Page 126 of Wicked Pickle

Dad stares at the ground. Sherman finally drops the fake cheer. “All right, I see there’s no reasoning with you three.”

“Exactly,” I say, giving Jude a hard shove toward the hall. “Now, go fucking pack, or we’re carrying you out by your balls.”

Jude scurries through the living room. Sherman and Dad still stand on the porch outside the open door. I’m about to shut it in their face, when Dad says, “Is it as bad as all that?”

Greta nods.

Dad turns to Sherman. “We’ve got this. Thanks for coming, but we’re good.”

“Daddy?” Greta asks, her voice nearly a sob.

“Martin, I can help,” Sherman says.

“Not today. Go on home.” Dad steps inside to draw Greta into his arms. “We can handle this.”

Sherman takes a step back. “If you’re sure.”

“We’resure,” I tell Sherman.

The old man nods. “I was hoping I could help. But I will step aside.” He pulls a folder from under his arm. “You know, that’s all I want, to help my family.” He hands the folder to me. “I was glad to hear you came with your sister. Family is important. I knew you’d come around.”

He continues to hold the folder out. I plan to ignore it, but Dad looks at me with pleading eyes.

Fine. I take the packet. None of us say anything else as Sherman turns and heads to his car.

“I’m going to take Greta and Caden to our house,” Dad says. “Can you boys make sure Jude gets out of here?”

Merrick nods with a fiendish grin. “Our pleasure.”

“I’ll go get Caden,” Greta says. “Let us know when he’s gone.”

She runs up the stairs.

“Thanks for bringing her back,” Dad says. “I, uh, heard about the bar.”

I shrug. “Easy come, easy go. We’re heading back to the Army.”

He nods. “It’s not a bad gig for kids like you. I’m proud of you.”

I glance at Merrick. “Thanks.”

Greta returns, a frowning Caden in tow. “I was just getting past level four,” he whines.

“We’re going to see PopPop and Grandmama,” Greta says. “They want to hear all about the beach.”

Caden’s face lights up. “I got a super soaker that shoots twenty feet!”

Dad puts his arm around Caden to lead him out to his car. “That’s far. Did you get your uncles good?”

“So good. And Uncle Dean can throw me ten feet in the air! I made a wicked splash!”

Dad glances at me. “That sounds fun.”

Caden keeps chattering at them as they head to the car.

Merrick closes the door. “When Jude’s gone, then what?”

I frown. “Maybe stay around a day or two. Make sure things are settled.”