A Baker Family Vacation

2

 "Hey, guys! Look at the lake! Here we are," Tom yelled a little while later.

I looked over at the lake.

"It's huge," I said in amazement.

"Woah! Look at the water guys!" Jake yelled.

"Come on guys! Come on out! One at a time!" Kate orders as we all come out looking at a nearby house.

It was all rusty looking but it was.........something.

I fixed my bandana staring at the house.

"Hey, guys! Remember this place?" Tom asked.

"It looks......smaller," Mark said not amused.

"And more disgusting," Sarah agreed.

"Why couldn't we rent that place?" Mike asks pointing at a nearby house with a water slide and everything.

"I am officially jealous," Jessica said.

"Well, guys. That place is new."

"And this place is.......older," Kate said trying to get everyone to be grateful. "And they might have a waterslide but we have stairs. They're......fun."

We all groaned as they tell us the sleeping arrangements. Just when I'm about to get my stuff out of the car, Tom shakes hands with a man I don't recognize and ushers us over as me and Giana head over.

"You two must be the guests he was talking about on the phone," he said putting his hand out for us. "I'm Mike Romanow. It's great to have you guys here!"

"Nice to meet you," I said, Giana, doing the same.

"Anyway, do you guys have everything all set up?" he asked.

"Yeah. The kids are......disappointed that this isn't what they thought it was but we're good."

"Kinda expected with that being Murtaugh's place and all," he said pointing at the house next to ours.

"Jimmy?" Tom asked shocked.

The kids had already informed us about their ongoing rivalry.

"Yeah. He owns every house but yours now."

"Well, good for him," he said. "You remember Kate, right?"

"How could I not remember her?" Mike asked.

"Hey, Mike! How are you?" Kate asks shaking his hand.

"Good Kate. Good. Let me just say I really enjoyed your book. I read it and I thought, I can't believe that's Tom Bakers' wife."

"Thank you!"

"If you guys are too tired to cook, there's a clambake at the club. Bring the kids down. There's a lot you can do there," he says. "You can come as my guests."

"Guests? Isn't the club public?"

"Oh it's private now," he said. "And renovated. Homeowners only. Put you on the list?"

"Sounds good," the couple agreed as we thanked him as he left.

"He seems......nice," I tell them.

Before anyone can respond, I heard Kim screaming.

We ran as fast as we could into the room to see Kim and Jessica both shaking as they hugged each other.

Right there on the couch is a rat.

I hold onto Giana's hand pulling her back knowing she herself was terrified.

"Stop," Henry shouted. We all paused. "The Chiseller."