Lay it on the Line : The Good Samaritan book two

31

CHAPTER 31

"Let's go." he waved for her to get inside the truck. He paused, holding onto his keys

"Oh and...you definitely have to burn those clothes now." he added in, trying to lighten the mood. Annie could not tell if he was serious or joking. The past couple of moments were intense, 'How did she manage to keep her cool in all of this?', Johnny thought to himself. She must have been through some things to be able to be this calm.

The truck ride home was a bit quiet until JJ broke the silence.

"are you ok?" he asked her as he looked over at her. She nodded a bit but didn't speak. "Cause if you're not, you can tell me, Annie. You were pretty calm in this whole ordeal and it makes me wonder...oh, and I'm sorry for yelling." he paused.

"I know, I haven't been truthful. I thought if you didn't read Auntie's letter, then I could hide it from you and be the perfect daughter..." she sighed deeply.

'And here comes the bombshell' JJ thought to himself.

"My aunt kicked me out, she said she didn't want a criminal living with her anymore. I was pretty bad growing up, I would steal from mom and her a lot and also from stores. They knew the owners, so that is why I didn't get sent to juvie permanently. I did go once though. Mom's boyfriend was a bit rough with her when he was drunk and I went after him with a hammer." Annie had a lingering pause, but she sighed and continued.

"I spent six months there but got off easy cause mom knew the judge. I didn't want to tell you because I wanted a fresh start." she looked over at him. "I don't want to have to leave. Whatever is going on, I don't care. I want to help." Annie was really confused on what happened, but she didn't want to leave her dad. JJ frowned a bit.

"Annie, you do not have to help me. I am nothing like your aunt or whoever else you know, you are my daughter, my family...and I look after my family, no matter what." he wrapped his arm around her and brought her close so he could kiss the top of her head.

"But, you definitely got to dress better than this." he smiled and she swatted at him. "I know, I know." she rolled her eyes and smiled a bit.

"I promise to explain everything at home." JJ sighed deeply.

"Well, at least the raccoon is free." Annie tried not to laugh. JJ couldn't help but to crack a smile through his pounding heart and high strung nerves.

They finally arrived at his home, just as the sun was setting between the trees. The cicadas started to scream as JJ grabbed the groceries, with Annie's help and walked into the house. The house was lifted up high, in case of flooding being so close to the coast. The paint was a bit faded and left it a pale blue color and the yard was small and well kept. A boat was parked on the side of the house, along with a couple of sheds. JJ walked up the stairs, carrying a couple bags in his hands. He sat them on the porch and dug in his pocket to get the house key. Suddenly, a raccoon jumps on JJ's shoulder and places his paw on JJ's hat.

"Hey, Sean" he laughed, raising a hand to pet him.

"I got us some goodies and a guest." Annie looked up and froze when she saw the raccoon. JJ found the key and unlocked the door. He walked inside and flicked on the lights with his elbow and sat the bags down inside. He turned to grab the bags that Annie had and walked into the house.

"You have a raccoon as a pet?" she asked, as she sat down and watched the raccoon go through the bags. JJ walked over and shooed him away.

"Yes, his name is Sean. Sean, you will spoil your dinner...No!' he swatted the tiny paws away from the bags. The raccoon made an annoyed sound and jumped on the small table.