Chapter 14

Jayce didn’t return that night, which was a shame because he missed a great BBQ dinner. He didn’t return the next night either, but he came back on Monday night. Don and Lanh could hear the shouting over at their house as they sat out on the patio enjoying the cool of the evening. “It sounds pretty bad over there,” said Lanh.

“Give her a call,” said Don. “It will give her a chance to ask for help if she needs it.”

Lanh took out her cell phone and called Karole. She had it on speaker so Don could hear. “Hey sweetie, are you ok? We can hear you down here.”

“Dinner?” asked Karole. “We already ate but thanks for the offer, maybe dessert later?” She sounded like she was scared. Horribly scared.

Lanh couldn’t breathe. Her new friend was clearly in trouble. She looked at Don in a panic, but he was already in the house, opening his gun locker. But as he did that, Kim-ly called out loud enough to be heard on the speakerphone, “Don’t worry Special K, I’ll be right over with dessert,” and strode out across the lawn.

Lanh heard Karole shout, “Don’t...” then the phone went dead.

Don headed out the door, but he was far behind Kim-ly, who was standing at the edge of the rose garden that divided the property. Karole came running out of her house as fast as her long legs could carry her, a look of sheer terror on her face. She was followed by Jayce, who was screaming incoherent babble and carrying a butcher knife. Karole flew past Kim-ly, who suddenly assumed a fighting stance. Karole raced into Don’s arms, seeking shelter in the arms of the only man she ever met that didn’t leer at her with lustful intent.