Yep, I was being scammed. I might have fallen for it if the youngest girl hadn’t giggled. The other two were busy looking somewhere between scared and miserable.
“Mommy, I’m hungry,” the boy complained.
“We’ll figure something out, baby,” their mom said just a little too dramatically.
I was sure it was to reinforce their dire need and to get me to be the white knight I usually was.
“I don’t have any money on me, but if you wait, I’ll go get some,” I said.
The woman’s face showed her relief. I collected Duke, and the two of us entered the house. Mom and Dad were at the kitchen table with Peggy and Little David.
“There’s a woman out front who says she needs money for gas to get her kids to school and that her kids are hungry.”
“Why didn’t you let them in? It’s cold out,” Peggy said.
“Don’t ever let anyone you don’t know in,” Dad said.
“Why not?” Peggy asked.
“We have no idea who they are,” I said. “It’s for all our safety.”
Dad pulled his phone out and called the police. If the woman really were in need, they would make sure she got help. I left to take my shower and get ready for school. When I came back out, Billy had put the mom in the back of his car, and the three kids were sitting up against the fence.
“Hey, Billy, what’s going on?” I asked.
“The mother has an outstanding warrant.”
“What about the little ones?” I asked.
They all glared at me. This was more than I wanted to deal with this morning.
“Child Services. I’m waiting for them before I take the mom in,” he said.
“Are you guys really hungry?” I asked.
The two littlest ones nodded yes, and the oldest girl gave me a look that said she was.
“Is an egg sandwich okay?” I asked.
“I could use one,” Billy said.
Shaking my head, I stepped inside. Mom and Peggy made everyone sandwiches and took them out while I ate breakfast and entertained Little David. I wasn’t terribly surprised when all three kids came back inside with them. Billy let Mom take responsibility for the kids until Child Services arrived.
I had to get to school, so I would have to get the story upon my return home.
◊◊◊
The whole day was kind of a blur. All I could think about was what had happened to Tami and all the surrounding drama. I was so out of it that when I was hip-checked, I actually bounced into the lockers.
“Hey,” I complained.
“Earth to David. What’s been on your mind all day?” Tracy asked.
I guess I hadn’t very well hidden that something was bothering me.
“I’ve had some stuff on my mind is all,” I evaded.
“Like?” she asked.
“How big will Pam’s butt really get?” I asked.
“Oh, really? You want to stick with that?” I heard Pam ask behind me, and then the familiar sound of a Taser snapping.
“You make it sound like a bad thing. Kim Kardashian became famous for her butt. Plus, there’s more of you to love.”
“Nice save,” Tracy whispered.
“Put your toy away and come here,” I said to Pam.
I think she carried her life in that bag, it was so big. How she could reach in and find anything was beyond me, but somehow, she did it with practiced ease. Pam then came to me, and I wrapped her in my arms.
“How’s my baby momma today?” I asked.
“Good, but answer Tracy’s question. We’ve all watched you today, and something’s off,” she said.
I’d promised myself I would never lie to Pam, but that didn’t mean I would tell her the whole truth.
“I heard some bad news about a friend,” I said.
“Is there anything we can do to help?” Tracy asked.
I thought about it for a moment. I might need Tracy there to help comfort Tami when I told her. She knew what it was like to be forced to have sex with someone against her will.
“Maybe later. Right now, I just need to figure out some stuff,” I said with a sigh. “I promise if I need your help, I’ll ask.”
“Is it okay if I come over tonight?” Pam asked.
“You’re always welcome. I have my workout with Cassidy at the dojo tonight. If you want, why don’t you invite your mom and come to dinner? You won’t believe how much Little David has grown. He’s starting to smile when he recognizes someone.”
Little David was three months old and starting to show his personality. He smiled at anyone who made eye contact with him, but he did recognize Peggy and my mom, who spent the most time with him. He also seemed to like Duke.
“Are you sure about dinner?” Pam asked.
I sent a text to my mom, and she sent one back saying we were having stew and there would be plenty. When I showed Mom’s response to Pam, she nodded.
I left my two friends to join everyone for
◊◊◊
At the dojo, I realized who I could talk to. Of course, it was when Cassidy was working with me with the Bo staff, so she cracked me on the head when I was distracted. Damn, that hurt. Shiggy looked over, saw it was me, and returned to teaching his class. What the heck?!
“Pay attention,” Cassidy admonished.
“Bite me, Princess,” I said, patting my butt.
