The day passed, most of the time I was with my mother, grandmother and aunt shopping and getting excited for the next day which was the main event. G...fts would be shared, food cooked and consumed then our home team was taking on their greatest rivals. I gave little thought to what I had discovered that morning. A little. Some. But not much. By bedtime that night I was over my shock at discovering my brother had beat off next to me so I had no difficulty with the prospect of sharing my bed. ”“I’ll be in town later, about mid-afternoon.”“Come see me.”That was it, she was gone. Now, I had to wonder what they’ve come up with. Damn it ... I didn’t set out to get involved in all this - it just came at me and I managed get my hands covered in shit ... and blood too.Way before I got to the Burns house, I couldn’t see the truck I had seen earlier. The closer I got, I realized it was gone. I wasn’t sure if they were here, but I stopped anyway. I was ready for anything, I’m so damn jumpy. 'Unable to find words, I just snarled a moment. 'Look, can we try and be reasonable?'Pausing, she stopped and did the calming ritual. 'I'm sorry, I'm just a bit nervous.''Me too. I've been away but not this far.'We shared a companionable look, before we both looked away embarrassed. I quickly changed the subject. 'Okay, so, we've got everything? Food, bows, some trade goods, bedding and so on?''Uh huh. We're good.'Nodding to myself, I pulled the pack onto my shoulders, stretched my muscles. There was no way I could go there and face the people who know that I lied to my husband, so I called in sick," she said rather softly.I wasn't about to cut her any slack, so I said, "You deserve what's happening. You made the bed you are now sleeping in. By the way, where are you staying," I asked? "I need an emergency telephone number from you." I am renting a dorm room for now," she said. "It's very inexpensive and all that I need. The number here is 555-3108. May I talk to the children?".