Guarded: Sequal to Broken

Seven

Maddie's POV

"Sounds like people are showing up for answers." I yell, hearing Calum come down the stairs as the doorbell rings.

"You should put on some pants, Mads. We are having company." Cal suggests, eyeing my bare legs.

"I have shorts on. Don't worry." I laugh, lifting the edge of the shirt so he can see the black shorts before turning back to my laptop where I've been updating my presentation powerpoint.

"Are you ready to tell them what's up?" Calum yells back as he heads for the door.

"Not even a little bit, but I will." I sigh, saving the powerpoint as I hear the door open.

"Okay, wedding is over. Now spill." KayKay yells, falling nearly on top of me as she comes into the room.

"If it's going to have to be explained again as soon as Mike and Crystal show up, just wait. They should be here any time." Ashton chuckles, dropping onto the couch.

"We will wait. No need to talk about it twice in ten minutes." Calum nods, pulling his phone out. His face scrunched in confusion as he swipes his thumb from left to right, pressing the phone to his ear. "Sammy? What's wrong?"

"Sammy? Shit." I start digging around in the couch until I find my phone fallen between the cushions, two missed calls from Sam present on the screen.

"He sent you another letter?" My eyes snap up as I hear the words fall angrily from Calum's lips.

"No!" I gasp, only to see him turn and nod at me, concern written across his eyes.

"Did you read it yet?" I keep my eyes trained on Calum as he talks to Sam, wanting to catch anything I can from their conversation.

"Good, don't. Put the whole envelope into a new one and send it to me. I'll put it with the others for the lawyers we are meeting with on Monday."

Don't what? I question silently, coming up with multiple answers.  Don't read ths letter? Don't believe the letter? Don't write back? Don't what?

"Just ask, Sam, as soon as you do I'll make it happen, for all of you. We will figure out school. Your safety and sanity are more important and we all know that, so when you need it, just ask. We can make room for the three of you."

"What's going on?" KayKay is frowning, her forehead creased with deep concern.

"It directly relates with what we have to tell you all. Just be patient please." I swallow hard, turning back to Calum, trying to decipher Sam's half of the call.

"Ya, she's right here. Just a second." Calum pulls the phone away extending his arm until the phone is in front of me.

Taking it carefully, I lift it go my ear, clearing the nerves from my throat before answering. "Sam? What is going on?"

"Grams just called me, she said another letter came for me. I haven't read it and I don't want to. I'm scared, Mads, he knows where I live. How can I feel safe in my own bed when I'm feeling threatened and targeted by my own father from prison." My heart breaks a little bit as I hear him speak, a tone of voice he hasn't used since before mom died very evident. The tone that conveys his complete vulnerability and need for protection.

"The moment you ask or he walks, you will all be here with us. Far away from that house he knows, and behind our locked and alarmed doors. Just ask. I know football is important to you, Sammy, but you being alive is more important to me."

"I know. I'm terrified of him showing up here, Maddog. I'm terrified of what he is capable of and what he is planning with this elaborate escape plan he has going."