(It's just a touch countryfied, I know. Don't kill me.)
--
He stumbled through the front door, unshaven and reeking, cautiously avoiding the creaks in the floorboards.
"Did you get them?"
He started. "I thought you'd be asleep."
"No." She watched blankly as he dropped the satchel and sank wearily into a chair.
"They had hostages. Kids." A weary hand passed over his face. "I got most of 'em."
"You were gone for four months."
"Yeah." There was something not right here.
Satchel.
"Your bag is packed. Wh…?"
"Mom? We're ready." Lucy gasped and dropped her eyes, but Alex glared openly.
"Meryl?"
"I'm sorry, Vash," Meryl sighed. "But I can't do this anymore."