#Chapter 76: Overnight Guest

Ardal “Welcome to Chateau Ardal.” Jack and I are standing together on the front porch as the moon rises in the sky. I swallow nervously as phantom censors of my conscience reprimand me for bringing a man home overnight with my kids present. Their voices of judgment become louder and harsher until I angrily shake them away, sending them flying - their pearls still clutched tight. Jack's face is even more swollen, and the bruising across his face and neck are now beginning to show - more damning evidence of Kadeem's barbarous attack. Part of me feels a twinge of responsibility for what happened, as if I had thrown the punch myself. In an effort to assuage my guilt, I want to do something to help him recover - even if it isn't really my fault. Jack takes my hand and smiles at me. I take a breath, anticipating the flurry of wild excitement and questions from the kids. We open the door and five six year-olds in pajamas are waiting for us. Their frenzied shrieks of glee pierce our ea