Finding 4

Chapter 42

Callum

I don't think I've ever been so scared of a man in my life. Yet, here I am, with Chris Anderson, in his living room. A stray dog sits on the floor next to a drunk Marley, and he is giving all three of us death glares, not saying anything.

"We have to keep him." Marley argues, still slurring her words.

He's going to kill me. He's actually going to shoot me in the head.

"He's a stray dog, Mar." Chris rubs his jaw, and instead of hearing anger in his voice, it's more of a negotiating tone.

"She, and no she's not. She's my dog." Marley crosses her arms.

Mr. Chris sighs, rubbing his hands over his face. "She can stay here tonight. We'll talk tomorrow when you aren't drunk—which we are also going to talk about by the way. Don't think you're off the hook."

Marley smiles, dimples and all. She seems a bit better tonight, and I'm praying it's her starting to heal, and not the alcohol.

"Thanks dad." She beams at him.

"Yeah, yeah." He kneels down and studies the dog.

"I should get home..." I say a little cautiously.

"Hey Callum, let me talk to you for a moment."

Oh Christ. This is it! He's taking me out back to kill me!

I swallow harshly and nod, watching the tall man rise to his feet. I didn't realize he was so large. And he has tattoos. I'm fucked. I'm so fucked.

He waves me over and we walk into the kitchen. He gestures to a seat. "Have a seat kid."

I don't argue, mainly because my parents have raised me better, but also because I'm so scared you might need to check my boxers.

"I didn't mean to let her get drunk." I quickly blurt out, and then regret my words. "Not that I have to let her do anything—Marley is a responsible person, and she's her own person. I don't control her-"

"Callum, Callum." He chuckles, stopping me. "I'm not mad. Not at you at least. I'll make sure to deal with the drinking, but it's not your fault."

I let out a small breath through my nose, watching the older man.

"I just wanted to talk."

"Talk?"

He sighs and rubs the back of his neck. "I just need you to take care of her. I know you've been dating for a while now and I should've said this when you first started but...she's hurting. Especially right now." He pauses and then adds, "just look out for her, yeah?"

I have a feeling this is a lot more than him just wanting to take care of his daughter.

"What's going on Mr. Chris?"

He swallows harshly and there's a deafening silence before he adds. "I'm getting deployed...to Afghanistan."