Free The Trials of Gregg by Stephani Hecht Page A

into a tiny ball and died. The crowd had stayed put, but they had all fallen silent, shocked by the hateful words that were being thrown around, no doubt. Gregg just wanted to yell at all of them to go away and leave him alone. It was a private matter. A family matter that was supposed to be left behind closed doors. Now that it had leaked to the outside, all Gregg wanted to do was slam the lid shut on it again.
    “He’s a friend, Dad. Now can we get you home?” Gregg said, reaching out for his father again.
    His dad jerked away so hard that he fell flat onto his ass. A few titters of laughter could be heard from the crowd. Gregg could feel his face burning with embarrassment. Then, to his horror, he glanced up and saw that Daniel and Mitchell were there, watching the whole thing going down.
    Shit! Gregg needed to do some major damage control, and he needed to do it now. The leaders had already seen enough that if they wanted to, by all rights, they could banish Gregg’s father. Anymore, and they wouldn’t have a choice but to send the guy packing.
    “Please, Dad, don’t do this. Not here. Not now,” Gregg begged, his voice trembling just a bit.
    “Why should I listen to a fairy like you? You have been nothing but a disappointment to me since the day you were born. You know you were the whole reason that she left us!” his father yelled so loudly that spit flew from his mouth and hit Gregg in the face.
    Normally, Gregg would have yelled back that it wasn’t the truth. That their mother had left because of their father’s drinking and her own selfishness. But he knew that would only make things worse. So he just kept his trap shut and tried to grab his father again. Once more, his father dodged his efforts.
    Finally, Daniel stepped forward. “Oh, I don’t know about you guys, but I am so sick of this shit.”
    He then punched Gregg’s father in the jaw, knocking him out cold. Throwing him over his shoulder, Daniel turned to Gregg. “Can you lead us back to your living quarters?”
    Gregg was so mortified that all he could do was nod. Then he felt strong arms wrap around him, and he inhaled and recognized the scent of John. All of the sudden, Gregg felt ten times better. He wasn’t facing this on his own anymore. He had John by his side, and even after the horrible show he’d just witnessed, he was still on Gregg’s side.
    “Follow us, and we’ll lead the way,” John said.
    Daniel cocked a brow but otherwise didn’t comment on their united front. They made their way to Gregg’s family’s quarters. Once there, Daniel dumped Gregg’s dad on his bed, then gave him a look of disgust.
    “Does he always talk to you that way?” Daniel asked.
    When Gregg began to hedge, Daniel interrupted him. “I want the truth.”
    How Gregg wanted to lie, but he knew there was no getting around it anymore. The can had been opened, and the worms were out in all their gory glory. Putting a hand over his mouth, Daniel nodded.
    “Does he talk to Tiffy this way?” Daniel pressed.
    “No, he just ignores her. If it weren’t for me, she wouldn’t get food, clothing, or proper care. That’s why I didn’t come to you sooner. I was afraid you would banish him, and I know cast law always has been that the minor children go with the parent. I couldn’t risk Tiffy going with him, knowing that he wouldn’t care for her,” Gregg admitted.
    Daniel studied Gregg for the longest time, the leader’s face an unreadable mask. Gregg held his breath, waiting for what Daniel would say. For all he knew, he would very well banish the whole family. After all, Gregg had been summarily lying to him all this time.
    Finally, Daniel said, “Do you have someplace else where you and Tiffy can crash? I don’t feel safe leaving you two with him.”
    John stepped forward. “They can come to my place. Tiffy can sleep on my couch.”
    Daniel nodded. “That sounds perfect. We can talk more later today.”
    With those parting words, Daniel left.