futile.
    “She forgot who I was. She’s not doing well. I’m fine. Really. Please, let’s not make a big deal out of this.” I keep my voice quiet so Jack can’t overhear me. He still isn’t ready to come to terms with the fact his wife is starting to have more frequent lapses of dementia.
    I see the understanding in Caulder’s eyes. He responded to a call a few weeks ago about an elderly lady that was found in the park that couldn’t recall where she lived.
    “Please?” I beg. Kyle’s eyes focus on mine for a moment and then move, and I follow his gaze to Max, who looks like he too is waging an internal battle with himself. I give Kyle my best pleading look and hear the deep intake of breath that he releases in a whoosh. I smile in appreciation at his resolve.
    He wraps an arm around my shoulders and shakes his head a few times as we make our way to the front yard. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have had you do that. It was a stupid idea.”
    “What in the hell happened?” Savannah cries from the driveway.
    “The Janes’s need a hide-a-key,” I reply, forcing my smile to appear genuine. “Did you guys bring your suits? Dad said he wants a rematch,” I say with practiced deflection.
    “What in heaven’s name was goin’ on over there? Were those gunshots we heard? Eric thought it was just a car backfirin’, but it was so loud!” My mom rushes to us, her eyes bright as they scan over the four of us, stopping on my leg. “What happened?”
    “It was nice of him to check.” I hear Max murmur as he walks past us and disappears into the house.
    “Apparently she startled Mrs. Janes when she was climbing through their bathroom window—” Caulder starts, his voice turning factual as it does anytime he discusses work.
    “Why were you climbin’ through their window?” Mom ushers me in the house as I shoot Caulder a glare.
    “Mr. Janes locked himself out again,” Kyle answers. “I couldn’t fit, so I came and got her.” His expression is filled with guilt. I open my mouth to assure them once again that I’m fine, but my words cease when my dad barrels into the foyer, in his swim shorts and soaking wet. His eyes quickly glide over the small group of us and then close in relief. He lets out a deep breath and wipes a hand across his brow.
    “Why didn’t you guys get me?” It’s not often that my dad looks angry, but right now his temper is spiked higher than we usually ever see it as he looks to my mom and sister. He turns his full attention to me. “You got shot at?”
    “What?” my mom cries. “Who in God’s name shot at you? Are you alright?” My mom’s southern accent has thickened as it does anytime she gets worked up.
    “It wasn’t at me ,” I enunciate for clarification. “I don’t think she knew what she was doing, and I’m okay. Really.”
    Generally my dad doesn’t