Chapter 7
Bobby walked down the driveway and glanced back at the house. He saw Angel looking at him in confusion through the window. That made Bobby smile. "Cute kid." He said to himself. He zipped up his jacket and stepped into the street. He stopped and wondered where he was going to go. Bobby wasn't sure why, but his heart was calling him to go back to the park. Maybe it was because the kid was there last time. "Come on Bobby," he said aloud, "what makes you think he'll even be here?"
He kept walking and looked at the scenery. Nothing new to see in his neighbor hood. There never is. He was nearing Paul's house when he heard a set of footsteps right in front of him. He looked up just in time to see the very kid he was hoping to see, being chased by Sam. He was bleeding badly. He dove behind Bobby and started to cry.
Sam skidded to a stop when he was just a foot away from Bobby.
The kid clung to Bobby's leg and was trembling madly. This made Bobby furious. He glowered down at Sam like he was he devil. Sam took a step back. "What do you think your doing Sam?" Bobby demanded.
Sam stuttered, he didn't know what to say. He shrugged.
"What's this boy's name?" Bobby asked.
Sam glared at the boy before replying, "I don't know. I don't even know this kid. He was stealing from my dad so I scared him away." Bobby glared at Sam. He knew he was lying.
"Come on, Sam. You're lying. Did you do his to him?" He asked with great enthusiasm and excitement.
Sam got excited and nodded. His excitement turned to fear when he saw the angry look Bobby was giving him.
"What? You're a Mercer aren't you? I thought you'd get it!" Sam shouted.
The boy tightened his grip on Bobby's leg when Sam raised his voice. "I don't mind that you're fierce. I do mind you beating up younger kids for fun."
"But, but, but..."
"What's his name, Sam?"
Sam glared at the boy again before replying in a voice barely above a whisper. "Jack."
"Jack." Bobby turned his attention the little boy. "Jack, is what Sam told me true? About you stealing?"
Jack looked at Sam and he gave him a death stare. He stared weighing his options. Jack looked up at Bobby's surprisingly nice face. He slowly shook his head.
Sam's eyes widened. "Why you little!" He sprang at Jack but Bobby caught him by the arm and slammed him to the ground. Sam hit his head on the road and went cross-eyed for a moment. Bobby growled at Sam making him look away.
Bobby took a blow to Sam's eye, sending him stumbling backwards. "Go home Sam. I don't want to see you anywhere near Jack again or I swear to god you'll regret it." Sam looked shocked. He gave Jack one last glare before standing up. He brushed off his pants and walked away. After taking ten steps he bolted into a dead run back to his house. Bobby watched him disappear inside and he slammed the door shut. Bobby slowly turned around and kneeled so he was eye level with Jack. He was still trembling. Bobby looked him over win his eyes. After he saw what Sam had done to him he was sickened.
"Jack, I'm going to take you back to my place now. You'll be safe there. Is that okay?"
Jack hesitated. He didn't think he could trust a Mercer either. He gave up and nodded. Bobby reached for Jack's little hand but Jack pulled it away. He held up his hands in surrender and stood. He beckoned for Jack to follow him as he started walking back to his house. He glanced backward and saw Jack was still sitting in the middle of the road. He walked back over to him. "Jack. It's okay. Where's your blanket?"
Jack glanced back at the house.
"Jack, go and hide. I will be right back. I will meet you right here okay?" Bobby said. Slowly Jack nodded. Bobby ran back to Sam's house and kicked the door in. Sam as in the entry way and jumped when the door tumbled in. Bobby grabbed Sam by the neck and slammed him against the wall. "Where is it?" He demanded. "The blanket that Paul had. Where is it?" Bobby loosened his grip just barely enough to let him breathe. Sam gasped for what little air he had before choking out. "In my dad's room" Bobby dropped Sam and went upstairs. He stormed into Paul's room and snatched up the blanket. He stormed back down the stairs and gave Sam a challenging look. Sam looked away.
Bobby walked back to the spot he told Jack to meet. He wasn't there. "Jack?" He called. "Come here buddy it's okay. I got you're blanket back!"
He turned his head to the sound of leaves rustling. Jack slowly came out of a bush in one of the neighbor's yard and approached Bobby with caution. Bobby held out the blanket for Jack to take. When he didn't take it he set it nicely on the road. Jack ran over and picked it up. He hugged it against his chest. Bobby smiled. "Come on buddy. Let's go meet the family."
End of Chapter 7
