Emmitt's Treasure: Judgement of the Six Companion Series, book 2 Read Free Page B

her car, but, hopefully, we’d be miles from it.
    I got in and, unable to stop myself, breathed deeply.  The cab was filled with her scent already.
    “You two have enough room?” I asked, looking down at the cub sitting next to me.
    He nodded hesitantly.  I buckled, to set a good example, then started the truck.  With a wave to the salesman, we left her little red car behind.
    “Which direction should I head?” I asked when she didn’t question where I was going.
    “Doesn’t matter,” she said, closing her eyes.
    Within seconds, her breathing evened out.  The boy next to her reached up and began anxiously playing with her hair.  It made me sad that they were afraid of me.
    She relaxed in her seat and shifted so her weight leaned on the door.  I reached over and pressed down the lock.  The boys watched me closely.
    “Didn’t want her to fall out,” I said.
    They continued to look at me.
    “I have a younger brother,” I said, feeling the pressure of their scrutiny.  “His name’s Jim.  He lives in Montana with a friend of ours.  I haven’t seen him in almost a year.”
    The boy next to me glanced at his brother.
    “You guys know my name.  It’s Emmitt,” I said, reminding them.  “But I don’t know yours.”
    “My name is Liam,” the one next to me said.  “This is Aden.”
    “Nice to meet you.  I’m glad I have company.  It gets a little boring on long drives.  Either of you know how to play I Spy ?”
    They hesitantly shook their heads, and I took a few minutes to explain the game.  I tried several times to get them to play along, but they stayed shyly quiet.  Undeterred, I kept talking.  I told them stories from my childhood and any kid jokes I could remember.
    A few times, Michelle’s breathing changed, but never enough that she woke all the way.
    “Mimi?” Aden said softly, leaning against Michelle.
    “Buddy, if you need something, you can ask me.  She’s so tired and really needs some sleep.  Try not to wake her unless you really need her, okay?”
    Aden nodded and continued to play with her hair.  His uncertainty just made me try harder to get them to relax around me.  Eventually, they did.  Just enough to say a word here and there so we could play some games.
    After several hours, I noticed Aden wiggling in his seat.
    “I don’t know about you two, but I sure could use a bathroom break.  Mind if I find us someplace with a bathroom?”
    Neither one answered so I went ahead and pulled into the first motel I found.
    As soon as I cut the engine, Michelle sat up.  Her bloodshot eyes took in the motel, and panic ripped through her.
    “Michelle, the kids could use a break, and I think you’d benefit from some real sleep.  How about I get the three of you a room while I stay with the truck?” I said to assure her that I had no intention of joining her, even though it would have been a dream come true.
    She turned to meet my gaze, and I saw her mistrust.  I tried not to let it hurt.  Something had happened to her.  Something that had robbed her of sleep and filled her with fear.  I didn’t know how to help ease any of it.
    “You can hang on to the truck keys, of course,” I said.
    That seemed to do the trick.  She hesitantly nodded.
    “You two keep an eye on her.  I’ll be right back.”
    I got out and pressed down the lock before I closed the door.  It wasn’t that I thought anyone would try to come after them.  I just wanted her to feel safe.
    In the office, I asked for a room and paid cash.  As soon as I had the key, I went back to the truck.  All three were watching for me.  I held up the key and smiled at Aden.  He gave a small smile in return.  When I glanced at Michelle, she looked away.
    I sighed and recalled something Dad had said long ago.  He’d sat Jim and me down at an early age and warned us that, if we were lucky enough to find a Mate, not to expect our first meeting to go well.  He’d said women were unpredictable and prickly.