The Walking Wolves of Tahoe: Slaughter

Chapter 26

I stood in the front entry way of my home slightly confused. I haven't been here in a couple days, not since Fawn took me over to Lou's place. I cautiously stepped inward with Lou behind me chattering away about how not to let his Mother upset me, but I wasn't listening...not anymore.

I had only just begun packing up boxes a week ago. I really had only finished a couple and taped them shut, but I walked into my house and found numerous boxes, stacked in an almost weird fashion, severely organized from large to small, tapped closed and in the living room.

I did not do this.

I stared at the organized packed boxes and my stomach flipped-flopped with the idea that someone else had been in my home while I was at Lou's the past couple days.

I didn't know if I should say something to Lou or let it go and change the locks on Monday. I didn't want this to ruin our evening tonight with his parents. I wanted this evening to go well. I know how much Lou's parents mean to him...but I also know, after receiving a visit from his Father, that his parents are very involved in Lou's life too.

A very disturbing thought crossed my mind that maybe Lou's parents had packed up my belongings as encouragement to move in with their son. But I dismissed that idea. They don't have a key.

But Lou has a key.

"Lola..." Lou looked about with genuine concern across his face, "...you were packing to leave?"

Well, that answered that question. Lou did not give a key to his parents to pack up my stuff...not with that look of betrayal and sadness across his face.

"I... uh..." I didn't know what to say. I was still pretty shocked to see the packed boxes myself.

Lou shut my front door and came to wrap his powerful arms around my shoulders from behind. He leaned his bearded face in towards mine, rubbing it gently against my cheek.

"Lola, I'm so very sorry." He whispered sweetly in my ear, "I never, never meant any of this to happen."

I nodded my head. I knew he didn't but I couldn't focus on Lou at the moment. Everywhere my eyes looked, items were gone.

Quickly my eyes darted over towards the fire place mantle and I deeply breathed a sigh of relief as I saw the only thing that I own that matters to me still sitting in its place of honor...my Pa's remains forever sealed in a Nebraska Cornhusker game ball, still in its glass box.

I pat Lou's arm and bent my head down to kiss it, trying to reassure him everything was okay...even though, deep in my gut, something was desperately wrong. The proof was neatly packed and stacked in my living room.

"I guess I have a lot of work to do." I tried to sound unafraid and unnerved by what I was seeing. "I've got boxes to unpack, don't I?!"

Lou kissed my cheek, "Or leave them and think about moving in with me."

I nodded in agreement. I had mulled over the idea of living with Lou and evaluated it on many different levels...but if I have someone who wants me gone and is dropping a huge hint by packing up my belongings...maybe I need to think about moving in with Lou after all. No one is going to harass me at Lou's place like they have been here at mine.

"I promise, I'll think about it." I honestly answered him.

Lou released his embrace and I turned to smile at him, already deciding I wasn't going to tell him about the packed boxes but was going to have all the locks changed first thing tomorrow. I would handle this end of my situation by myself. It's pretty easy...just change the locks.