Free Avenging Home by Angery American Page A

they all went flailing to the ground. Me and Sarge got to work on them, and we killed ‘em all.”
    Nodding, I noted again. “We’re lucky.”
    Thad gripped my shoulder. “I’ll take lucky any day, Morgan.”
    Seeing just how lucky we’d been really weighed on me. Shaking my head, I said, “But what if our luck runs out. We’ve got to fix this once and for all. If this keeps going, luck isn’t going to cut it.”
    We went back in the house. Mel had put Little Bit to bed. Mel said she was upset because she didn’t have her blanket. It was on Jamie at the moment. She finally settled down when Mel gave her one of my poncho liners. As we were talking, Dalton stuck his head in the door and nodded for me to follow him.
    Once outside, I saw he had a grim look. “What is it?”
    He pointed to the bench on my porch. I looked and saw Jace and Edie sitting there. It took a moment for it to sink in. But looking in the direction of their house, I could see the fire that still raged there.
    “Is there any chance?” I asked. His reply was a slow shaking of his head. I looked at Thad. “Still think we’re lucky?”

Chapter 4
    T had and I stood staring at the scorched and smoking remains of the house. It was early and a heavy fog blanketed the ground, giving the entire scene a spooky feel. The air was heavy with an acrid odor of fire and loss. Little was left, the frame of the mobile home really the only thing recognizable. Thad leaned on a shovel as he surveyed the scene. Of all things that have happened to this point, I’m sure this was the hardest thing for him to look at. But he revealed nothing as we stood in silence.
    “I’m not looking forward to this,” I said.
    “It’s an unpleasant thing,” Thad replied.
    “At least they got the kids out.”
    Thad glanced over. “How are the kids?”
    “They’re at Bobbie’s. She’s taking care of them. Doc checked the skin pop on them earlier and said Jace was positive for antibodies, but didn’t appear to be sick. Said there’s a chance he was able to fight it off. Edie was negative.”
    “That’s good. But now those babies have to grow up without their momma and daddy,” Thad lamented.
    “That may be true, but they’re not going to be alone,” I replied. Then I looked at Thad. “They’re a part of our family now, and we’ll raise them, all of us.” Thad nodded and I added, “you’re a big uncle now, again.”
    Thad smiled. “Guess that makes Sarge the crazy grandpa then.”
    Laughing, I replied, “Yeah, ole mean ass grandpa.”
    Thad chuckled and turned his attention to the grizzly task before us. “You ready to do this?”
    Letting out a long breath, I responded. “No.”
    “Me neither. But let’s get it done.”
    With gloved hands, we worked our way into the remains of the house. It didn’t look like we’d find their bodies; the fire was intense and left little. We picked through the debris carefully, respectfully. It was an unpleasant task. As we worked, Sarge showed up with several of the guys.
    “You find them?” Sarge asked.
    I was knelt down picking my way through a large black pile. “Not yet.”
    “I doubt you will. That fire was hot.”
    I rose to my feet. “We’ve got to get those bastards. This is twice now. They need to pay in a big way.”
    Sarge nodded. “They will. We’re going to stomp their dicks in the dirt.”
    Looking at Ted, I asked, “How’s the ear?”
    Ted reached up and rubbed the bandage over his ear. “Fucking gone.”
    Mike gave him a little punch on the shoulder. “Come on, man. Chicks dig scars.” Ted glared back in reply.
    “Speaking of chicks, how’s Jamie?” Thad asked.
    “She’s doing OK, but Doc wants to get her to town. Which is why we’re here, you’re supposed to meet the engineers at the power plant,” Sarge said.
    “I know. I just wanted to find them.”
    “We’ll get some other folks over here to continue the search. We need to get on the road.”
    “Go ahead, Morgan. We’ll take