I didn't really know what was supposed to happen. I was still sitting in my chair but Mort was passing around the kitchen. I guessed it was just trying to figure out everything in his head. It was all so confusing. I think I needed a nap more than anything.

I suggest you get out of here and never come back.

"Shut up," I said.

"Huh?" Mort asked looking at me. "I didn't say anything."

"Not you," I explained with sigh. "It's my conscience. She is telling me to leave and never come back."

"Maybe you should," Mort suggested. "It isn't good for you to be around someone like Shooter."

"I don't think that would be a good idea," I said.

If I left that would piss Clover and Shooter off for sure and I had a feeling pissing them off would be bad.

"I think you're right there," Mort said. "I think you should stay here for the time being."

"Here?" I asked surprised. "With you?"

"Yes," he answered. "I have a guest room you can stay in. I'm just afraid that if you leave Shooter will get mad and bad things happen when Shooter isn't happy."

"Ok," I smiled. "I just have to run home and get some things."

"Alright," Mort agreed.

Despite everything I found myself becoming happy. I was going to get to stay with Mort.

Seems like they were right. You're falling for him.

"I've got run to the house Clover," I yelled walking out of the kitchen. "I've got to get some stuff but I'll be back soon.'

"Ok!" Clover answered from upstairs.

I drove home as fast as I could without getting into an accident. The sooner I got back the sooner Clover and Shooter would be happy. I didn't know much about Shooter but from what Mort said he didn't sound like the kind of guy you messed with.

My mother was waiting for me when I got home. I was usually home early but with everything that was going on I had lost track of time.

"Baby!" Mom yelled hugging me. "I was so worried. Are you ok? Where have you been?"

Think of a good lie quick.

"There was an emergency," I said. "Mr. Rainey was eating some gum and it messed up his braces bad. I had to take him to the hospital."

Good one.

"Is he alright?" Mom asked letting go of me and looking worried.

"Yes," I said. "But he is going to need my help more for a few days. I'm going to go and stay with him a few days. He has a guest room for me to sleep in."

"Go ahead," she said. "Poor man."

"I'll just go get my stuff packed," I said and ran down the hallway to my room.

That went surprisingly well.

"My mom is a little numb," I explained as I threw some clothes into an overnight bag. "You know that."

Don't say bad things about your mother. I don't even think it was good you lied to her. If you were smart you'd stay here and never go back. You don't need that kind of trouble.

"I have to," I said as I zipped up the bag. "If I don't someone might get hurt."

If you do there is a chance YOU will get hurt.

"Shut up," I said throwing the bag over my shoulder. "I can take care of myself."

My conscience gave a reluctant sigh and fell silent.