@@@@@ I shuddered now in disbelief that I'd ever
@@@@@
I shuddered now in disbelief that I'd ever been so callous
“Whatcha doing here, kid?” Jeb demanded
“Why didn't you tell me?” Jamie demanded back
“Was that Jared's idea?” Jamie pressedWhat good does that do you, eh? We only wanted to –”
“To protect me?” he interrupted, surly
When did he get so bitter? Was it my fault? Of course it was
Melanie began sobbing in my headIt was distracting, loud–it made Jeb and Jamie's voices
sound farther awaySo you don't need protectingWhat do you want?”
This quick capitulation seemed to throw Jamie offHis eyes darted between Jeb's face and mine
while he struggled to come up with a request
“I–I want to talk with her… with it,” he finally saidHis voice was higher when he was unsure
“She doesn't say much,” Jeb told him, “but you're welcome to try, kid
Jeb pried my fingers off his armWhen he was free, he turned his back to the nearest wall,
leaning into it as he eased himself to the floorHe settled in there, fidgeting until he found a
comfortable positionThe gun stayed balanced in the cradle of his lapJeb's head lolled back
against the wall, and his eyes closedIn seconds, he looked like he was asleep
I stood where he'd left me, trying to keep my eyes off Jamie's face and failing
Jamie was surprised again by Jeb's easy acquiescenceHe watched the old man recline on the
floor with wide eyes that made him look youngerAfter a few minutes of perfect stillness from
Jeb, Jamie looked back up at me, and his eyes tightened
The way he stared at me–angry, trying hard to be brave and grown-up, but also showing the
fear and pain so clearly in his dark eyes–had Melanie sobbing louder and my knees shaking