Suzie’s House 533 : Kidnapped or Something

“You’re back!” Ben looked so relived and grateful that Vin wasn’t sure what to do with himself as he lead the rest in through the kitchen door. “I was afraid you got kidnapped or something.”

“I…” Vin suppressed a chuckle. When he thought about it, wasn’t that exactly what had happened? He’d been kidnapped by a serial killer. Sheer luck let him escape. But it wasn’t like he should explain all that to a teenage boy.

“Ben! I’m so proud of you!” Suzie saved Vin from having to come put with an answer with her effusive praise. “You remembered to put the groceries away. Thank you.” She gave him a quick hug and a kiss on the forehead.

“Mom.” He shrugged out from under her arm with an embarrassed scrunching up of the face.

“You did put it away right away, didn’t you?” Drew arched a suspicious eyebrow.

“Yes, we all did,” Tracy answered for Ben. She had a crust of pizza in her hand.

“You already ate?” Now that Vin looked around, it seemed all the kids from the usual gang had eaten pizza. That would actually make his life a little easier since he was pretty sure it was his turn to cook. He glanced at the clock. It was already past supper. If the kids hadn’t fended for themselves they’d be just about starving by now.

“I… um… yeah. I’m sorry if I wasn’t supposed to give everyone….”

“Nonsense. You know I would have fed everyone anyway.” Suzie smiled.

It dawned on Vin that Suzie was being so effusive right now because the situation made her nervous. Last time he and Drew had worked on a big case together, Ben had been kidnapped. It could happen again this time.

Yet he’d been telling them that they didn’t need to worry. They did. The man who got the drop on Vin only a few hours ago was a complete sociopath. He would think nothing about killing all of them right here.

What happened to Ben before could have been prevented if they’d included him in the discussions. Ben would have known enough to watch out.

Vin cleared his throat.

“Everyone, I have a few things to say.” Every eye in the kitchen turned his way. “I am currently working to bring down a serial killer.”

“Ah! This is great! I knew it.” Bruce nudged Emma, who dropped her slice.

“I gave the suspect false information about me, but that might not be enough to keep him at bay. He’s like a bulldog. Once he sinks his teeth into someone, he doesn’t want to let go. He got his teeth in me pretty thoroughly today.” Vin rubbed the tender back of his head where a lump still formed.

“Your point?” Drew crossed his arms across his chest and narrowed his eyes.

“I don’t want to say that none of you kids can come over here anymore, but you’ve got to know that doing so could mean you are taking your life into your hands.” If it was his house, he wouldn’t even dancer around it. He’d just tell them to stay away until he knew for sure that Petrovich wouldn’t be able to attack anyone again.

“Is there a chance this guy could come here?” Drew asked.

“Yes.” Vin struggled with what to say. “As much as in prior cases.” He gave a meaningful look to each of the people who had lived in the house when it happened.

“Then we will have to make it a rule. I’m sorry Ben and Gene. None of your friends can come over until we can be sure… sure that nothing bad will happen. And you two will have to stay off the street as much as you can. If you’re out late then get a ride from one of us and even in the day don’t ever travel alone.”

Vin blinked. When Suzie layed down the law, she could be so firm and decisive.

The kids argued, of course. But Suzie was adamant. Soon, all their guests had gone. Vin routed around in the fridge for what to make tonight. He came up with a family pack of steak.

“Maybe I should move out,” he muttered as he headed for the grill.

“No way. We made it through before because we worked together. There’s no way we will split up like victims in a horror movie now.” Suzie turned her sharp gaze on him.

“Fine, fine. I just thought…. never mind. Hey, does this smell funny to you?” He handed her the family pack.

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