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25

Curt's POV

"What the hell are y'all doing in my house?"
I pushed my anger down as much as possible, trying my hardest not to throw Richard back down that hatch myself. The only thing keeping me from hurting or killing him is the thought of me putting everyone else in danger with the crazy old man.

I noticed him pointing his gun at Fiona and Ashanti who were basically clutching each other in fear.

"W-we just needed the signal for our radio, that's all." She placed her hand in front of her gently to prove she meant no harm.

"We didn't know anybody lived here." She spoke as cautiously as possible.

I stayed in my spot against Richard, not wanting to make any sudden moves and get shot. The old man didn't say or do anything for a few seconds, obviously debating on something in his head.

"We don't mean any harm." She barely spoke above a whisper. You could see the fear in her eyes as she pushed her daughter behind her so she could protect her.

It wasn't until he glanced down at the terrified Ashanti before he offered to put down his weapon.

"I'll tell you what. Son, you put that older gentleman down and we'll talk. I don't do fighting in my house." He pointed his weapon this time back at us even though I couldn't see it. I kept my focus on Richard and studied every single pore on his face.
My body screamed exhaustion and as much as I wanted to hurt Richard to the best of my ability, I knew I couldn't do anything too over the top...for now.

I stared at Richard with complete hate in my eyes, wanting him with every bone in my body to know what he could have done to us all.

All?

Focus on yourself Curtis. Do whatever you have to do to get your brother.

Even if it means leaving people behind...

"You get off lucky." I spat as I harshly shoved him against the wall one more time before removing my hands from his clothing.

"See, ain't that better?" The oldest man chirped while finally putting his shotgun down. He made his way across the room towards a single chair before plopping down in it lazily. I myself walked to an unoccupied corner of the room before collapsing on the ground and taking a deep breath, trying to get my body to calm down from all of the adrenaline.

"You folks are lucky y'all made it. Could've been real nasty out there." I couldn't help but look at the old man as he got comfortable in his seat; an awkward silence filling the room.

"So," He began.

"Where y'all from?" He looked around the room at each of us until Richard spoke up.

"Born and raised in Kansas." He answered while lightly tilting his head forward.

"Names Richard; everyone calls me Dick though."

So much for everyone...

"What about you two lovely ladies." It came out more of a statement rather than a question from his tone. Ashanti went to answer until her mother cut her off.

"I'm Fiona and this is my daughter Ashanti. We're from Colorado." He nodded as she finished, clearly not getting the hint she wasn't in the mood for introductions and honestly neither am I.

"And you son?" He motioned his calloused finger in my direction; changing his gun to the opposite hand.

"I'm Curt." I stated plainly.

"From Texas." He nodded and cleared his throat before sitting up a little straighter.

"Well since I now know all of you I think it's only fair if y'all know me." I couldn't help but flinch as shaking and rattling started going on down below. Being this close to them made anxiety constrict in my chest.