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“You really don’t owe me anything.”
“Yeah, but I want your kids to have some fun experiences. Come outside.”
Agnes and Beatrice were interested in whatever this was, so they silently followed us outside. When we got to Hugh’s old car, I gasped. “No, you didn’t.”
“Free chickens, just for you guys.”
“Chickens!” Agnes yelled.
“They’re beautiful!” Beatrice added.
They both ran to the car, excitedly watching the six chickens that were in a large dog crate. The birds were not thrilled about being transported, but they didn’t peck at either of the kids watching them.
“Hugh, we live in an apartment.”
He rolled his eyes. “But you have the one next door. I have a feeling you’re not using it since you’re moving in with him.”
“That’s not how that works,” I said.
“These are my babies!” Agnes announced. “I love them more than life!”
“We gotta figure out names.”
Gabe let out a long sigh. “We’re gonna have to figure out how to get land, aren’t we?”
“Do you think Cain will take partial custody until we do?”
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GABE
Strawberry Springs Neighborhood Watch
G Singh: Friendly reminder to vote this week for Jade! Early votes are the easiest way to cast your ballot!!
Comments:
Hu Gh: For the last time, who are you and what do you want with my town!!!
Jade Clark: For the last time, it’s Gabe!!! I’ve told you twenty times!
Hu Gh: He should use his full name like a real man!
Gabriel Sinclair: Happy now?
Hu Gh: I’m never happy.
“Hey, sorry I’m late.” I joined the table where Cain, Henry, and Dean all sat. Theo was behind the counter, working on a drink.
“It’s fine. We talked shit about you,” Dean said.
“What was it this time?” I asked. “And please tell me Jade didn’t give you ammo.”
“There wasn’t anything,” Henry said. “We were mostly worried you’d overslept.”
It was a real risk. Since we announced Jade’s candidacy, I’d been busier than ever.
It wasn’t easy convincing the town to vote for a write-in candidate. Our core group of townspeople were all banding together, but pulling this off meant talking to tons of people we didn’t know.
