Don't Fear The Reaper

Chapter 6

How odd what a conversation and heart-to-heart can do for a relationship. I admit I didn't know how to feel anymore. Everything I had ever been told growing up had been a lie. How was I going to reconcile it all?

The hatred I was feeling right now was crazy. Growing up, my social worker had lied to me, and I wanted to know why. I knew she had always been pissed at me for being more intelligent than her and getting myself out of care at the age of fifteen after getting my two doctorates.

"How are you doing this morning, Knox?" Phil asked as he handed over a cup of coffee.

I took it with a grateful smile and sipped. "Mmm...much better now."

"There better be more of the dark brew, or there will be hell to pay," Lance groused as he wandered into the kitchen. "Pun intended."

I snickered and almost sputtered my coffee. "That's how it's gonna be, is it?"

"That's how it's gonna be, Firecracker," Lance nodded, sipping his coffee and grinned as I slid a bottle of aspirin toward him. "You are a dove; this is one reason I love you."

I giggled. "Smooth talker. No wonder Bobbi keeps you around."

"One of the few reasons," Bobbi smirked as she entered.

Lance grinned as he popped some aspirin.

"Ugh, I don't want to hear about any of that," Daisy protested as she joined us.

Soon the kitchen was at capacity and filled with noise. This time I was enjoying it.

"You seem happier this morning," May spoke softly beside me.

I glanced over at her as I bit into a piece of bacon. I nodded.

"You and Phil have a heart-to-heart?" she picked at a strawberry.

"In a manner of speaking. We were lied to and plan to do something about it," I murmured.

Her brows went up. "Really now? How can I help?"

"Firecracker? What's going on?" Lance nudged me as he sipped his coffee.

"Why do you call her Firecracker?" Daisy asked.

I paused and looked at Lance with a grin on my face, and he started to chuckle.

"Nope, not telling that story. Ever. Goes to the grave," Lance boasted.

This turned into shouts of denial and cajoling from the others. I just sat back and grinned.

"You not saying anything either, Knox?" Mack asked.

"Like my name, sealed like Fort Knox," I winked.

"That is so not fair. I am so going to figure this out!" Daisy teased.

Lance and I just looked at each other and laughed.

"I doubt that," I said.

"I love to dig deep. No one can hide from me," Daisy said as she waggled her fingers at me.

"Hmmm..so I heard. But just so you know. I'm one, too," I winked.

She sat back in her chair, stymied, staring.

"You're one what?" Trip asked.

I shrugged.

"What did I originally pick Daisy up for?" Phil said, not even looking up.

"She was a hacker...are you saying you do that too?" Trip questioned, aghast.

"I will neither confirm nor deny such things," I smirked and waggled my fingers.

"Challenge accepted," Daisy grinned.

I laughed. "But speaking of such things. What are the chances of getting ahold of a laptop or something? I didn't bring mine. I thought this was going to be an entire relaxing vacation, not a research one," I said.

"I have a spare you can use," Daisy offered.

I nodded. "Thanks, I'd appreciate that."

~~~~~

I was hours deep into research on my old social worker when Phil came to my room, baring lunch with him. He stood in the doorway watching.

"You just gonna stand there?" I asked without even looking up.

Phil chuckled. "I didn't think you'd noticed. You seem so engrossed." He walked further in, pulling a side table closer to put down the tray. "Figured we could have lunch."

I smirked as I put the laptop to the side. "Thanks. I appreciate it. I just want to make sure I nail this woman to the wall."

He laughed. "Oh, we will."

"You have no idea the crap I've found." I grinned, reaching for a sandwich.

"Do tell," he said, pulling a chair closer.

"Well...If I'm right, and I think I am, I might be calling the boys after I tell you everything," I said.

"Well, this sounds like it might be fun."