Payback (Dueling Devils 2)

A key sounded in the lock and Ardy stood from her seat at the kitchen table.

“Daddy!” Harley squealed, hopping from her chair.

Rocket stood seconds later. His face clouded with concern.

Ardy grabbed Harley around the waist and lifted her into the air. “Let’s give him a chance to get in the door,” she said playfully.

Rambler and Mumble glanced back at them.

“We’re good. I can see Pres on the monitor.” The door swung open and Ardy exhaled when Demon’s dark head came into view.

“I know I’m the President, but you don’t have to greet me on your feet.”

Rambler and Mumble laughed.

“We’re all a little on edge,” Mumble defended in his gruff raspy voice.

I wonder why he sounds like that? She’d never seen him smoke and he was too young to have his voice altered that much by cigarettes anyway. He couldn’t be much more than twenty-two.

“I figured. That’s why we’re getting out of here for a while. Ardy, I want you to take the kids into their rooms, pack a bag for a week or so and then pack your own.”

His voice sounded level, but the wildness in his eyes frightened her.

“Now.”

The barked command made her jump.

Harley sniffled and Rocket’s eyes went wide.

“Come on guys. Let’s go get ready for our trip.” Keeping her voice light she cuddled Harley to her chest. “Daddy’s grumpy. Let’s give him some time to put his happy face on.” Demon always took care to make his kids feel comfortable and loved. Something is horribly wrong.

“Ardy where are we going?” Rocket asked as he trailed her into Harley’s room.

“I don’t know. Somewhere fun I’m sure. Where do you think we could be going?” Ardy set Harley on the bed, walked to the closet and pulled out her pink camo luggage.

“Maybe to Dime City!” Rocket said suddenly excited.

“The arcade would be fun. But I don’t think we’d need clothes to go there. What do you think Harley?” Ardy set the roller bag on the bed and began to fill it as quickly as possible with everything the Harley would need for a week.

“Umm… Daiwy Queen?” She shrugged and wrinkled her tiny button nose.

“Why are you so cute?” Ardy teased, tucking her under the chin.

Harley giggled. “I bet if we ask nicely, Daddy would take us all there.”

“That would be awesome,” Rocket said.

“I agree. I’d love a sundae about now.” Ardy zipped up the suitcase. “Hop down honey, time to pack your brother’s bag. Why don’t you go ahead of us and pick your favorite socks and shorts, Rocket?”

“Okay.” He took off like a shot.

Thank God for misdirection. “Come on little lady, I’ll push this and you can follow me.”

> “Otay.” Harley beamed up at her as she slid from the bed and followed behind like a baby duck. They entered Rocket’s room and she found a small pile of t-shirts and shorts waiting to be folded.

“Did I do good?” Rocket asked. His eyes were full of hope she didn’t dare crush in any way.

“You did great, buddy. Want to pick out seven pairs of socks? We can count together.”