Too Close to Home: A Scarecrow and Mrs. King Continuing Story - Book 2

Chapter 1

October, 1987

The King House

"Hey guys!" Dressed for work, though his tie still draped around his shoulders, Lee trotted down the last couple of steps into the kitchen and headed directly for the coffee pot on the kitchen island.

Philip's eyes didn't leave the back panel of the cereal box. "Hey." He stuffed his mouth with another large spoonful.

Lee clapped Jamie on the shoulder... "Morning, Jamie." ... grabbed a mug, and filled it to the brim.

"Morning." Jamie pushed up his glasses and looked at the time. "You and Mom headed to work a little late today?"

Lee chuckled and leaned against the counter next to the sink. "What was your first clue?"

"Good morning, everybody!" Dotty blew into the room like a whirlwind. "Come on, boys; we're going to be late for school. Get your jackets."

After chugging down the last of his milk, Philip jumped off the stool and took his bowl to the sink. "Hey, how ya likin' your new crib, Grandma?"

Dotty raised an eyebrow. "My new crib?" She looked at Philip and shook her head. "Where do you young people come up with these words? You mean, my new apartment?"

"Crib, apartment, whatever." Philip rolled his eyes at her. "So?"

"It's great." Dotty picked up the milk carton that had been left opened on the counter and looked around for the lid. "And the best thing is..." Spying it near the sink, she grabbed it and put it back on the carton. "...I don't have to put up with this zoo twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week." She put the milk back in the refrigerator and turned toward her new son-in-law. "Good morning, Lee." Reaching up, she gave him a quick kiss on the cheek. "Where's Amanda?"

"Morning, Dotty. Actually..." He took another sip of coffee. "...I haven't seen her yet this morning." He looked at the boys. "You guys seen her?"

"Nope." Philip grabbed his jacket and slung his backpack over his shoulder.

Jamie looked around the kitchen for something. "She was already gone when I came down. Grandma, have you seen my..." He peeked into the dining room. "...never mind, I got it." He disappeared through the door and came back sliding his arms into the straps.

Dotty patted Lee's arm. "Don't worry. She's probably just out for a..."

The front door opened and closed. "Hey, sorry my walk took so long!" Amanda came into the kitchen dressed in a pair of jeans and a flowing pink blouse.

Dotty smiled up at Lee. "...walk." She grabbed her keys off the counter and swiftly gave Amanda a kiss on the cheek. "Good morning, Darling. Sleep well last night?"

"Like a baby, Mother." Amanda glanced over at Lee in time to see his raised eyebrows. They both knew that at five and a half months pregnant, she was starting to have a difficult time staying comfortable at night. Then there were the nightmares. They didn't come as often as they used to, but they still happened. "Philip, did you get your math homework?"

"Yeah, I think so."

"Jamie, don't forget your lunch." She grabbed his sack lunch off the counter, handed it to him, and dropped a kiss on the top of his head.

"Alright, boys," Dotty grabbed her purse. "Let's hit the road. Come on."

"Bye, Mom." Philip gave her a kiss on the cheek followed by Jamie.

"See ya later, Mom. Bye Lee." Jamie turned an offered his step-dad a quick wave and a smile.

Lee swallowed the hot coffee and pulled the mug away from his lips. "Have a good day, Jamie!"