#559
Toby made a couple phone calls, told Rennie to lock the doors and advise Tom to be very cautious when he went to get the children. Suddenly Tom's warning to have dogs and a tall fence was an immediate concern, Toby could have kicked himself for being a dollar short and a day late.
"I have to go sign for the protective orders, I didn't get a chance to look through the housekeeping couples. Check them over if you get a chance, Tom said he put what he considered the top prospect first."
"Toby, I'm frightened. I actually thought my parents were probably dead. There's been no contact all these years, and why now?" Rennie was frightened and trembling, staring at the door where her father had dissapeared.
"I won't be long, stay alert " Toby holstered his gun and reached for his suit coat. It was just easier ti keep the gun covered, although he did have a permit to carry in the courthouse.
Rennie locked the door after he left, going around and checking all the doors. Tom had already left to go get the children, so Rennie made a cup of tea and leafed through the applications left on the counter.
The top couple didn't seem any more or less than the rest of the applicants, so Rennie remined herself to ask Tom his reasons for recommending this couple.
Gary waited patiently for Breezy to finish her work. Sort of. For something to do, he moved a mattress to the hallway. No more of that snoozing on the floor, he had aches and pains lingering from the night before.
Breezy shut down her computer and turned off the light. Collecting her half eaten bowl of tuna casserole, she went to the kitchen to microwave the remainder of her supper.
"Breezy, we need to talk about tomorrow, I need to put together a plan. What time does your case happen? The workmen will be here tomorrow morning, but will likely finish around 1 pm or so. I am going to go with you to the court house, so you have constant protection. Any time after 1pm. the house will be unprotected. Donny can't come. I just called Tom, and he's got complications, and has to be at home. So, it's you and me Babe, against the elements."
"My case starts at 9, how long depends on the direction it goes. I would guess that we will be finished by noon, but no guarantees. Do you think the house is sufficiently secured?"
"Yes, the upstairs windows and the trim on the new wall will be finished, and I think that's all for right now. Do you have any concerns or ideas you want done, if so, we need to get the items on Ham's list. He dropped everything to help us, but he has to get on with his other clients."
"I've been seriously thinking about a fence. Like decorative black metal with spikes about six foot tall. That would provide some security, wouldn't it?" Breezy got her bowl out of the microwave and brought it to the table.
"It's a good idea, but expensive. I've got to ask, can you afford this? You need to know that I'm broke. I have to report in two weeks for a new job, and that's a two week absence. Otherwise, I'd be happy to float you a loan for the improvements."
"Tank's Gary, I deeply appreciate your offer, I can afford this, I'm not destitute, but not swimming in funds. Do you really have to go? What if we haven't been able to control Ernie by then.?" Breezy stopped eating with the spoon halfway to her mouth.
"The best thing to do would be private protection. You'd have to hire them, and that's not cheap. Donny might be able to do a shift or two, depends on what's happening at home. He needs paid also, he's as broke as I am."
"Oh, is that a request for me to pay you?" Breezy stiffly inquired, frowning and acting all suspicious.
"Nope, but we need to go grocery shopping tomorrow on the way home.. I gave all but forty bucks to the crew that secured the basement. If you'll feed me, that's good enough." Gary leaned back in the chair and smiled lazily at the flustered Breezy.
"Well,, yeah, that's fair enough. I suppose you're a meat eater?"
To reinforce his hunger Gary mock growled, causing Breezy to smile. That's what he was aiming for, to ease her stress,
Breezy was getting ready to reply, when her cell phone rang. Fishing around in her pocket, she glanced at the number before she swiped the green icon.
"Hello Uncle Cam, how are you?"