G.U.A.R.D. Book #2: Aberrations

-4-

    Just an hour later, I waited outside on the Hunter porch. I heard the occasional nature sound, like a bird tweeting, but nothing showed any promise. I hoped that Lee Slade would come back. So I didn't trust the guy, but I was still incredibly curious to hear what he had to say. He told me what I found in the basement would explain everything, but seriously? It only brought more questions. He said he would see me again today, but so far nothing.

"What are you waiting for?"

I whipped around, but knew it was only Winter. She seemed like her normal self since the hospital, but she constantly thought about Ally. Just like the rest of us.

The fifteen-year-old sat next to me.

"Nothing," I answered, but my voice betrayed me.

"Right. Are you waiting for Al?"

"Uh... I guess," I lied.

"I called Anthony and Cindy." Winter sighed, retracting her hand and looking sullenly at her crossed lap. "They don't know where she is, either." She took in a shuddering breath.

I leaned forward, resting my elbows on my knees. "What do you think happened to her?" I asked quietly.

Winter discreetly wiped her tears with a sleeve. "Who knows? Maybe we'll get a ransom note soon. I mean... that's what the FBI thinks." Her voice turned quiet on the last part.

I stared at the ground, wondering if I should tell her about Lee Slade. But I didn't know if anything he said was true, so what was the point? I wasn't even sure if I should trust him. Maybe that would give me more reason to tell someone, but it didn't. I didn't want to mix Winter up in my parents' issues. Whatever it was, she didn't deserve it.

Winter stood up. "I'm calling a meeting."

I looked up to her as she began walking to the front door. "A what?"

The girl turned to me with a serious expression. "Meet in the clubhouse. Immediately."

Before I could respond, Winter had already gone in the house, probably to get the guys. I sighed and back to my house. The caution tape stared back. Guess Slade knew where to find me.

I walked around the house, making my way to the backyard. A small, wooden "clubhouse" was in the corner of the large expanse. It was built years ago, made by Dad, Derek, Max, and me. The wood on it, now old and worn, made it look like it was nearly ready to collapse, but it was still one of the sturdiest homemade structures I had ever seen, if I do say so myself.

Winter burst out the house's backdoor and strode across the yard, entering the clubhouse. In her hand, there was a pack of crackers. Just like old times.

Inside the meeting place, there was a light blue rug, two beanbags, and a few big, dusty pillows. As kids we used to come in here all the time, especially when we got the fan installed on the ceiling. Stupid meetings about stupid things. Winter and Ally still insisted on using it to hang out in, but we hadn't called a meeting in years.

Winter made herself comfortable on the smallest pillow, sitting up straight.

"So why did we call a meeting?" I asked, seating myself on a beanbag.

"Hey, I can't say before the others get here! Rule number three."

Conner entered a moment after, jumping on the last beanbag. Max soon came after and sat on the remaining three pillows, his back leaning against the wall.

"Anyone hungry?" Winter held up the pack of crackers.

"Me." Conner held up his hands, and his sister tossed him a pack.