19.
GOODBYEZ
PAPA CHARLIE WAS WAITING UP FOR ME. ALL THE HOUSE LIGHTS
were off except the light in my room. Through the window, I could see that Charlie was standing in front of my mirror. It looked like he was wearing a blouse with a conical bra underneath, and I couldn't see any lower than that. My mind was blank as I tried to think of a way to make him let me go. This wasn't going to be pleasant.
Fredward pulled in slowly, staying well back from my truck. All three of them were acutely alert, ramrod straight in their seats, listening to the sound of every tree, looking through the shadow of every shadow, catching every scent, searching for something out of place. Something unwanted. Something foreign. The engine cut off and I sat, motionless, as they continued to listen.
"He's not here," Fredward said tensely. "Let's go."
Emmett reached over to help me get out of the harness.