Tempted Trapped and Too Late to Run

This place wasn't anything special-just a random estate Charles picked up,

mostly so his two dogs could have somewhere to go wild. He didn't think much of

it. After all, he'd seen far better.

"Clara, you just ate. Walk with me for a bit? Might help you digest."

"Okay." She answered right away, practically bouncing after him.

Back when Charles lived with the Chester family, his only real interactions with

people were during missions-usually the dangerous kind. Now, with someone

actually choosing to tag along just because, he felt a strange kind of curiosity.

They hadn't gone far before Clara started to slow, her steps turning careful-the

pain from her wound catching up to her.

Charles noticed right away and turned them back. Soon, they were sprawled on

the giant sofa in the living room. Charles grabbed a game controller and handed it

over.

"You know how to play? Let's do it. I'm seriously good at this."

She glanced at the controller, then at him, and nodded.

Charles couldn't help but grin. He switched on the console.

Super Mario popped up on the screen. It was a total classic-ancient, really.

Nobody played it anymore.

His older brother was always too busy with work to bother. Mitch was off chasing

anyone to actually

at

first time in his life someone

for fun.

around in the background, quietly bringing

on Clara's wrist

took a break.

late afternoon. Charles was

door, ready for

the doctor stepped in, blocking their way. "Charles, let her rest a

you need to think

fell. He let go of Clara's shoulder.

sleep, Clara."

eyes sparkled as she looked at him, catching the disappointment

to hide.

out, I'll go with you," she said softly. "I'm not tired.

of happiness shot through Charles, prickling from his toes

back for a second, then gave her

pat.

the best, Clara. Seriously. From now

if we're not

about it, ready to argue, but Charles was already pulling

she could

dogs wanted to tag

turned

on

here don't

running loose.

again, I'll have to go

at the police

reminding him gently, "Charles, make sure you and

come back early."