Siblings by K. J. Janssen Read Free Book Online Page A

have been awful for you.”
    “I had some rough spots. I remember once when I was smoking a cigarette and this big, muscular guy told me to give it to him. I was ready to hand it over when my cellmate, who was six inches taller than the man and much more muscular, stepped in between us and told the guy to back off. Some threats were exchanged, but the guy backed off and never bothered me again. I tried to thank Max, but he told me that cellmates look out for each other. Anyway, I was glad that I never had to return the favor.”
    “I hope you don’t mind me asking this. I’ll understand if it’s uncomfortable for you to talk about it—”
    He interrupted her. “I think I know what you’re going to ask. No, that never happened to me. I know a lot of that was going on, but I guess having Max as a protector kept the predators away. He was straight arrow; a married man with three children and very religious. I think his six-foot-six stature and bulging biceps sent out the right message to anyone wanting to mess with him or me. I don’t know this for sure, but I think the warden or the chaplain had something to do with his selection as my cellmate.”
    “Well, thank God for that. I’m sorry about asking. I didn’t mean to pry.”
    “That’s okay, Mag, it’s normal to be curious about things like that. After all, it does go on in prisons all the time.”
    When they reached the park they found an empty bench by the lake and sat down.
    “Let’s talk about something cheerful, like you looking for a job in logistics. I really think that’s a great idea. Now, don’t let on that I told you, but Dad told Mom that he would check with some friends at his club to see if any of them might have an opening for you at one of their companies.”
    “Of course I won’t say anything, but I am surprised, though. I remember putting him off when he offered his help. I was too full of self-pride at the time. Since then, whenever Dad asks a lot about my job, I thought he was resigned to the idea that working at the Wallington was going to be it for me.” He hesitated for a minute as he mulled this new bit of information over in his mind. “You know, Dad never ceases to amaze me. When I got in trouble he never once yelled at me or said he was disappointed in me. Both he and Mom just cared about doing the best they could under the circumstances.”
    “They’re like that. I had a few instances in my teens where I thought they would ground me for life. At that age, I really believed that was possible, but they just sat me down and we had a rational discussion. I never actually thought much about it, but they both are really cool. I think we’re very lucky to have them as parents. It’s not easy raising kids while you’re trying to get established in a highly competitive business. I give them lots of credit. I don’t think we could have had better parents.”
    “I agree. So, let’s talk about you. How’s your love life these days?”
    Maggie gave him a punch in the arm. “You don’t ask your sister a question like that.”
    “Why not? You were going to ask me about being somebody’s bitch in prison.”
    “That’s different.”
    “Why’s that?”
    “It just is, Wil, but if you must know, I’m not with anyone right now.”
    “Is that your choice, or is it just that Mr. Right hasn’t come along?”
    “Well, actually, a little of both. I went with an intern for about four months, but he wanted to join a hospital group in California when his residency is finished. I don’t want to move out west. Of course, he didn’t actually ask me to go with him, but if he had, I would have turned him down flat.” She shrugged. “So I decided to cut my losses while I could.”
    “That’s very mature. Well, I hope it works out for you.” He nudged her. “After all, you aren’t getting any younger.”
    “Oh, thanks, I needed that. What about you, Wil? I don’t see any pretty young thing draped on your arm.”
    “Touché. You