Chapter 12

"Kira, why are you back so soon, and what are the boys doing here?" Montana asked.

Mac noticed the anxious look on her sister's face. "Sissy, are you okay?"

"Someone tried to break into the house," Kira answered. "The boys and I had just eaten and were watching a movie when Mikey heard this noise outside. Leif and I were teasing him about imagining stuff because of the movie we were watching, and that was right before the window broke and the alarm went off."

"Oh my God!" Montana gasped. "Did anyone get hurt?"

Kira shook her head. "The security company called and sent the cops out. I called Mrs. K and she said to bring the boys here after the police left. She's on her way here in a little bit"

She then managed a smile. "I have to love Leif, though."

"Why?" Mac was curious.

"He got his baseball bat. 'I may be small, but I would whoop his butt.' It was so sweet he wanted to protect me and Mikey like that."

"Typical Leif," Mac laughed a little. "His dad taught him well."

"Speaking of which, I better get hold of Brian," Montana offered.

"No need, Mami," Kira replied. "It's been taken care of already. He and Papi are on their way back as soon as possible."

"I don't see why your dad needed to come home."

Kira shrugged. "Me neither, but you know him. A twig snaps outside and Papi freaks out."

She then gestured to a box of items and a pet carrier on the floor. "We also brought Squishy. Leif's idea."

"Well, I certainly hope you wouldn't leave the poor animal there after a break in," Montana responded. "At least let him out of the carrier."

Kira did, and the cat darted out with a vengeance, immediately sniffing around his new surroundings. She then set up the litter box and cat bed in the next room before giving Squishy food and water.

Meanwhile, Montana set up temporary quarters for Leif in Michael's room, still concerned about the break in, thanking God at the same time that Mariah hadn't been home and Kira had handled the situation so well.

Meanwhile:

"Why didn't you say something before?" Paul asked.

"We've had nut ball fans for years," Brian replied, "what difference would it have made? I had it under control."

"Right. Your wife is pregnant with twins; you should be damn lucky she was away for her job tonight. Keep in mind that not only was your nine year old son and your cat were in that house, but so were my son and fourteen year old daughter. Fortunately for us, both Kira kept her wits about her and you had that alarm installed."

"I seriously doubt they would have taken anything."

"Are you even on this damn planet? You had some psycho trailing your ass for months, finally figuring out where you live, and then tried to break into your house when there were kids in there? If that had been me, I would all but be in cardiac arrest right now."

"There's been other break ins in the neighboorhood, PL. There's no concrete evidence that it could be the whack job that's been sending the emails and showing up at events."

"No, but it seems pretty coinky-dink that they weren't at the show tonight and your house was broken into. For fuck's sake, at least call Mimi and see if she's okay."

"Fine, I should also check on Leif anyway. And your pocket's ringing," Brian said.

Paul nodded, answering his own call.

"Papi."

"Hey, Mikey. Does Mami know you're calling me?"

"Uh huh. Are you really going to come home?"

"Yeah, buddy, someone needs to come home with your Uncle Spanky and whack some sense in him."

"Good. I'm scared they'll break in here too."

"I don't think they're going to be that stupid, little man. Besides, we have an alarm too, not to mention Mami can be pretty scary herself when she gets mad."

"Or Mac when she puts that green stuff on her face." Michael began to laugh.

"That may help. But don't worry, you guys should be fine until we get there tomorrow."

"Okay. We got the cat here too."

"What? Oquela. That fuzz face will have cat hair all over."

"Leif brought the lint thingy," Michael answered. "And Squishy likes you."

"Well, in light of the scare you guys had tonight, I guess a day or two of keeping the furball there won't kill anyone. Just make sure he doesn't get outside."

"We won't."

"Let me talk to your mami for a few minutes," Paul said.

"Here she is," Michael complied.

Paul spoke to Montana for a few minutes, getting up to speed about what actually happened and once he'd been assured that the kids were indeed all right, felt a little better. He would certainly be relieved when they reached home in the morning.