C4 antho - Chamber Four

~128~ The Chamber Four Fiction Anthology
rule. We find it ‘builds barriers,’ he explained, flashing quotation
marks in the air. “You got to strip down to stick
around. That’s what we always say.”
Dad glanced Damien for the first time.
“Oh, look! What a pleasant surprise!” Dad exclaimed.
“Ted Jacobson,” he introduced himself, offering a hand. “I’m
Maggie’s husband.”
“Ex-husband,” Mom corrected.
“Already?” Dad asked, surprised. “Has the paperwork
gone through?”
He didn’t wait for an answer.
“So listen, can I get either of you an iced tea or something?”
Dad asked. “Got one right here,” he said, reaching for
the one covering my crotch. I leapt beyond his reach, splashing
everywhere.
“We’re here for Frankie,” Mom cut in. “That’s all. We received
his letter about how you’ve been holding him hostage
so...”
Dad shot me a look.
“I never actually used the word hostage,” I explained. “I
was just telling her about Summer Rental and then the next
thing I knew...”
“Let’s not make this any harder than it has to be,” Mom
interrupted. “I don’t want to have to bring in the police.”
“Police?” Dad laughed. “What for?”
She waved her hand around.
“Well...clearly, this is some form of neglect...”
“Neglect?” Dad asked, his penis pointing accusatorily at
her. “But you’re the one who left us.”
She quieted, then whispered, “Frankie, grab your things.
We’ll meet you in the Land Rover.”