Free Feathers by K.D. Peters Page B

it on speaker as he waited.  “You think she’ll pick up?” Raphael asked him.
                  “She knows better then not to if he’s already gotten to her.” Michael replied.
                  After a few more rings, there was an answer.  “Hello?” Sara said.  She sounded pretty hesitant herself.  No doubt Sean must have gotten to her after all to tell her what had happened.  Or at least his version of what had happened.
                  “It’s Michael Sara.  I think you know why I’m calling.” Michael told her.
                  “I do.” Sara sighed.  “Unfortunately, I think I do.  And I promise I’m handling it now.  I’m so sorry.”
                  “Bring Sean over here to the office right now.  I want to see you both or I’ll call the police.” Michael ordered.
                  “Yes sir.” Sara agreed, hanging up.
                  Raphael crossed his arms as he looked at him.  “You realize that this could spell big trouble now, especially given your little charade.” He said quietly.
                  “I’ll handle it.  Just go out there and wait for them.” Michael sighed.
                  “Very well then.” Raphael agreed, walking back out.
                  I watched the door close, then made myself look back at Michael.  “Dad, what’s going on?” I asked softly.
                  Michael sighed, walking over to sit beside me.  “Mia, listen to me.  When he comes here, we won’t let him hurt you, okay?” he promised.
                  “Okay.” I whispered.  “But I don’t understand.  What is he?”
                  “Something you weren’t supposed to know about yet.  But it looks like time wasn’t on my side like I thought after all.” Michael admitted.
                  “What do you mean?” I asked.
                  Michael just gave me a soft look.  “There are a lot of things you don’t know right now.  But I promise you, I will explain them later.  For now, just know that you’re safe, okay?” he said.
                  I felt myself nod.  “All right.” I agreed.  I was still in such shock that I couldn’t make myself do anymore.  But I was certain that I’d be demanding those answers later.
                  It wasn’t long before Sara had arrived.  I remained on the far couch as Michael stood up when Raphael led her in.  Sean was right behind her, but he certainly looked very different then when I’d last seen him about an hour before.  He had his head down now, and the look on his face was almost pensive.  In fact, it looked almost like he was regretting something very sorely.
                  Michael sighed as he took them in.  It was rather obvious that Sara knew all about what had happened.  “Sara, I think you remember your promise when you two came here.” He said.
                  “I do.  And I’m very sorry.  I had no idea he’d ever do such a thing.  Sean has always been a gentle child.  It’s really not in his nature to harm others.” Sara apologized.
                  “You must have had some inkling to this Sara.  You know Sean’s nature is that of harm.  Any like him have it in them.” Raphael said.
                  “I know.  But we really aren’t trying to cause trouble here.  We only came to live peacefully.” Sara pleaded.  She sounded desperate now.  It made me wonder if we really could drive them out.  Or maybe worse.
                  “If I may, I want to say something.” Sean said softly.  He forced himself to look up.  I was surprised to see that it looked like he’d been crying.  “My mother had nothing to do with any of it.  I was the one who made that foolish choice.  But I regret my actions as well.  I know now that I