Keep Me Safe

Chapter Eight, Pt. 2

Agnes felt her stomach rumble, so she went to the counter and reached into the bowl of cookies. She made eye contact with Mama as she bit down into it, but the older woman didn't say a word. She settled back down into the chair and propped her bare feet onto the table.

"So Lottie doesn't even have the cops to worry about?" she asked, cookie crumbs spewing from her mouth. "Just Cecil?"

Mama pushed her feet off the table and sighed. "Quit chewing with your mouth open. I know you aren't a lady, but could you at least not be a man?"

Agnes rolled her eyes. "Fine."

"Even if the Cecil told the cops," she continued, "they wouldn't care. Lottie was just about doing them a favor. No, he's going to get his own revenge, which is why Lottie's hiding here. The night before they left to come here, Floyd caught someone trying to break into his house. He had to chase them off with a knife. Lottie'd been with him for a week by then, and he told me he was surprised that they hadn't done anything before that."

"He didn't tell me that."

"I doubt he would have willingly mentioned it. The stranger was easily spooked, which was good because Floyd had accidentally grabbed a butter knife."

"Typical."

The front door creaked open, interrupting the conversation. Papa walked in, placed his hat on the rack, and made to join them at the table. He glanced at the cookie jar as he passed and seemed surprised to find it still containing cookies. "Did the girls not have any?" he asked as he pulled out a chair.

"You know I don't let the kids eat before bed."

"But I told them they could have some."

"Quit worrying about them and instead ask her what she's doing down here." Mama pointed an accusing finger at her eldest daughter.

Papa turned to Agnes and raised a questioning eyebrow. "Should I be concerned?"

"I was eavesdropping on the conversation last night," she mumbled, hanging her head.

Papa never had to resort to physical discipline with her; very early on he had learned that his so-called 'disappointed look' was enough to make Agnes instantly behave. His welcoming, caring face would be consumed by a look of utter dismay and his shoulders would droop as if the weight of the world had been placed on them.

"Sorry, Papa. I promise not to tell Lottie that I know anything. I can imagine she's been through a lot, so I'll do what I can to avoid any sensitive topics."

His face quickly softened and he gave her a smile. "That's my Red. Now, don't let Lottie's past taint your opinion of her. She's a wonderful girl and she's tough as nails."

"Nothing could make me think bad of her," Agnes said firmly, pushing her blonde hair back. "I like her too much."

Papa patted her on the head and gave her his usual smile, the one that barely showed any teeth and was mostly covered by his mustache. "I knew I raised you somewhat right."

Mama snorted, causing him to chuckle. "Get on up to bed," she said with a nod in the direction of the staircase.

"But I don't want to go to bed. I want to stay up and talk."

"You sound like you want a whooping."

Agnes rolled her eyes but stood up. "Goodnight, Mama. Goodnight, Papa." She gave each of them a kiss on the top of the head and a hug. Relieved to have avoided any punishment- even a stern talking-to- she quickly slipped out of the dining room and scampered up the stairs.