Ch 137
Joan laid on Cameron's bed bare chested as Cameron pulled the bullets out of her. Aliana explained to Delilah.
"I sensed her outside. Joan was walking towards the town in the bloody robe. She explained what happened to her, two Atlantians kidnapped her by some kind of teleportation device. Since there was violent ones there, I doubt if was any of the ones living here."
"There, all out," Cameron said and cleaned her chest then applied bandaids to the holes. "You can cover up now."
"Thanks Mom," Joan said, then added, Dad, you can come in now."
John frowned deeply, "What happened to you?" he asked.
Joan told him the whole story as she got up. Apparently, that card somehow added her to the teleport, she ended up on their ship.
"We will find out who did this," John assured her. "Can I give you a ride home? Does Bob know you've been found?"
"Yes, he's flying back tomorrow to get me," Joan said, smiling she added, "He was going nuts not knowing where I was."
"I bet he was." John agreed. "I'll take you home. Cam see if you can find out where she was."
.
Joan got home at 1 AM. Walking into the dark house, she was sure everyone else was asleep. Going to the kitchen first, she got a drink she desperately needed. She then headed to their room to get some clothes. Keeping quiet so as to not wake up Allison, Joan grabbed her clothes and headed for the bathroom. The bathroom light was on. Joan walked in to see Hanna staring at the mirror.
Hanna noticed her too. At first, Hanna's gaze was far off in a classic thousand yard stare. She turned to Joan and slowly her eyes widened. She then clapped her hands to her face and belted out a scream as she backpaddled and stumbled to sit on the tub. Her second scream had words in it. "What happened to you?"
Joan shrugged. "Got in a fight. At least I made it home. Can you move over? I really want to use the shower."
Hanna scanned her, eyeing her ruined robe. Frantically, she asked, "Are you OK? Where's Robert, he didn't get hurt did he?"
"Come on, up," Joan coaxed and hand a hand out to her.
Hanna took Joan's hand and got up. There were also feet running down the hall. In no time, the bathroom was filled up. Allison arrived just before Malinara, Jo and Dina.
"Don't you look a mess," Allison noted. "So, what's the other guy look like?""
Worse than me," Joan told her. "I got kidnapped by some Atlantians. They wanted be to get rid of the violent ones. "I did, but not quite like they expected."
Breathlessly, Malinara said, "Here, let me take that." And began to slip Joan's robe off. "Jo? Grab that seat so Joan can sit down and relax."
"I can do it myself," Joan stated and shrugged her robe off.
"You're injured," Malinara protested.
"I'm fine, just got a few holes in me." Joan retorted.
"Holes in you?" Jo asked in a squeak. She grabbed chair and put it in the shower, then grabbed a washcloth. Holding out her hand she said, "Come sit! We'll see how bad you're hurt!"
"I can do it!" Joan complained. All four were around her now, slipping her clothes off and guiding her to the seat they put in the shower.
Allison grinned and said, "Better cooperate, Joan."
Joan was capable of cleaning herself, but the four seemed intent on her. She sighed and let them strip her down and get the washclothe soapy and wet.
"What happened here?" Malinara asked, seeing the small round bandages.
"I was shot, it's fine. I don't need help!" Joan stressed.
Malinara had flung her nightgown off as the others had. Looking sternly at Joan she said, "We need to see you're all right, so just sit and relax. Robert will be very upset of we let anything happen to you."
"Ughhh!"
"I'll get you another nightgown," Allison offered and left.
Joan sat as they looked her over and washed her. Dina washed carefully around Joan's small round bandages. Jo and Hanna made Joan part her legs so they could wash and inspect each one, then did the same with her arms.
"I . Am. Fine." Joan stated.
"Stand up," Malinara said. Jo and Hanna offered Joan their hands.
Joan cooperated because of their concern was about her, they were not doing this out of meanness. Still, it felt weird being washed then dried and put into a new nightgown. "Guys, thanks but your didn't have to do that," she told them.
"With all the blood on you we had to be sure you weren't hurt worse," Malinara said in a serious tone.
"Where is Robert?" Hanna asked.
"He's fine, he didn't get kidnapped. He's still in Dallas."
"How did you get kidnapped?" Malinara asked as they headed for the bedroom.
"These guys took me right from the doorway ..." Joan said.
Before she was done explaining, Jo said, "Then we will answer the door from now on! Something very bad could have happened to you!"
"One of us should be there with you too!" Dina stated.
"It's not that big of a deal!" Joan cried.
"It is to us!" Malinara retorted. "IF we let anything happen to you or Allison then we're not doing our job! We will answer the door from now on."
They were coming to the bedroom door. "We can stay by you at night too," Dina offered.
"No thanks, really," Joan said as she slipped in. "Night everyone," she said pointedly and shut the door to lean against it on the inside. Joan face planted and grumbled, "I don't believe they did that."
Allison had a good chuckle.
.
As soon as it was light enough to see, Bob went down to the airfield to go collect Joan. Delilah had called him an said she'd been found, wounds tended to and back at their house. The sun was just peeking over the horizon when Bob took to the air. He rose up a couple thousand feet and made his way along at 110 Knots. In a couple hours he was approaching the small lake and landed. Parking next to the dock, he tied the plane in place and went up to see how Joan was doing.
Walking up to the house, Bob tried the front door. It was locked. He frowned at it. Since when did the lock the door? Not wanting to walk back down to the plane he knocked and looked in/
Hanna came running, her robe partway open. She flung the door open with a cry of, "Robert! Welcome home!" She plowed into him with a hug. He put an arm around her to steady himself.
"I'm the early morning door watch," Hanna explained, beaming at him. "We've been good here and Joan came back looking bad, but we checked her over she's OK. OH! My breasts are all healed up and smooth now, check them out!" She said happily, pulled her robe open, which was her only garment, grabbed his wrists and planted his hands on her boobs.
"Ahh," Bob said as he tried to tell her he shouldn't be doing this, as he gently kneeded her breasts. "Ahh, yeah they seem in good shape." They were nice and soft and her pruned up nips looked really good too. "Yeah, nice, Is Joan up yet?"
"Not yet, it was early morning before she went to sleep." Hanna said in a whisper. "If you want to play with them more, come on over here and I'll sit on your lap," she coaxed, and pulled him by the shoulders towards the couch.
"I do have to see Joan..." Seeing Allison come out he added, "Hey Allison!" Damn, it was hard letting these fun bags go, Seeing Allison, he managed to tear his hands away. He also managed to lift Hanna's arms off him. "I have to greet Allie now, OK?"
"OK" Hanna chirped. She closed up her robe, which caught Allison's attention.
Allison eyed Hanna but didn't say anything. She came up and hugged Bob and gave him a kiss. "Joan's still sleeping. She was rather worn out last night."
"Is she hurt?"
"A few bullet wounds, nothing bad," Allison said as Hanna shut the door. "I think part of why she's worn out is the girls all made sure they checked her over and gave her a shower. They tried to kill her with kindness." She smirked.
"Both of you sit and relax, I'll get breakfast started!" Hanna said happily and headed for the kitchen.
Allison glanced at her. "So, Hanna wanted you to see her healed boobs?" she asked.
"I couldn't stop her," Bob admitted.
Allison grew a smirk. "Yeah, OK. She's been dying to show you those for a while now."
"I got that." Bob agreed. He sat down with Allison and his phone rang.
"Hello?"
Joan's sleepy voice came on. "Bob, are you still in Dallas?"
"No, I'm on the couch here with Allie. How are you feeling?"
"OK. We're suppose to be at the training field this afternoon, the coach has news."
"Did he say what it was?"
"The NFL has some rule changes. We can make it back in time."
"We can," Bob agreed. "How about if I pilot so you can sleep on the way?"
"That would be nice. I'll be out in a few."
Breakfast will be ready
.
Shortly, Dina came out in a zombie shuffle wearing just a T-shirt and shorts. She looked over and saw Bob on the couch with Allison. "Oh, Robert's home," she said with a smile. She shuffled over with a smile and face planted him right between her nips poking out and gave him a kiss on the forehead. "Breakfast will be ready soon," she assured him, and wandered off to the kitchen.
Next was Jo. Same clothes, a t-shirt and shorts. She was a little more awake, so she straddled his lap and hugged hug him to her chest with her greeting, and gave him a kiss on his cheek. Allison frowned. She no more than got up when Malinara came out.
"Robert, you're home!" Malinara said happily. She headed for him. Allison raised up a hand. "Stop! is Joan up yet?"
Malinara stopped just on the other side of Allison. "She's in the bathroom, give her a few minutes." Malinara then stepped past Allison. Somehow she tripped and dove headlong into Bob with a yelp. Bob caught her. She'd managed to twist around so she was in his lap, her right breast pressed to the left side of his face. "Welcome home Bob!" she said with a grin and hugged him, then got up.
Allison watched her go, then turned to Bob. "Looks like you got the 'breast' greetings this morning."
Bob rubbed his head and grumbled, "I hope Joan's ready to go."
.
Joan was ready to go when she came out. By then the table was being set. There was nothing they had to bring, so after Joan and Bob ate, they both kissed Allie goodbye and went out to the plane.
"You're not leaving already, are you?" Malinara asked, following them.
"We have to, we were called," Joan told her.
"But ... you were just hurt yesterday and Robert just came in this morning. Don't you at least get a day off?" Malinara cried.
"Sorry, but we do have to go," Bob offered.
"Then ... let one of us come with you," Malinara pleaded.
"Can't, no room." Joan told her.
"Malinara, you can't. Sorry that's the way it is," Bob said firmly. Malinara got in front of Joan to hug her, then Bob as she said, "Then be very careful and try your best not to get hurt again."
"We'll do our best not to," Bob assured her.
Walking down through the yard, Joan said, "They are irritating, but they do care."
"Yeah, that makes them tougher to deal with," Bob agreed.
.
On the way to Dallas, Joan caught a good snooze. Landing in Dallas, they walked from the airport to the stadium. Just in time for lunch, they had a light lunch then went up to the team room to find out what was going on. So far, the players there didn't know.
Shortly, the coach came in with the manager. "Everyone, have a seat and listen up!" he announced.
The coach waited into all the conversations died down. "There is a new rule in the fair play act in the NFL. I decided to let everyone know what it is. I just got word this morning. A thing called Nanites has been listed on the forbidden ability enhancement list. So, anyone who uses, or has nanites in their system can no longer play football..."
"What?" Joan cried in shock.
Coach Emerson took a breath. "It is known that nanites strengthen bone and muscle, and are now considered a performance enhancing drug. Players will be tested for the presence of nanites, as well as certain steroids in their blood stream. We've tried to get this ruling overturned, but failed."
"Coach, I don't take nanites, they grow in me!" Joan pleaded. "They are what I use to heal!"
"I know that. As said, we have been trying to fight this ruling, but the basis is clear and nanites do enhance performance. This is not a false claim. We don't have legal leg to stand on. The most we can do is force the NFL to compensate the team for your, and Bob's pay, which we will do. When you signed your contracts, there was nothing saying nanites weren't allowed. As far as letting you back on the field, that's something we can't do."
"What the hell! Did someone set us up?" Greg asked in a yell.
Coach Emerson nodded to Greg. "Most likely, yes. I am sure somehow money or favors made it into pockets to be sure nanites were added as a banned material. Like I also said, the ruling is in keeping with the fair play act, so there's not a whole lot we can do about it."
"So, I'm kicked off the team?" Joan asked weakly.
"Neither you nor Bob Tanner can take the field, no. We're looking at other possible options. Right now I have to say they are pretty slim," he said.
"This really sucks!" Joan spat.
"It does," the coach agreed. "It is the goal of every team to take out the other team's quarterback. With this, they have done a good, dirty job of it. Our legal team is searching for an answer, but it's not looking good. Unless we can find something, we'll be restructuring our offensive and defensive lines." Seeing Joan was frowning and clenching her fists, he added, "Joan, you and Bob should take a week's leave. Calm down and think about what you want to do. As soon I have the options for you I'll give you a call."
In a heavy tone, she said, "Yeah, OK. You didn't do this, Coach. It's not your fault." Joan then stood up. "Bob, take me home."
Bob got up and walked out with her.
.
"You OK?" Bob asked as they walked down the street.
"No," she replied with a crack in her voice. "It feels like they were picking on me specifically."
Bob put a arm around her. "We need to think about this. Yeah, some dirty players got one over on you. We just have to figure out how to get back at them. If we take the time and think about it, I'm sure we can come up with something good."
Joan clenched her jaw briefly. "Let's just go get our stuff and head home."
.
The moment they touched down on the lake, Bob went to the Connor house to see if Joan's parents had any ideas about getting Joan back on the team. John and Delilah were off someplace, but they caught Cameron at home in the back yard.
Firmly, Joan said, "Mom, the NFL is claiming that nanites are a performance enhancing drug that's not allowed. I don't take any, they grow in me!"
Cameron cast her a blank look. "What they are doing is discrimination. Contact your coach and let him know that. That is legal grounds for a lawsuit. If needed, we can go to court with that. Your team lawyers should realize that also."
"Yeah! That will work," Bob agreed.
"Have him or the team representative call me. If needed, we can put out some bad press about the NFL unless they change their decision."
"Thanks, Mom," Joan said and hugged her.
Joan called Coach Emerson and explained that she needed nanites to live healthy, and to make their ruling, the NFL was discriminating against her and Bob.
"The big 'D', yeah I can see that working," Coach Emerson said. "I'll get the lawyers on that. For now, just sit tight and wait. Go do something to take your mind off it for a while. We'll work on it."
Joan was happy it wasn't over yet. There was a chance to get back on the team. That may take a while, so Joan decided she wasn't just going to sit around and wait. Neither her nor Allie had swam n the lake for a while, so Joan and Bob went home, and Joan coaxed Allie to go for a round-the-lake-swim with her.
Bob had been worried Joan would become depressed and work herself into a foul mood. When she and Allison agreed to go see everyone by water, he was glad they were going to spend girl-time together. One of their stops, Joan and Allison were going down to visit the Mers in their cave. Bob had a hard time holding his breath that long. He also knew Joan needed this time, so he helped Joan and Allison into their tails, carried them down to the dock and after a long kiss, tossed each one in the water.
Going back up to the house, Bob went in and got a drink and sat down on the couch. He didn't notice Hanna and Malinara eyeing him. Hanna bore a wanting look, Malinara 's eyes shown with expectation.
Hanna approached Bob meekly. "Robert?" she asked and settled beside him wearing a loose shirt and a skirt.
"Yeah?" he asked. He noted she sat facing him, looking meek.
Hanna twisted her fingers together as she said, "I ... can you do something for me ... please?"
He frowned. "I take it this is something you really want?" he asked.
"OH yes! You see, I've never had ... my nipples sucked on. My other master was always rough with me but never ... could you please?" she begged.
Bob got it, Hanna just wanted to be paid soft attention to for a change, and not be handled roughly. He had to do this for Hanna, so she would experience what love should be like.
.
Joan and Allison went to her mother's house. Here, there were Mers splashing down the slide by the clinic. Allison showed Joan and they joined the simple fun. It was a blast just to climb up the bank, then slide back down into the water. After a while of playing on the slide, Daniel came home and greeted the girls. They went in to talk with Daniel and Claire for a while. Joan got to complain about the NFL ruling that kicker her off the football team.
.
Many gentle suckles and rubs, pets, breath stealing kisses and finally a long easy rub inside as she gripped Robert tightly, Hanna was in heaven! So happy she wanted to cry, Hanna wrapped herself around Robert even after they explode in joy. She never wanted to let go.
Bob's body had taken over. It wasn't until after they finished and Hanna was kissing him as she held him tight, did he realize what he'd just done.
Awww shit. He really shouldn't have done this. Hanna was happy, but he knew neither Joan or Allison would be. He had to do something before Joan came back and found him plugged tight into Hanna. Thinking quickly, he asked, "Hungry? Care for a snack?"
Hanna nodded with a big smile. They got up, and Hanna grabbed his hand to go to the kitchen with him. Trying to salvage something from banging the crap out of Hanna, Bob offered, "Hanna, that is what love and mating should be. soft and gentle, and showing you care for someone, not ... rough stuff that makes you feel bad."
"Hanna hugged his arm. "You are very good at that," she agreed with a big smile. "Any time you want me, I'm yours."
"Thank you for that. The thing is you will need to find your own man. One just for you," he explained.
Hanna stepped ahead and hugged him. "I have."
"Ohh, did Hanna get some?" Malinara asked from by the kitchen counter.
Hanna turned and beamed her a smile. "Did I ever!"
It was then Robert noted Malinara only had a skirt on. She turned to show him her big bare boobs. "All right! I'm next!" she cried, raising an arm up in a bounce.
Bob gaped at her. "Ahhh, it's not suppose to be one after another," he replied.
"I might have worn him out," Hanna said with a silly grin.
"Yes, we'll let master rest, A snack and a nap, Master?" Malinara asked with a grin.
Bob had to get out of here. He got in the refrigerator and grabbed a bottle of iced tea. "I really have to go check on something, I'll be back soon."
As he was leaving he heard Malinara say, "So tell me all about it."
Bob went outside and marched to the barn. There he grabbed a post and beat his head on it. "Stupid! Stupid! Stupid!" he groaned each time he smacked his head on the post. He then sat down, angry at himself. He could NOT do that again!
.
The next stop was Bob's mother's house. Joan and Allison swam deep and slow in the lake on the way, looking at familiar fish and animals, enjoying their own private aquarium. Feeling a tug on her hair, Joan looked back to see a foot long alligator was hitching a ride. She grinned. That was fine. She towed him along as they headed for Carol's dock. Climbing up on the dock, Joan tickled his belly to make him let go. She put him down. He stayed on the dock as she and Allison got their tails off. Since he wasn't going anywhere, Joan picked him up and tucked him under her arm like carrying a football.
Allison saw this and smirked. "Another pet alligator?" she asked.
"No, I think he's hungry. I was going to give him a snack before I put him back in the water."
Allison laughed. "Only you."
Carol wasn't happy Joan brought an alligator inside, even a small one. Still she got out some leftovers so Joan could feed him as they talked.
Joan frowned and said, "We got kicked off the team."
Carol eyed her. "Why? Both you and Bob were doing great. What happened?"
"The NFL decided that nanites were a performance enhancer like steroids, so anyone who has them in their system can't play football," Joan said in a grumble. "For now, we're waiting to see if the team can file a discrimination lawsuit against the league. I mean, nanites are part of my body, I need those for healing! It's not some drug I'm taking!"
"I'm wondering if the women's league might fo the same thing," Allison said. "That would kill football for all of us."
"It would," Joan agreed and fed the little gator another chunk of meat.
"There is still hope then that someone can get that decision overturned?" Carol asked. "So, are you unemployed now?"
"The coach said right now we're still getting our salary, and if this is permanent, they we'll get our full contract amount," Joan said in a musing tone. "I suppose I can ask Dad or Sonya to invest with them, it's not like we'll be destitute."
"The house, cars and plane are all paid for, so even if we run out of money, we won't be losing anything," Allison added. "Besides, we do have the harem girls if we need to start growing our own food."
Carol eyed Allison, "Don't start thinking of them as your personal slaves."
Joan let out a snort. "Why not? They insist on it."
"They do," Allison agreed. "They are very helpful and kind. They also went off on that Psychologist when he tried to tell them they weren't slaves. I thought Hanna was going to start beating on him."
"Bob can't convince them otherwise?" Carol asked with a raised eyebrow.
"Keep me or kill me," Allison stated. "That's what they tell Bob. They are serious about that too."
"And I know Bob won't kill them," Joan grumbled.
"You left Bob with them?" Carol asked with a raised eyebrow.
Allison and Joan looked at each other.
"You don't think..." Allison asked.
"No, they wouldn't dare," Joan said hopefully.
.
Sitting on a stool in the barn, Bob looked at the floor wondering how he let that happen. Hanna had acted so meek, so vulnerable and knowing her past he wanted to be kind to her. He was, and ravished her. Or course Hana loved it. Now, things were becoming more complex. He doubted Hanna would accept just a one time fling, and Joan was going to kill her if she found out, and it would be his fault.
"Robert, what you doing?"
He looked up to see Malinara walk in. "Just sitting here."
She knelt down in front of him. "You have a red spot on your forehead."
"Yup. Tried to beat some sense into myself. I don't think it worked."
"What do you mean?" she asked.
Bob tried not to look at her. "Look, I do love Joan, and Allison. It's not right that I took advantage of Hanna..."
"That's a bunch of Crap!" Malinara stated, which made Bob look at her. "Robert, we belong to you. You can do whatever you want with us! Knock me over and take me now, that's fine! Do whatever you want with me, or any of us. Yes, I, we all know Joan and Allison are very special to you. We're happy for you. We are also yours. Don't go thinking you did anything bad with Hanna! She needed some good, positive attention. She's so happy she's about floating on air. Robert, you gave her what she needed. There is no reason for you to feel bad about it."
"I cheated on Joan!" he stated.
Malinara flung her arms up to the sides. "What cheating? She's yours, we all are. If you wandered down the road and grabbed some other girl, yeah, then you'd be cheating. You didn't do that, you took what was yours. There is no reason to feel bad about it!"
"None of you are slaves any more!" Bob stated.
"You don't get it," Malinara retorted. "We ARE slaves and YOU are our master! I don't care where we go, that will never change. Yes, you brought us to a nice, a bit weird, but nice place. We feel safe here with you. Robert, this is my life, and I want to keep it! We all do." Malinara took a moment to calm herself, then said, "I don't mean to lecture you. The fact is this is what we were born into, and what we hold as our worth, I guess you can call it. I am yours. I will serve you as you wish, do anything you want, but this is what I am. That's true for Jo, Dina and Hanna also. We've told you, keep us or kill us. I would rather you kill me than send me off someplace alone. At least if I die by your hand I am still your slave and not... just a worthless waste."
"You are not worthless," Bob stated. "You can do whatever you want."
"Right, and the only thing I want is to be yours."
Bob rubbed his face. "Malinara, I'm afraid Joan or Allison is going to end up killing one of you. I do not want that to happen!"
"I am your slave until the day I die, however it happens," Malinara stated.
"You're real stubborn, you know that?" Bob growled.
Malinara grinned. "Yeah, maybe I am. The thing is, we've seen your kindness. You are the only master we've seen that we can be proud of. We refuse to give that up. What will come of this? I don't know. I do know we are fighting for our lives."
"You don't have to."
"Yes we do." Malinara stated.
Bob rubbed his face again. "This is so backwards," he grumbled.
Seeing Robert upset, Malinara moved up and hugged him. "I've found that if we truly believe everything will be fine, then it will. Please, believe we will be just fine together. All of us. You, Joan, Allison, me, Jo, Hanna and Dina."
"I'm beginning to think you're whacked in the head," Bob grumbled.
"I am what I am," she said and petted his hair. "As you are who you are. Accept it."
With Malinara so close, Bob couldn't help to put an arm around her. She was feeling very nice against him. He stroked her back, just feeling her smooth contour. His mind became mush as her shirt disappeared. They kissed, she guided a hand to her breast. Before he knew it, he was kneading her flesh and tasting that pruned up nipple. She hugged him close and he found her skirt was riding high, the hip he petted was bare.
"Enjoy me," she whispered. Bob did.
A while later Malinara left skipping out of the barn with a big smile on her face. Bob's hand in hers. He was looking dazed.
.
Instead of completing the trip around the lake, Joan and Allison got back in the water and headed home. Joan had let the little alligator back in the lake just before they jumped in. He chased them, trying to get close enough to latch onto some hair, but fell behind them. He did keep following.
Partway across, Joan noticed the pontoon boat out. They climbed up and on to greet Cameron and Mark and Sarah just hanging out on the lake. They talked and Mark made some sausages with onions and peppers on the grill. Joan got to complain again about the NFL as they drifted along.
.
Bob was afraid to go back in the house. This time, Malinara had totally overwhelmed him. It was like he just had to have her and her soft coaxing completely drew him in. It wasn't until after they were lying on the barn floor cuddled up naked, did he realize what he'd done. Even then Malinara coaxed him into thinking everything was fine, and he'd made her happy. It was heading back for the house when he realized she'd had her way with him. Then again, he had done it willingly.
Was he just as bad as his father? Was he going to cave in every time one of them snuggled up to him? What would his mother think of him? Worse yet, what would Joan or Allison think of him?
"I'm screwed," he mumbled.
"Nope, that was me," Malinara said brightly. She then saw the lost look on his face and added, "Robert! Don't you dare feel guilty! we had a good time, didn't we?"
"Yeah, a blast. And now I have to explain myself."
"No, you don't! Robert, Joan will get he turn, stop worrying," Malinara said firmly.
Bob frowned. "I think I should go see Mom."
"One of us should come with you."
"Ahh, no. Malinara, I gotta get my head straight. I don't know why, but I can't resist ... any of you it seems like."
"That's good!" Malinara assured him. "I know Jo has been no so patiently waiting another turn."
Bob groaned and retrieved his hand. "Look, I'll ... be back in a while, OK?" He walked away, headed for a car. Thinking about that, he walked up the driveway to walk up the road.
"Sure you don't want some company?" Malinara asked, following him.
"No, please, I just need to think OK?"
Malinara didn't like him going by himself. She figured Joan and Allison would be home soon, she was sure Joan would go after him.