#Chapter 131: This Might Not Be A Punishment

“Our options are limited,” Archer concedes, and I wilt a bit, hope deflated. “So you aren’t going to do anything – again,” I say. I don’t care how close Archer is, how intimidating he is, or how much he’s glaring. “You are letting Neil take the brunt of your father’s ire all on his own.” “That’s how it’s always been done, Nanny,” Beau chimes in. “Neil prefers us to stay out of it.” “That’s not going to cut it this time,” I say, stepping around Archer. He doesn’t like that. He snatches my arm. I look up at him. “If you want to help Neil, you have to do something.” Softer, I add, “He could die, Archer…” “Maybe Father will back down this time,” Steven says from near the wall. He’s stopped bouncing Mia, who seems content simply resting in his arms now. “You don’t actually think that,” Beau grumbles. “It could be a first…” Steven says. “And the chances of that happening?” Beau asks. Steven looks grim. “Slim.” “Yeah, thought so,” Beau says. A silence falls over the room. At least e