Kissed By A Catalyst (Kissed Series Book 1 of 6)

Chapter 6: Loss

All morning, Dan and Josh planned their attack. Seeing the look on our neighbor's face as I walked into the garage, he feels guilty for leaving his post. In truth, I reminded Dan that he has been keeping us safe since this all began.

I still have not seen Talion today, and this worries me. What if something happened to him last night?

Just as I was about to say something, Dan stated Talion would be down soon. He must have come home, when we were down at the lake, hanging up the laundry.

Now, part of me is angry with Talion for leaving us last night. If he was here when those people invaded, things may have turned out differently. This guy does not know any of us on the street, but he better start acting like a member of this family and our community.

As he takes a sip of coffee, I ask, "Dan, where is Tango? I put food in his bowl, but he never came into the kitchen. I've been calling for him and..."

"Oh, I forgot to tell you, with everything else going on. Tango is dead. One of them killed him last night. Baby, I'm so sorry, but they probably did it because he would have barked to protect us. I buried him in the yard behind the barn." He explains nonchalantly and Josh even looks surprised.

"He's dead... and you forgot to tell me? What are we going to tell the kids? Why did you bury him before telling me?" I ask, feeling sick and heartbroken.

With an angry look, he replies, "So I should have left him in the yard for the kids to see? Would that have made you happy? Seriously Cece, grow up and think about all I'm dealing with today. The last thing on my mind is the stupid, damn dog. Christ, let me guess, now you're pissed at me, right?"

"Screw you, Dan." Is all I say and then walk back into the house.

The rest of the day I try to keep busy, but I can't stop myself from glancing over at the Bolton's house. Not knowing what happened to them, I pray they didn't suffer.

My friends lived a long and happy life together, but I still feel it was cut short and that those people stole wonderful moments we would have shared. Then, the bastards killed my dog, our sweet Tango, and that hurt. Dan only did what he thought was right, and I piled on. This has been an awful day, and it's not even noon yet.

Cleaning up the garage, while Dan and Josh discuss what needs to be done, I try to keep my opinions to myself. He knows I feel bad for acting that way, but my husband keeps glaring at me.

Turning around, Talion walks into the garage, looking exhausted. He has a beer in hand and I'm annoyed.

Dan says, "There you are, brother. Listen, we came up with a plan and from here on out, we need to keep watch at all times. All adults will have a shift, including Cece and Lori."

Talion asks, "What about Avery? He's old enough to help out."

"I'm not sure if we can depend on him or not. Honestly, I don't think Avery understands what's at stake here. He's very immature and tends to be more of a wise-ass." Dan replies.

Avery rounds the corner and says, "Really, Uncle Dan? Thanks for the vote of confidence. After last night, I do know what could happen and I will step up to help."

"Fine, we will try you out on the day shift at first and see how it goes," Dan says while looking at me.

He adds, "Talion, can we set up some type of warning bell? So that if someone sees a breach, they can notify the entire community? We can put it near the circle garden, in the center of the cul-de-sac."

Thinking for a moment, he answers, "I think there might be a way to rig something up. Like a large bell or something like that, correct?"

Dan replies, "Yes, anything that will tell everyone to go for cover, go inside, or whatever."