Chapter 6 Seven, Your Ears Are Very Red
Watching the two scramble into their car, Kathie stood with her hands on her hips, shouting angrily, "Trash like you should be dealt with by dogs. If you dare come back and cause trouble again, I'll let the dogs tear you apart."
Shirley, both furious and in pain, cried bitterly, tears streaming down her face. "Randy, look at how she's bullying us. You have to get revenge for me."
Randy yelled back, "Kathie, don't get too cocky. Hurting people is against the law. I won't let you off."
Kathie was unfazed. "Get lost. If you keep yapping, I'll throw the dogs into your car and see how tough you are then."
Hearing this, the people in the car didn't dare to provoke her further. Both were injured and needed medical attention quickly.
"Kathie, you just wait. This isn't over," Randy retorted.
Kathie sneered, "It sure isn't."
Seeing she about to call the dogs again, Randy floored the gas pedal and sped away.
Jonathan leaned out slightly, surprised to witness such a dramatic scene.
"Is he your husband?" he asked.
Kathie snapped back, "Absolutely not. A guy like him is a waste of space."
She's definitely got some fire in her. The way she stood her ground, it was as if she had a whole battalion at her command.
"You seem to hate him. What about these kids?"
"The kids have nothing to do with him. Hate is too strong a word, but I definitely can't stand him."
Seeing his puzzled look, Kathie coldly reminded him, "We're not close, so don't pry into other people's business. Get well soon and leave. And by the way, I've kept track of all the expenses for taking care of you. You better not skip out on the bill."
Jonathan had firsthand experience of how stingy this woman could be.
The three kids clapped their hands in delight. "Mommy, you're awesome! You beat the bad guys!"
But Kathie wasn't happy. Shirley and Randy showing up meant that her peaceful days with the kids were over. If they found her today, they wouldn't stop coming back.
In the past, she could handle things on her own. Now, with three kids and an injured man with amnesia, she needed a plan to fight back.
"Remember, if any strangers show up, don't open the door," Kathie said.
Kyle patted his chest proudly. "Don't worry, Mommy. We didn't let the cleaning lady in last time."
Kathie was silent, thinking, 'Well, it's better to be cautious.'
Zachary spoke up, "Mommy, if you're in danger, don't face it alone. Kyle and I are going to be heroes. We can protect you."
Eileen, petting their dog Three, said sweetly, "I can help too, Mommy. I'll feed Three lots of food so it can grow big and protect you."
Kathie opened her arms and hugged her three treasures. No matter what difficulties they faced, they always got through them together. This time would be no different.
Jonathan was indeed curious. He had heard that Randy and his wife had been together for years and were very close. So how did Kathie end up pregnant with someone else's kids, and why did she disappear back then?
Who was the father of these children?
He had seen her calm expression earlier, clearly hiding something.
Night fell earlier in the suburbs. Today's incident didn't affect Kathie and her kids much. She put them to bed early.
Under the dark sky, a shadow approached the house but was scared off by the barking dogs, waking Jonathan inside.
Jonathan struggled to sit up in his wheelchair, peeking into the next room to ensure there was no movement before quietly heading out.
The dogs had gotten used to his scent over the past few days, so they didn't bark at him.
Jonathan saw a light flicker under a tree and wheeled himself over.
Ben Cooper emerged, looking guilty. "Sorry, I couldn't get in."
The plan was for him to meet Jonathan inside, but with the dogs around, he would have been a dead man if he tried to sneak in.
Jonathan understood Kathie's precautions. Living alone with kids in the suburbs, she needed to be vigilant.
Dogs were more loyal than people and would never betray her.
"It's a relief you're okay. We all thought you were dead," Ben said, his eyes red.
Jonathan saw his red eyes. "Don't worry, I won't die. How's everything at home?"
"Your grandfather fainted when he heard the news. He's awake now but not doing well. Your father and brothers are taking turns watching over him," Ben replied.
Just as he expected, his grandfather couldn't handle the shock.
"Go back and find a way to tell my grandfather I'm alive. He doesn't need to worry," Jonathan said.
Ben nodded. "Aren't you coming back with me? You're seriously injured. You should get proper medical treatment."
Jonathan shook his head. "I can't go back now. On the day of the accident, my route was changed, and my car was tampered with. Someone wanted me dead. I need to stay away to see what their next move is."
Jonathan knew this was no simple matter. As the young head of the Berkeley Family, he had many enemies.
Whoever benefited most from his disappearance was the culprit.
Ben was worried. "What about your injuries? Should I secretly contact your private doctor?"
Jonathan thought of Kathie's fierce face and chuckled. "The person who saved me is a doctor. If she can get me sitting up, she can get me walking."
It was the first time Ben had seen Jonathan speak so highly of someone. He was about to respond when he saw a light turn on inside the house.
"Seven? Is that you outside?" Kathie asked.
As soon as Kathie spoke, Ben quickly hid behind the tree. Jonathan signaled for him to stay put.
"Seven, what are you doing out here?" Kathie asked again.
Ever since Jonathan learned the origin of his name, it felt awkward. He needed to find a way to change it.
Seeing her come out, he made up an excuse. "I heard the dogs barking and was worried those two might come back, so I came out to check."
Kathie's heart warmed. "I didn't expect you to be cautious. But don't worry, these dogs are trained. If any bad guys come, they'll be nothing but bones."
Ben, not far away, broke into a cold sweat. If he had tried to sneak in, he would have met a terrible fate.
This woman was terrifying. Jonathan better be careful.
"I'll push you back inside. You're injured and shouldn't move around. If you need anything, just call me," she said.
Kathie's soft hands pushed the wheelchair, and the gentle breeze carried her sweet scent, stimulating his senses.
Jonathan felt like he had smelled this scent somewhere before, making his heart race.
Kathie helped him back to his room. The light cast a soft glow on her, making her look even more beautiful, reminding him of that night four years ago, with the woman who had been so soft beneath him.
Even the memory made his body heat up. That night had been perfect.
"Seven, your ears are red. Are you feeling unwell?" Kathie asked.
She thought he might have caught a cold from being outside.
Jonathan smiled. "A man alone with a beautiful woman. This is a normal reaction for any man."