A Hidden Queen

Chapter 87

Charlie stretches his arms over his head; his hand falling on the bed next to him. A silver eye cracks open as the coolness touches his skin. He props himself onto his elbows, staring at the empty space before glancing around the room. He was all alone.

It has been several days since the whole staged bar fight Albert had set up. Charlie had kept his promise of not telling Josephine about the events. But a conversation with the drunken man from that night, who turned out to be a long-time family friend named Jethro Baits, that she became aware of what had truly happened that evening. Charlie had defended himself first, as her anger blazed at him to begin with before she turned it on her grandfather. Despite the man's age and relation, he had looked like a chastised kid by the end of her ranting.

Charlie huffs out of his nose at the image as the old man got a taste of his own medicine. He stretches once more, throwing the blankets off his long legs and not bothering to put on a shirt in the already humid morning air. He strolls down the hall, the quiet voices of Joe and Albert drifting down the cramped space. A yawn pulls at the back of his throat as he comes through the front living room.

"Look who just woke up." Albert snickers, rising from his chair. "Coffee?"

"Yes, please." Charlie grunts, taking a seat on the bench and rubbing at his face.

He wraps his fingers around the freshly poured mug, taking a tentative sip of the black liquid. The warmth settles into his stomach before spreading throughout his body and rushing to his head. Charlie sighs contently at the feeling, leaning back a little as Joe settles a plate of food in front of him. He stares down at the steaming bacon and eggs before glancing at her. The deep blue eyes shone brightly; a brighter smile spreading across her face while she ran her slender fingers through his messy hair.

"Morn'." He mumbles dreamily.

"Morning." Joe greets, settling down next to him.

Charlie quietly picked at his breakfast, allowing it to further energize him, as the family chatted amongst themselves. He silently observes Joe and Albert fall into the muscle memory of their relationship; talking as if they had not just spent four years apart from one another. It was something that spread the feeling of home to all of Charlie's senses.

After several more minutes, Albert sets his cup onto the counter, stating he would handle the chore upon his return. He gently kisses Josephine on the top of the head, cuffing the back of Charlie's as we went by. Charlie stares at him pointedly, his shoulders sagging at the mischievous grin spreading across Albert's face. He gives a half-hearted salute, throwing his hat upon his head before walking out and leaving the couple to themselves.

The door had not even closed completely before Josephine turned herself sideways, scooting closer and throwing a leg over his. Charlie once again sighs contently, drinking more of his coffee as he rests his hand on her hip. He eyes her suspiciously as she wraps her arms around his neck; her fingers caressing his bare chest while she rests her boney chin on his shoulder.

"You sleep well?"

"Aye, I did. Didn't expect you to be gone upon awakening though."

"Sorry. I awoke early and wired. So, I decided to get up and make some breakfast for all of us."

"That was sweet of you." Charlie commends around a mouthful of food. "What were you and Albert chatting about?"

"Oh, he asked me to do some errands and pick up some meat at the market. He said we're eating him out of house and home."

Charlie snorts, "That man is forty years my birth and eats twice as much as I do." He shakes his head. "Did you speak to him about what really happened yet?"