Broken

Chapter 4

                                                                                                  C ʜ ᴀ ᴘ ᴛ ᴇ ʀ ● F ᴏ ᴜ ʀ

Simon glanced at the ad, procuring an idea for the boys.

He was fed up with their blemished publicity, and was now finding it increasingly difficult to cover up their mistakes. But this ad gave him hope, and so he scanned over it again:

Three rooms for rent.

Location: Oliver Springs, Tennessee

Call Lacie McKean at (659)555-6243

Perhaps a well needed vacation, in a seemingly nonexistent town, would prove them well. As long as he did it smartly, Simon could ship them there for a little while. They wouldn't be in a big city, and the media wouldn't be able to find them. It was the perfect chance.

Simon picked up his phone, dialing the number displayed on the screen with precision.

It rang three times before he heard the click of the receiver and heard a timid female voice ask, “Hello?”

                                                            ● ● ●

Louis was spreading peanut butter on a slice of bread when he heard the familiar ring tone. He dropped his bread on a plate before sliding his phone out of his pocket.

“Hey, uncle Si,” Louis greeted Simon happily.

“Hello, Louis,” Louis detected a grim undertone in Simon's voice and decided that, whatever the reason he called, it wasn't good.

“What's up, Simon?” Louis quickly sobered up.

“I think it would be better for me to explain this in person. I'll be stopping by your flat in an hour; make sure all the boys are there.” Simon's voice was all business.

Louis was still holding the phone to his ear even after Simon had hung up.

“You all right, mate?” Louis jumped, dropping his phone to the floor with a clatter.

“Dammit, Liam.” Louis picked his phone up and set it on the counter, still stunned.

“What's wrong?” Liam caught on to Louis' unease.

“Not sure. Simon called—he wants us all here ion an hour.”

Louis abandoned his sandwich, suddenly too queasy to eat anything. He had an idea of what Simon wanted to tell them. He'd seen the news, he wasn't stupid.

The boys were usually rowdy and mischievous, but just last month they'd gone too far. Simon had been curt to them, when he even cared to talk to them, letting them know he was serious this time. He must have finally thought of an appropriate enough punishment for them.

“... and let them know.” Liam looked at Louis, calling to him when he didn't answer.

“Yeah?” Louis' eyes snapped to Liam.

“I was just saying that I'll call the boys and let them know what's happening.” Liam looked worriedly at Louis, “You going to be okay? I know Simon won't give us anything too harsh.” Liam assured, having jumped to the same conclusion as he did.

Louis looked into Liam's kind eyes and tugged his lips into a soft smile, “Yeah, I'm sure you're right.”