Judgment Day (Available in paperback & eBook-SAMPLE)

Chapter 8

Thank you all for your support. It means so much to me. I hope you all enjoy the new chapter. I had fun writing it, especially the ending. ;) Have another chapter for you early next week.

(Julia)

I was loading the dishwasher, after breakfast the next morning, when I heard a female voice suddenly call out, "Grandpa." Michael, who was sitting at the table nursing his coffee, swore under his breath.

"That's April," Hank explained to me.

"Judging by Michael's colorful vocabulary, I'm guessing she's the one that has a crush on him," I said quietly.

"You would be correct," he said.

Just then, Hank's granddaughter walked into the kitchen. She was small in stature and size with long blond hair and gray eyes. Said eyes scanned the room, coming to rest on me.

"You didn't tell me you had company, Grandpa," she said, her tone of voice accusing.

"I'm sorry, dear." Hank bent down and kissed her on the cheek. "Let me introduce you. April, this is Julia Bennett. Julia, this is my granddaughter, April Ramsey."

I smiled at the younger woman. "It's nice to meet you, April."

"You too." Her gaze swept over me in a calculating way before dismissing me. She turned to Michael, a coy smile on her lips. "Hello, Mike."

"April," he muttered.

She sashayed toward him. Pausing beside his chair, she laid her hand on his arm and said something I couldn't hear. It was obvious from where I stood that he was extremely uncomfortable. Sympathy for him welled inside of me. He didn't have the heart to hurt her so he suffered through the unwanted attention. I knew it wasn't any of my business, but I had to help him.

"Michael, would you mind if I took care of Cain and Abel this morning?" I asked him.

"Not at all," he answered.

"April, come with me," I said.

She looked at me. "I'm not fond of the dogs. I'll just-"

"You don't have to do anything," I assured her. "Just keep me company. We can get to know each other a little."

"Why?" she said.

I blinked. Was this girl for real? "Well, for one thing. I like your grandfather. I want to get to know you because you're his family. We won't be outside long."

"Alright," she sighed.

We stepped outside, making a beeline for the dogs enclosure.

"How did you and Mike meet?" she wanted to know.

"It was through my brother," I told her.

"Are you and Mike close?"

"No," I said.

"Good," she mumbled.

"Handsome man, isn't he?" I said.

April exhaled softly. "He's perfect."