Royce by Kathi S. Barton Read Free Book Online Page B

coveted crayon over to her. The laughter followed him into the front hall. Peace once again reigned. Well, for now, he thought when he saw who was on his front porch.
    “Mr. Hunter. How are you tonight? I didn’t…” Jay looked back behind him, sudden dawning hitting him. “She didn’t tell you. She told me that you knew she was coming here.”
    “No, I didn’t. I told her to stay there until the doctor released her. She needs proper medical care and I’ve come to take her back so that she can get it.”
    Jay nodded. Not that he was agreeing with the man, but he knew why she’d left and he almost understood it. “You telling her to do something is the same thing as telling her to do the opposite, you know. Kasey always has been stubborn like that. The sure way to get her to do something is to tell her she can’t. Works nearly all the time.”
    Laughter from the living room had him turning. He was worried about leaving them alone so he thought to get rid of the man before Kasey figured out he was here.
    “Look, Mr. Hunter, she’s here now and doing fine. I can’t—” A crash had him nervous. “I have to go. You see yourself out.”
    The scene in the living room wasn’t a bad as he’d imagined. The small table that had been set up for the coloring books had been knocked over and Suzy had moved to the television. Kasey was lying back on the couch with her arm over her eyes, but she didn’t appear to be hurt. Jay moved toward the mess, intending to clear it up. Royce took that moment to start into Kasey.
    “What the hell do you think you’re doing? I told you to stay at the hospital. Don’t you listen to a damned thing anyone tells you?”
    “You didn’t tell me anything, you arrogant ass, you ordered. I don’t take orders from you or anyone else. And what the hell are you doing here anyway? I thought you’d be thrilled not to have to bother with me anymore.”
    “ No . No, no, no, no.” Suzy put her hands over her ears and started rocking. “No, no, no, no, no.”
    “Now look what you did. You’ve upset my aunt. Get out.” Kasey tried to move, but cried out in pain when she did. Jay dropped the books he had and started to go and help her, but Royce was there before he was. Jay watched as the man paled and seemed terrified. Interesting, he thought.
    “What is it? Tell me what…are you hurting? Damn it, Kasey, you have several broken ribs. They could be back in your lungs if you don’t lay still.”
    “Go away,” Kasey whispered. “Please, you’re upsetting her.”
    Jay moved to his sister. “Come on, Suzy, let’s you and I go and make some dinner. Royce, will you stay?”
    “No. I want to stay, too. Sit. I’ll be good.” Suzy pointed to the chair next to him and Royce looked at it.
    “I’d like to sit next to Kasey for a few minutes, please. She’s hurt and I want to make sure she’s all right.” Royce didn’t raise his voice like some people did when dealing with Suzy. As if raising your voice would make her understand better.
    “Royce, I’m going in the kitchen. Kasey needs her pain pills. If Suzy gets out of hand, yell. I’ll come back and get her.” Jay walked to the kitchen and picked up the house phone. He called Leah. “You’re not going to guess who’s here. Royce Hunter. He’s watching over our Kasey.”
    “Has he hit her yet?” Leah asked with mirth. “Those two are like two sticks of dynamite ready to explode. He kissed her today, did I tell you?”
    She had, but he let her tell him again. Jay leaned his head against the cabinet above the phone and listened to her. He loved his sister very much and knew he was going to miss her more than he could imagine.
    “You should come over and eat with us. I have plenty. I made spaghetti and meatballs. There’s a salad too.”
    “No, I’m sort of tired tonight. I think I’ll go to bed soon. But you call me tomorrow and tell me how it went. And Jay…”
    “Yes, love.”
    “Don’t you dare say a word to him if