Trouble with House guests

Robert shifts on the bed, feeling movement on the other side of the bed.

“Are you ok?” He asks.

“Go back to bed.” Jane says, coming around the bed to give him a kiss. “I’m just getting an early start, so we get back before dark.”

Robert sits up, grabbing Jane and pulling her onto the bed for a hug. “Are you sure you don’t want me to go instead?” He asks. “You aren’t going to be able to do much lifting or carrying.”

“You need to get work done, and I promise, the girls are going to do the heavy lifting.” Jane says. “With this many of them, they should easily be able to move anything we own. Besides, if I stay, Jenna will want to hang out, and I’ll end up losing my shit.”

“I may lose mine.” Robert admits. “It took about fifteen seconds for her to rile me up last night.”

“I’ll be back soon, and she won’t wake up until noon, anyhow.” Jane says. “The sooner you let go, the sooner I’ll get back, and be the one dealing with her.”

Robert squeezes her one more time, before letting go. Swinging his legs out of the bed, he says. “I’ll help you get the girls moving.”

“Alexia should be doing that already.” Jane says.

Grabbing some clothes, Robert steps out in the hallway a bit after Jane, to find some of the girls already assembled.

“Daddy” Mei says with a pout. “I’m so sleepy. Can I stay with you today? I’ll make sure you have a great day.”

“You can stay if you want.” Jane calls, disengaging from her conversation with Alexia. “But first, I need to tan your ass for your stunt in the van the other day.”

“Stunt?” Robert asks.

“She slipped Layne a vibrator while we were driving up here after I dropped you off at the airport.” Jane says. “I had no idea what the fuck was going on when Layne started cumming, I halfway thought the girl was dying in the backseat, and I could easily have wrecked getting the van pulled onto the side of the highway.”

Robert looks at Mei, who shrinks a bit. “Well?” Robert prompts her.

“Yes, Daddy?” Mei asks in a cutesy voice.

“Would you like a red ass, and a day in time out, or would you like to act like an adult, and pull your weight?” He asks. “Because we can do the spanking right here, right now.”

“I’m sorry, Daddy.” Mei says. “I’ll be good.”

“Good.” Robert says, and looking up at the assembled girls, he says. “The next person who thinks they are going to get out of work Jane assigns by getting me to overrule her will get a spanking, while everyone else watches. Jane is your Mistress, and you will obey her. Are we understood?”

A chorus of “Yes, Master.” meets this, and Jane beams at him. “Well, if no one wants a public spanking, let’s get moving.”

“Mei and I will be down in just a moment.” Robert says, pulling her into his bedroom.

“I’m sorry, Daddy.” Mei says softly, clearly worried.

“Why did you do that to Layne?” Robert asks.

“She’s 19. I just thought it was time she had a proper toy.” Mei says.

“Are you the Mistress now? Or is Jane?” Robert asks.

“Jane is…” Mei says quietly.

“If you want to make suggestions, you can.” Robert says. “But you are not in charge. Even beyond the new realities, you asked to be our sub. Good subs don’t go around doing things that would make their Master or Mistress unhappy.”

Mei nods. “I’m sorry.”

Robert looks at her for a moment, and then nods. “Good.”

Sitting down on the bed, he pulls her to him for a kiss, before pulling her over his knee. He pauses for a moment to see if Mei attempts to pull away, and when she doesn’t, he pulls down her pants, revealing her cute ass. Raising his hand, he applies a single strike, just hard enough to cause a pop, and a light handprint.

Mei squeals, and Robert asks. “Are you going to be a good little sub?”

“Yes, Daddy. I’m so sorry.” Mei says.

Robert raises his hand again, and she flinches, but this time he lowers it gently, pulling back up her pants. “We are going to go downstairs now, and you are going to apologize to both Jane and Layne. I don’t think I need to tell you that it needs to be sincere.”

“Yes, Daddy.” Mei says, getting back to her feet, face flushed. “I’m sorry.”

Robert pulls her to him again, but this time into an embrace. “I forgive you. But, you need to learn to control your impulses. Before you leave, I’m going to give you a notebook. When you get one of your naughty ideas, I want you to write it down. We can go over it occasionally, to see all of the punishments you avoided.”

Mei leans into him, and says. “Yes, Daddy. I’m really sorry.”

“I know you are.” Robert says. “But you weren’t until I pulled you in here, which is why I had to do this.”

“I know.” Mei says.

“Let’s go, before Jane comes looking for you.” Robert says.

When they arrive downstairs, Jane looks at him questioningly. Mei approaches, before saying. “Domina, I’m so sorry for my bad behavior lately. I will do my best not to be a problem again.”

“Thank you.” Jane says. “Apology accepted.”

Walking over to Layne, Mei reaches out, grabbing her hands. “Layne, I’m very sorry for what happened in the van the other day. It wasn’t my place to give you the toy, or to put you in a situation where you would draw attention to yourself like that.”

Layne looks a bit surprised and confused, but eventually she says. “Ok.”

Mei steps back, looking at everyone. “Domina is right, I could have caused a wreck. What I did put you all in danger, and I’m very sorry.”

“What did you say to her?” Jane asks, stepping close enough to Robert not to be overheard.

“I popped her once on the ass.” Robert says. “I think it shocked her a bit.”

“I bet it did.” Jane laughs. “Hopefully she tells the other girls, so they stop thinking you won’t discipline them.”

“I’ll do the next few punishments.” Robert says. “I haven’t been doing my part there.”

“No need for that.” Jane says. “Unless something pops up while I’m not around, and it’s not something that the girls can handle.”

“Can I borrow Megan for a minute before you leave?” Robert asks.

Jane nods. “I’ll get the girls loaded, don’t take too long; We really need to get moving.”

“Megan, can I speak to you for a moment?” Robert asks, leading her towards his new office space.

When the last girl has exited the house, Robert says. “Are you ok about last night? That’s not quite how I imagined our first time.”

“Yes, Master.” Megan says, looking down at the floor. “Are you ok with it? I…”

“As long as you are ok, I’m good.” Robert says seriously. “Hug?”

Megan smiles for the first time, looking up at him, and stepping forward into his embrace. “Thank you.”

“We’ll have to have a proper night soon.” Robert says. “Maybe just you and me?”

“Please, Master.” Megan says. “I’d prefer not to have an audience.”

“I’ll make sure to keep that in mind.” Robert says. “You should probably get out there.”

“Yes, Master.” Megan says. Turning to leave, she pauses. “Thank you for checking on me, Master.”

“I will always find time to check on my girls.” Robert says. “Oh, can you give this to Mei for me?”

Digging through his laptop bag, he eventually finds a notebook and pen, handing them to Megan, before opening the front door for her.

*****

“Finally.” Jane says, pulling into the driveway. “That drive is going to get old over the next few days. Ok, ladies. Phase 1 is to pack your personal items. I’m going to go grab more boxes, but while I’m gone, go through every closet, and utilize the boxes we saved from our last move. The closet in the hall near Robert’s office should have at least a dozen boxes. Alexia, you are in charge until I get back.”

“Do you want someone to go with you to get the boxes?” Alexia asks.

“I wouldn’t mind one helper.” Jane admits. “But only if I get a volunteer. This isn’t going to be a fun shopping trip, we are just going to the local hardware store.”

“I can go with you.” Reyna offers.

“Works for me.” Jane says. “Everyone else, head inside. If you get done packing before I get back, start loading the car and Valentina’s van. I would like to be back on the road by lunch time, so no dawdling.”

As the other girls follow Samira inside, Layne asks. “What is dawdling?”

“Layne, no offense, but dawdling is what you do like 90% of the time.” Alexia says. “Stopping to daydream, talk, or do other things instead of the thing you are being told to do. Like we are doing right now.”

“Oh…” Layne says, a slightly hurt expression on her face.

“Ok, so here is the plan. Let’s all go upstairs and pack up our rooms. When you are done, carry your boxes downstairs, and then go to your assigned area to pack. Mei, you are taking the kitchen. Who do you want helping?”

“Lindsey?” Mei asks. “You know where things are in the kitchen more than anyone other than Lucia and me.”

Lindsey huffs. “I guess.”

“Amber, can you take the master bedroom?” Alexia asks. “With two helpers?”

“I can.” Amber says, scanning the group. “I can do it with just Emily.”

“Actually…” Emily says. “I was hoping I could work on Master’s books.”

“Megan then.” Amber says. “And Layne.”

“Works for me.” Alexia says. “Valentina is going to work on the tools in the garage.”

After speaking to Valentina for a few minutes in Spanish, she says. “Taylor and I will be working on Master and Mistress’ offices. Any questions?”

A few minutes later, while Alexia is packing her room, she hears a crash, and a scream. Dropping her box and running to the stairs, she finds a few other girls already flying down the stairs towards the source of the noise.

“Everybody ok?” She asks, stopping at the top of the stairs.

“It’s Lindsey.” Emily says.

Alexia sighs. “Go back to packing.” She tells the girls upstairs, before carefully making her way down.

“What hurts?” She asks when she reaches the stairs, and sees that Lindsey isn’t dead.

“Ankle.” Lindsey says, clutching at it. “And my side.”

“What happened, exactly?” Alexia asks.

“I tripped, and fell while I was carrying my box.” Lindsey says.

“Uh-huh.” Alexia grunts. “Were you running down the stairs?”

“No.” Lindsey says, flushing angrily. “Are you saying I fell on purpose?”

“I’m saying it’s awfully coincidental that you’d fall before you can get any work done.” Alexia says. “But after you packed your own items.”

“You are a such a bitch.” Lindsey yells. “I’m over here in pain, and all you can do is accuse me of injuring myself.”

“We’ll see what the Mistress has to say about it.” Alexia says. “If you aren’t going to help, then at least move yourself out of the way, and stay quiet.”

“Can someone bring me some ice for my ankle?” Lindsey asks.

“The freezer is right over there.” Alexia says. “Everyone else is going to have to work harder to make up for you doing nothing. I’m not losing a second girl too. Everybody else, get back to packing.”

Heading back upstairs, she finds Mei finishing up her last box. “Lindsey is out of commission.” Alexia says. “Do you want another helper? Or would you rather just do it yourself?”

“I’ve got two.” Amber says, poking her head into the room. “You can have Megan or Layne.”

“Layne might be good at packing dishes and little detailed stuff like that.” Alexia suggests.

“I can work with Layne.” Mei says.

“Focus on packing.” Alexia says. “Mistress actually will tan your ass if you have another Layne incident.”

“I’m going to be good today.” Mei says. “I promised my Daddy.”

When Jane struggles through the door with a load of boxes, she finds Lindsey sitting on the couch watching TV. “Why the hell aren’t you packing?”

“I fell going down the stairs.” Lindsey says. “I think I broke my ankle. Alexia wouldn’t even let anyone help me, I had to drag myself to the fridge to get ice, and then over here.”

“Let’s take a look.” Jane says, letting the boxes fall, and coming over to the couch. “Lose the sock.”

Lindsey grunts and cries a bit, but gets the sock off. Jane grabs it, feeling around while Lindsey winces and yelps.

“Doesn’t feel broken to me.” Jane says. “Maybe a minor sprain. How did you fall down the stairs?”

“I tripped while I was carrying down my boxes.” Lindsey says defensively.

“I see.” Jane says.

“What?!” Lindsey says, voice raised.

Jane ignores her, going up the stairs to find Alexia.

“I see we are taking injuries already.” Jane says.

“I think she’s faking.” Alexia says. “If she is hurt, I’m sure she did it on purpose.”

“It’s a little swollen.” Jane says. “Just enough to justify not doing much work. I’m sure it was on purpose too. But we can’t prove it, and you may have noticed Robert was a bit on edge this morning. Let’s just park her for today, and let Samira take a look at it tonight.”

“Yes, Mistress.” Alexia says, frustration obvious.

“I’m as frustrated with her as you are.” Jane says. “Probably more so. But Robert won’t be happy if her ankle is actually fucked up, and we could make it worse by trying to **** her to be productive.”

“I know.” Alexia says. “And he was a bit on edge this morning.”

“Which is mostly because of her.” Jane says. “Although it’s partially my fault. Having Jenna in the house isn’t helping. The last two times she stayed with us were a disaster.”

*****

“Good morning.” Robert hears from behind him. Turning in his chair, he sees Lucia entering his new office.

“Good morning.” Robert grins, rotating his chair to face Lucia. “How are you feeling today?”

“A little better.” Lucia says, taking a seat on his lap, and snuggling into him. “You should have woken me up. Did you already have breakfast?”

“Hours ago.” Robert says. “I woke up with Jane, and she left early.”

“I heard them.” Lucia says. “But I was so tired.”

“You need your rest.” Robert says. “That’s why you are staying back, after all. Do you want me to make you something for breakfast?”

Lucia shakes her head. “I’m just going to grab some crackers, and have an early lunch. Do you mind if I hang out in here until it’s time to start cooking?”

“I’d love to spend the time with you.” Robert says. “Do you know if Samira, Jia, and Isabel are up yet?”

“I didn’t hear anything.” Lucia says. “Do you want me to go check?”

“I could use a break anyhow.” Robert says. “Let’s go up together.”

When they reach the top of the stairs, Robert listens, but hears nothing except a dull grinding noise.

“No one is working on the house today, right?” Robert asks.

“I have no idea.” Lucia says. “It’s Saturday, so I wouldn’t think so.”

“Do you know which rooms they are in?” Robert asks.

“I think both rooms were on the right side.” Lucia says. “I think Jane wanted maximum distance between the surprise last night, and anyone who wasn’t part of it.”

“The noise is coming from over here, though.” Robert says, waving at the left side of the hallway. Taking a few steps down the hall, he listens, before continuing a bit further.

Putting his ear to the door for a moment to listen, he whispers. “This one. Step back.”

Taking a step back, he reaches for the door handle, yanking it open. A startled child jumps away from the wall, hiding his hands behind his back.

“Riker, what are you doing?” Robert asks.

“Nothin.” Riker mumbles.

Taking a few paces into the door, Robert looks at the damaged wall. “It doesn’t look like nothing. Show me what you’ve got.”

“I don’t got nothin.” Riker says.

“Let’s see your hands.” Robert says, taking another step towards the boy, who is nearly entering his teens.

Riker pauses, before bringing them around to show Robert. As he does, something hits the floor behind him.

“What could that have been?” Robert asks in false amazement. Stepping around Riker, he picks up the hand-drill from the floor. “Interesting how this managed to teleport up to the same room you are in, all the way from the workshop, where you’ve been spending time. Isn’t it, Riker?”

Riker shrugs, taking a step towards the door. “Don’t know.”

“Let’s go see what your mother has to say about it.” Robert says.

Stepping out of the room, he says. “Lucia, can you check on the other girls? I’ll meet you back in my office in a few minutes.”

When he arrives at Jenna’s room, dragging a **** Riker behind him, Robert is thoroughly aggravated. “Can’t you just walk like a normal person?” He asks, before knocking on the door. After waiting a moment, he knocks again, more loudly.

“What?!” Jenna yells when she finally comes to the door. “I was sleeping, asshole.”

“When you should have been watching your child.” Robert says. “Who I found on our floor, attempting to drill a hole through the wall into the shower. Presumably so he could watch my girls shower.”

“So?” Jenna says.

“What do you mean, so?” Robert asks, the anger he’s felt finally beginning to reach the surface.

“He’s a boy, they do these things.” Jenna says. “Who cares if he peeps at some slaves?”

“Keep your little bastard off my floor, and away from my girls.” Robert says angrily, shoving him towards his mother. “If I catch him trying to peep again, destroying the house, or otherwise causing a problem, you are both out on your ass.”

“You can’t just throw out family.” Jenna says.

“Your mother did.” Robert says. “Why the hell can’t you find a boyfriend, or a husband?”

Jenna recoils, face flushing red.

“Oh…” Robert says, a grin coming over his features. “I think I finally get it. You hate the concubines because every guy who used to be willing to put up with your shit no longer has to. Why deal with your constant drama, bad attitude, inability to cook, clean, or hold down a job, when you can go buy a decent woman for a few hundred dollars?”

“Shut the fuck up you asshole!!!” Jenna screams, taking half a step towards him.

Robert doesn’t move; the smile still fixed on his face. “You really don’t have anything going for you anymore, do you?”

Jenna stares, chest heaving with anger. “I fucking hate you.”

“Aww… I hate you too.” Robert says. “I’ll give you a hint, since you are too stupid to figure it out for yourself. What color is your card?”

“Why?” Jenna asks suspiciously.

“You want to be gone, right?” Robert asks. “And we definitely want you gone. So, what color card do you have?”

“Green.” Jenna says, suspicion obvious in her voice.

“Jane and I are green cards too.” Robert says. “If both a husband and wife have a green card, the husband gets to use the wife’s green card for a second claim.”

Jenna just stares at him dumbly.

Robert shakes his head in frustration. “Jesus, I’ll explain it to you then. Go onto a dating site, and put that you are a green card woman looking for a green card man willing to take care of you. Hell, there are probably sites just for that by now. That’s probably the only chance of you leaving here before we toss you out on your ass. No one is dating you for your looks or personality, and you aren’t young anymore, but there are guys out there who will marry you for access to your green card.”

Jenna just stares at him still, and after a moment, Robert shakes his head in frustration again. “Fuck it. Just keep an eye on your kid, and don’t let him get into any more trouble.”

When Robert reaches his office a few minutes later, he finds Isabel sitting on the couch with Lucia, both of them snacking on crackers.

“So how did that go?” Lucia asks. “I saw his handiwork on the wall.”

“She’s the stupidest person I’ve ever met.” Robert says. “Except maybe him. Hopefully she keeps an eye on him. If you see him on our floor again, let me know, and I’ll toss them both out.”

Isabel watches the exchange closely, munching on her crackers.

“Sorry, Isabel.” Robert says, smiling at her. “No more adult talk. How did you sleep in your new room?”

Isabel pauses before answering. “Ok.” She says, looking down at her crackers.

“What’s wrong, Isabel?” Robert asks.

“Can my next room be pink?” Isabel asks. “With a real bed? And I miss my stuffies.”

“I think we can arrange that.” Robert says. “What kind of stuffies?”

“I had a dog, and a cow, and a hippo, and a dragon.” Isabel says. “And a unicorn..”

“Why don’t we see if we can pick some out online?” Robert suggests, grabbing his laptop, and moving to sit between them. “You can show me which ones you like?”

*****

“It was so adorable.” Lucia giggles. “I think she could have asked for a real hippo, and he would have tried to find one.”

Jane smiles. “Robert has always been good with kids, and wanted his own.”

“Did you tell her what her precious nephew did?” Robert asks, walking past carrying some boxes.

“What did he do now?” Jane asks. “I didn’t see anything on fire…”

“We caught him drilling a hole into a wall. The other side of the wall is the shower.” Robert says. “The little shit was going to spy on our girls showering.”

Jane’s face flushes red with anger. “That is… I’ll be right back.”

As Jane marches towards the stairs, Robert says. “Wait a minute, I’ll go with you.”

Jane waves her hands, not stopping. “I’ve got this.”

“Can you ask Reyna to listen in from the stairs?” Robert asks. “Tell her not to get involved unless it gets physical. And maybe take Isabel for a walk or something? This could be loud.”

Robert puts the boxes down in his office, waiting for the inevitable yelling to commence. When it does, he moves towards the stairs, to find Reyna already there, waiting at the second floor landing.

“Does this happen often when she is around?” Reyna asks.

“Not when she was younger. She moved in with us when she was Eighteen, and back then, she would just hide in her room.” Robert says. “The second time she moved in though, it took everything both of us had to keep from tossing her straight into the street. Jane finally ended up packing her things for her, and taking them to her mother’s house, and then texting her to let her know that she no longer lived at our house.”

“… ruined your fucking child.” Robert hears Jane screech. “He was such a good kid, and you’ve absolutely ruined him, you stupid bitch.”

“That’ll probably kick it off.” Robert says. “I’ll deal with it.”

Walking rapidly to the end of the hall, Robert cuts in before the two can rip each other’s hair out. “Ok, I think that’s enough.” Robert says, grabbing Jane and gently redirecting her behind him. “Jenna is going to work on finding somewhere new to stay as quickly as possible. Until then, we are going to do our best to ignore each other.”

Ignoring Jenna’s screeching, Robert guides a still resisting Jane back to the stairs. “There is nothing either of us can say that is going to suddenly make her not a shithead, honey.” Robert says softly. “Just stop.”

Jane struggles a bit, but by the time they reach the stairs, she’s stopped trying to get back to Jenna’s door. “Reyna, help Jane downstairs please.” Robert says. “I’ll be down in a moment.”

Turning back towards Jenna’s room, he sees she’s still out in the hall fuming. Taking a few steps towards her, he says. “Both of you can stay on this floor until you are ready to leave. I’ll bring some food up in a bit. I don’t want either of you to talk to Jane or any of my girls.”

“You can’t just keep us here like we are slaves or criminals.” Jenna says angrily.

“You are welcome to pack your things and leave whenever you want.” Robert says. “I’ll even help you carry them to the gate.”

“That’s not what I meant!” Jenna yells.

“Too bad.” Robert says, turning away. “This is the area we are offering for you to stay in. The construction crews are moving onto this floor in a few days, make sure you find somewhere else to stay by then.”

Ignoring Jenna’s angry response, Robert heads for the stairs, finding Jane and most of the other girls waiting at the bottom.

“I’m sorry.” Jane says, wiping a tear from her eye. “She just makes me so angry.”

“Me too.” Robert says, giving her a hug. “We need her out of our lives, the sooner the better. I gave her a suggestion earlier, let’s see if she actually takes the initiative for once in her life, instead of just letting things happen. For now though, we should finish unloading, and then get some dinner.”

“Speaking of which.” Alexia says. “Mistress, are we still doing pizza like you promised?”

“Yes, we are still doing pizza.” Jane grumbles. “Order 5 from each of the two places, and I’ll go pick them up. Then we can see which one we want to do in the future.”

“I can go get them, honey.” Robert offers. “You’ve been driving all day.”

“I’ll do it.” Jane says. “I honestly would rather not be in the same house as her for a while.”

“Then take a girl or two to help carry the food.” Robert says.

“Fine.” Jane says, turning towards the girls. “Volunteers?”

“Isabel and I can go.” Lucia says. “I’ve been here doing nothing all day.”

“I have something else for you to do.” Jane says. “Robert, you figure out the volunteers. I’ll be back in a minute.”

Grabbing a box from the stack in the foyer, Jane motions for Lucia to follow her upstairs.

“Ok…” Robert says. “Not sure what that is about. Who else wants to go?”

“Me!” Mei says.

“Have you been good today?” Robert asks.

“I’ve been the best girl, Daddy.” Mei says with a coy smile. “I didn’t cause any trouble at all.”

Looking at Alexia, who nods to confirm this, Robert says. “Fine, you can go.”

“Master, can you help us get Lindsey inside?” Alexia asks.

“What happened to Lindsey?” Robert asks, finally realizing that he hasn’t seen her yet.

“She ‘fell’ down the stairs.” Alexia says.

“’Fell’?” Robert asks. “You all didn’t push her, did you?”

“No, she did it to herself.” Alexia says. “At least, we think she did. Her ankle is a little swollen, but she’s pretending it’s broken, and that she can’t walk on it, or help do any work.”

“When did it happen?” Robert asks.

“The moment she finished packing her stuff.” Alexia says. “It’s too convenient.”

“That does sound like Lindsey.” Robert says. “Well, let’s see if we can get her inside.”

Walking out to the van, Robert sees Lindsey sitting on the seat by the side door, arms across her chest. “It’s about time.” Lindsey huffs. “I thought you all were just going to leave me out here all night.”

“That does sound tempting.” Robert says. “But we are going to get you inside now. If I support you on the side with the bad ankle, can you hobble in?”

“I don’t think so.” Lindsey says, grimacing. “I think it’s broken. You’ll have to carry me.”

Looking back at Alexia, Robert says. “Can you grab two other girls to help? I think all of you will be upset if I throw out my back trying to carry her by myself.”

Lindsey fumes quietly until Alexia returns with Megan and Reyna. “Ok, same as we did with Jia before. One person on her head, one on the feet, and two on the sides.” Robert says.

“Don’t you dare drop me.” Lindsey says.

“Don’t tempt us.” Alexia says.

*****

“Before we eat, we have an announcement.” Jane says, standing up. “Lucia?”

Lucia stands up too, stepping over to stand beside Jane. Pausing for a moment to collect herself, she says. “I’m pregnant.”

Robert bolts upright, knocking over his chair in his haste to get to his feet. Everyone stares as he comes around the table quickly, wrapping Lucia up in his arms.

“Well, someone is excited at the news.” Jane says, grinning.

“Are we sure?” Robert asks. “We should make an appointment somewhere, to be sure.”

“I brought back my box of tests.” Jane says. “Lucia took four different brands, including the testing strips that most doctors’ offices use. You’ve knocked her up.”

Robert steps back, arms still attached to Lucia, looking her up and down.

“She’s not showing yet.” Jane says. “That takes a few months.”

“I know.” Robert says, voice wistful. “I’m going to be a father…”

“You already are.” Jane says. “Isabel is going to have a brother or sister.”

“I’m so happy.” Robert says, wiping the tears of joy coming from him in volume. “Thank you, Lucia.”

“I am too.” Lucia says. “And that means I should stop getting sick soon. I hope.”

“It stopped for me after the third month.” Amber says.

Lucia’s expression drops a bit. “Two more months… Jane, we are going to need more of those pills.”

“I brought my stash from the old house, and once the move is done, we’ll work on getting the doctor situation figured out.” Jane promises. “Ok, let’s eat.”

Isabel tugs on the sleeve of Amber’s ta-teera. “Do I still get my own room?” She whispers.

“You are still getting your room.” Robert says with a smile. Looking over at Jane, he asks. “So, what’s the plan for tomorrow?”

“We are going to take the van and stop to get a moving truck on the way down.” Jane says. “I want to take the back seats out of the van, and only take 4 girls this time. It’ll be a long day, and we’ll be exhausted by the time we get home, but having all hands should make unloading on this end easy.”

“Who are you taking, Mistress?” Alexia asks.

“Normally I’d ask for volunteers, but I need girls who can lift heavy furniture.” Jane says. “Megan, Emily, Reyna, and one more…” Jane says, looking around the room. “Valentina is probably the next strongest girl, but she could also be useful working on the house here. I could take you, Alexia, if you think you are up to it.”

“I can do it.” Alexia says.

“The rest of you can start organizing the boxes we brought over today.” Jane says. Looking at Robert, she continues. “Tom called earlier to ask if he could borrow Taylor for vet duties, so she’ll be busy doing that. And Layne is going to start working on more collars, apparently orders are flooding in on the site.”

“How many orders?” Robert asks.

“Hundreds.” Jane says. “We are probably going to have to have a few other girls help as much as they can, but I’ll work that out next week. If you have time tomorrow, maybe you can look into how we can get more supplies for her.”

“Where do you normally get your leather?” Robert asks.

“One of my neighbors made it.” Layne says. “His cousin was the butcher.”

“And they are both detained?” Robert guesses.

Layne shrugs. “Probably.”

“Tom may have some ideas, if not, just order something online.” Jane says. “I don’t expect this level of demand to hold forever, and I’d like to capitalize on it as much as possible, to help pay for the renovations.”

“Mistress, I probably should start mapping out space for a greenhouse soon.” Emily says. “I know it’s still winter, but spring is coming soon.”

“When moving is done, that can be your priority.” Jane says. “In fact, Lucia, Alexia, and Amber, why don’t you meet with your girls tonight, and get a list of priorities from them. We can go over them in a few days, and figure out where we can, and can’t, spend right now.”

Jia looks around, having been quiet this entire time. “Who do I report to? And who reports to who?”

“Mei, Lindsey, and Samira report to Lucia right now.” Jane says. “Taylor, Emily, and Valentina report to Alexia. And Reyna, Megan, Layne report to Amber. As for you… For now, your job is just to recover. Anyone who is sick or injured reports to Samira by default.”

“I’d really like to be doing something.” Jia insists. “I’m going crazy sitting in a bed all day.”

“Ok.” Jane says, looking her over. “What did you have in mind?”

“I’m not sure.” Jia admits. “I don’t really know what isn’t already being done.”

“What did you do in the army?” Jane asks. “You were an officer, right?”

“I was an infantry captain.” Jia says, straightening up a bit. “I don’t think those skills are really useful right now.”

“Maybe you can start thinking about home security?” Robert suggests. “We have a gun safe we need to find a spot for as well, and Reyna was supposed to help teach the girls to shoot. I’m sure you can help with that.”

Jia’s face brightens. “I can do that. Are we going to build an armory in the basement?”

“I hadn’t planned to.” Robert says. “We don’t have that kind of firepower. Just four handguns, Reyna’s old hunting rifles, and a few other rifles I picked up over the years.”

“You two can talk about that tomorrow.” Jane says. Looking over at Robert, she continues in a teasing voice. “I hear a certain someone got talked into buying a metric crap-ton of stuffed animals earlier.”

*****

“Robert?” He hears, turning in his chair to see Taylor standing in the doorway.

“Hey, Taylor.” Robert says. “What’s up?”

“My dad is starting to move stuff today.” Taylor explains. “Is it ok if he stops by to say hi?”

“Of course he can.” Robert says. “Are they in town already? Mei can probably stretch lunch to fit four more.”

“They just got off the highway.” Taylor says. “Are you sure you don’t mind?”

“Some company might be nice.” Robert says. “I’m sure Amber would like to show off Isabel a bit, anyhow.”

“Thank you!” Taylor says, stepping inside and throwing her arms around him. “They won’t stay long; I have to go do a few house calls this afternoon.”

“Do I need to drive you anywhere?” Robert asks.

“I was going to see if I could take the car. Or Valentina’s van, if you’d rather I take that.” Taylor says. “I was going to take Amber along, but if you’d rather go…”

“I’d love to go, as long as everything is calm here.” Robert says. “I spent a few years on a horse farm as a kid. My first paying job, when I was twelve, was taking care of horses for rich people.”

“I had no idea.” Taylor says, looking at Robert with a tiny smile. “I’ll admit, I’m struggling to imagine you mucking out a stall.”

“It’s been a very long time.” Robert says with a laugh. “Do you mind letting Mei know about the company? That will give her as much time as possible to bulk things out a bit.”

“I will.” Taylor says, grinning suddenly. “My dad is coming!”

As she dances out the door, Robert can’t help but smile. When Lucia finds him a few minutes later, he’s struggling to get back to work. “How are you feeling today?” He asks.

“Jane’s pills are helping.” Lucia says. “They aren’t magic or anything, but they take the edge off.”

“Good.” Robert says. As she plops onto the overstuffed leather couch next to his desk, he stands up, moving to sit next to her. “And how is the little one?”

“The ‘little one’ is like this big.” Lucia says, holding up her hand, fingers nearly touching. “I’m guessing he or she is fine, though.”

“Good.” Robert says, laying a hand on her stomach. “Have you thought of names?”

“I always thought I would name my kids after my family.” Lucia says. “But I’m not sure that’s safe. Maybe you can come up with a few options? If it’s a boy, would you want to do Jr? Or name him after your dad?”

“No.” Robert says, looking away. “Definitely not. We can come up with something together. A new name, for a new future.”

“I’m sorry.” Lucia says, reaching over to grab his hand. “You never talk about your family.”

“I’d really rather not.” Robert says, standing up.

“Ok.” Lucia says. “I’m sorry.”

“It’s ok.” Robert says. “Did Taylor tell you that her dad is coming over with his girls for lunch?”

“No!” Lucia says, standing up. “I’ll go make sure the girls are presentable.”

“I should let Amber know.” Robert says. “Anyone who wants to can join us for lunch. Except Jenna and Riker, of course.”

Robert watches Lucia go up the stairs, mentally memorizing the sway of her cute little ass, before turning to go down the hall. Passing the science classroom where Lindsey is teaching Isabel, he continues to the library, where Amber is supposedly reading.

“How are the lessons going?” Robert asks.

Amber jumps, pulling her head away from the wall.

“I’m sorry, Master.” Amber says guiltily. “I’m just nervous about having her around Lindsey, the way she’s been acting lately. Are you sure I can’t be in there with them?”

“Parents don’t usually go to school with their kids.” Robert says with a laugh. “In all seriousness, has there been anything concerning so far?”

“I can’t really hear.” Amber says sulkily. “Jane wasn’t kidding about this wall being insulated. I can hear Lindsey’s voice, but I can’t make out words.”

“I’m sure it’s going fine.” Robert says. “You can ask Isabel at lunch. Roger and his girls are coming. They should be here in a few minutes.”

Amber bolts upright. “Master, may I go freshen up? And make sure the girls are presentable? I don’t want to look bad in front of Abda.”

“You may.” Robert says, smiling at her as she practically runs out of the room. “When you come back down, let Lindsey know about lunch. It’s optional for her, but I’m assuming you want to show Isabel off a bit.”

“Yes, please!” Amber says as she passes.

Stepping out of the room, Robert listens at the door of the classroom for a moment, but can’t hear anything. Pausing, he contemplates opening the door to check on Isabel, but decides to wait until lunch.

Back in his office, Robert is just logging back into work when he hears a car stop in the driveway. Looking out, he sees a new SUV parked.

“Taylor, your dad is here!” He yells, locking his computer again. As he is about to open the front door, Taylor nearly collides with him, yanking it open and skipping down the steps.

“Daddy!” Taylor says excitedly. “I missed you so much!”

“I missed you, too.” Roger says, folding her into a hug. “You just saw me last week, though. To what do I owe this outpouring of paternal affection?”

“We’ve just had a lot going on.” Taylor says. “It’s been an eventful week, and some of the things have made me really appreciate what a great dad I have.”

“Well…” Roger says, looking up and seeing Robert on the stairs. “Is he taking care of you? Or should I have brought my gun?”

“Of course he is.” Taylor says. “Robert is great. I didn’t mean it like that. You’ll see what I mean when you get inside.”

“Do I look ok, Master?” Amber asks, coming up beside, but slightly behind Robert.

Looking back at her, he is surprised to see her in a new ta-teera, made of a sleek dark black material. “You are stunning.” He says truthfully, unable to take his eyes off of her.

“Thank you, Master.” Amber says quietly.

“How was the trip?” Robert asks, extending his hand out to Roger as he approaches.

“I didn’t think it was that bad, but Hurry didn’t enjoy it.” Roger says. “It turns out she gets carsick.”

“I’m so sorry, Master.” Huraiva says as she approaches, looking a bit green. “Mistress Amber, may I use your restroom?”

“Come with me.” Amber says, leading the way inside.

“So how long until you all are going to be moved in?” Robert asks.

“I’ve got movers coming for the furniture next weekend.” Roger says. “That’s part of the reason I wanted to stop by. I need to figure out what to do with the furniture that’s already there. I know one of your girls grew up there, and I thought you might want to take some of it for her.”

“She’s with Jane today, moving our stuff.” Robert says.

“If she still has her keys, just let yourselves in.” Roger says. “We are bringing everything from my house, so just about everything has to go. We’ll put our boxes all together, just stay out of those.”

“I think Jane still has her keys.” Robert says. “I appreciate you thinking about her.”

“No reason to just throw it away if she wants it, and you can find a place for it.” Roger says.

Seeing Basimah shiver, Robert says. “I’m sorry, I’ve forgotten my manners. Come inside, lunch should be ready soon.”

As they come up the stairs, Robert says. “You’ll have to excuse the mess; we’ve got renovations going on for three of the four floors of this place.”

A scream cuts off Roger, and Robert freezes, before running inside.

“Stay away from my son, you bitch!” Robert hears Jenna say, and following the noise, he bursts into the classroom, finding Amber and Jenna tangled up on the ground, hands full of each other’s hair.

“STOP!” Robert bellows, reaching down to grab the two.

As he does, he feels a sharp pain in his back.

Robert groans, reaching back to fend off whatever is hurting him with one hand, but still trying to pull Jenna off of Amber.

“What the fuck?” He hears, before the pain in his back ceases, and more hands grab Amber and Jenna, helping him finally get them separated. Standing up, Robert sways a bit on his feet, before someone grabs him.

“You are bleeding.” Taylor says, trying to help support him, while keeping a hand out towards Jenna, who is being held back by Abda.

“I’m fine.” Robert says, shaking his head to try to clear it. Looking around, he sees Roger has hold of Riker, and a small utility knife lies on the floor near them.

“Holy shit.” Lucia says, running into the room. “Robert! You are bleeding.”

“Taylor told me.” Robert says, feeling a bit more unsteady, more from the adrenaline dump than blood loss. Looking over at Amber, he finds her with her arms around Isabel, who is crying uncontrollably. “Amber, are you two ok?”

After a moment, she looks up at him. “I’m ok, Master.”

“Your ta-teera isn’t.” Basimah says, pointing to a gash in it.

Looking at Lindsey, who is still sitting at the front of the classroom, he asks. “What the hell happened here?”

“The kids got into an argument.” Lindsey says. “I had it under control before Amber came in.”

“He was pointing a knife at my daughter.” Amber says, voice shaking with anger. “And then he tried to stab me with it.”

“I think he did stab you.” Basimah says, pointing at a small trail of blood coming from the damaged section of ta-teera.

“What the hell is wrong with you, boy?” Roger says, shaking him a bit, and still not letting him back on the ground.

“You leave my son alone!” Jenna yells at Roger.

“This one is yours?” Roger asks. “What the hell kind of mother are you?”

Robert raises his hands. “Everyone stop talking.”

After taking a moment, he sinks into one of the desks, before saying. “Lucia, please go get Valentina. And someone get Samira too. And Layne. Hell, I want everyone in the house outside, in case I need them.”

“Do you want me to call the cops?” Roger asks. “Who the hell are these people?”

“This is Jane’s sister Jenna.” Robert says. “And her kid, Riker.”

“You named your kid after a prison?” Roger asks incredulously.

Jenna flushes with anger, but Robert holds up his hand again. “Roger, Abda, thank you for your help. I apologize; this isn’t the way we normally greet guests.”

When Lucia returns a few minutes later with Valentina, Layne, Samira, and Jia, she says. “Do you want me to get Mei from the kitchen?”

“No, just stay here.” Robert says. “Please tell Valentina that I want a lock on the workshop door, right now. If she can’t find enough things to rig it up, let me know, and I’ll have someone make a trip to the hardware store. I may need additional doors locked from the outside, please ask her to look for something to do that with.”

Not waiting for Lucia to start, he looks up at Samira. “Can you take a look at Amber? She has a cut on her stomach.”

“You have a few too.” Samira says, motioning at the blood running down his back. “I should look at you first, you are losing more blood than she is.”

“Amber first.” Robert says in a firm tone. “And check Isabel. Take them into the library, or dining room.”

Samira shoos them ahead of her, and when they exit, Robert turns back to Jenna. “I want you both gone, today. Or I can call the sheriff, and we can let him handle this.”

“Riker is a child.” Jenna says. “They aren’t taking a child to jail.”

“Our Sheriff is close friends with Layne’s family.” Robert motions to her. “I’ve got his cell phone number, I’m VERY happy to make the call, and let him sort this out.”

Jenna opens her mouth to protest, and Robert turns to Layne. “Layne, sweetie, can you call Rick and tell him I really need him to stop by right now?”

“Wait!” Jenna says. “I can be gone tomorrow.”

“Today.” Robert growls. “You are lucky I’m not throwing your asses out the front door right now.”

“Fine.” Jenna says. “I need to make some calls.”

“You can do it from your room.” Robert says. “After we make sure your little criminal doesn’t have any other weapons in there.”

“I can take a look.” Jia offers, hand holding her ribs.

“Thank you, Jia.” Robert says. Turning back to Jenna, he continues. “Your room can be searched, and you can be locked in until you are ready to leave. Or you can get your things, and start walking. I don’t care which.”

When Jenna opens her mouth again, Robert cuts her off. “I just want to hear a choice. No more complaining. If I called Jane, she’d tell me to call the Sheriff, and let him deal with your precious baby.”

“We’ll go up to the room.” Jenna says, clearly wanting to say more.

“Jia, please let me know when you are sure the room is safe. Then we can escort them up.” Robert says.

A few minutes later, Lucia comes back in, Valentina in tow with a toolbox. “The workshop is secured.” Lucia says.

“Can someone get that thing?” Robert asks, pointing to the knife on the ground. “And put it somewhere he can’t get it again.”

“That’s my knife!” Riker yells, trying to squirm out of Roger’s grasp.

Roger squeezes, taking the breath, and fight, out of the boy. “That’s enough out of you.”

Taylor goes over to grab the knife, looking around for a moment, before stepping out of the room to find somewhere to put it.

“Lucia, can you take Valentina upstairs, and show her the room where Jenna and Riker have been staying?” Robert asks. “I want a lock on the outside of the door.”

Lucia nods, before leading Valentina away.

Looking back at Jenna, Robert says. “You’ve got until dark, if you haven’t found somewhere by then, you’ll have to go.”

“Where?” Jenna asks. “You can’t just throw us out into the cold.”

“There’s a hotel in town, right?” Robert asks Layne.

Layne nods.

“We’ll drop you off at the hotel if you aren’t gone by then.” Robert says. “But you aren’t staying any longer than that.”

“The room is clear now.” Jia says. “I found a few things…”

“I’ll look at them later.” Robert says. Turning to look at Jenna, he says. “I want you both upstairs, now.”

“What about food?” Jenna asks.

“I’ll have someone bring up some snacks.” Robert says.

“I’ll go get something.” Lucia says.

“Can I help?” Basimah asks, and Lucia nods, leading her down to the kitchen.

When the lock goes into place on the bedroom, Robert sags against the wall.

“You probably don’t want to do that.” Jia says quietly. “You are getting blood on the wall.”

He straightens up, before looking at Roger and Abda. “I’m very sorry you two had to get involved. But I confess, I’m glad you were here to help.”

“What the hell is wrong with that boy?” Roger asks.

“His parents are terrible human beings, who have raised him to be a terrible human being.” Robert says. “It’s a generational cycle. Jane managed to break it, but Jenna didn’t.”

“We should get you downstairs, and let your nurse look you over.” Roger says. “I think you are going to need stitches.”

*****

When Jane pulls into the driveway, she sees several of the girls outside, apparently waiting for her.

Pulling as far into the driveway as possible to leave room for the moving van, she tosses it into park, looking over at Alexia. “Let the girls grab a snack, use the bathroom, etc., and then let’s start getting things inside.”

“Yes, Mistress.” Alexia says.

“For now, just try to get everything inside.” Jane says. “We can shuffle things around once the vans are empty.”

When Jane gets out, she realizes that some of the girls who are waiting aren’t hers.

“Hello, girls.” Jane says warmly. “Is Roger here?”

“He and Taylor went out on a few calls, Mistress.” Abda says.

“Jane, there was an incident while you were gone.” Lucia says. “You should come inside, and see Robert. He and Amber had to get a few stitches.”

“What happened?!?” Jane asks, voice full of alarm as she takes the stairs two at a time in her rush to get inside.

“He’s in the library.” Lucia says, and follows Jane as she rushes down the hall. “There was a fight between Jenna and Amber, and when Robert tried to break it up, Riker stabbed him.”

When Jane makes it into the library, she finds Robert hunched forward in a chair, looking at his work laptop.

“Where is it?” Jane asks. “How bad? Why didn’t you call me?”

“One question at a time, please.” Robert says. “I’ve got a few cuts on my back, and Amber has one on her stomach. I think she got two stitches, and I got two dozen. And there was nothing you could do, and I didn’t want you to have an accident trying to rush back.”

“Where are they now?” Jane asks. “That child needs a good thrashing, and I know just the woman to do it.”

“No.” Robert says, reaching out to grab her. “They are leaving, and you are going to let them go. And they are never, ever coming back here again.”

“They are still here?!?” Jane asks incredulously. “We need to call Rick, and have his ass hauled off, at the least.”

“He’s twelve.” Robert says. “I threatened Jenna with that to get her to agree to leave, but I kind of doubt Rick is equipped to hold a twelve year old in jail for very long.”

“What exactly happened?” Jane asks. “I want the full story.”

“Lucia, can you go get Amber?” Robert asks. “And Samira.”

“What about Isabel?” Lucia asks. “And Lindsey.”

“You can bring Isabel.” Robert says. “But leave Lindsey in her new room.”

“New room?” Jane asks curiously.

“Jenna and Riker are locked in their suite.” Robert says. “Jia searched the room first, and found a few things Riker had been lifting from the workshop. Lindsey is across the hall, locked in too. The girls are checking on her occasionally.”

“Wait, did Lindsey attack you guys too?” Jane asks, anger flaring up again. “That cunt. I knew I should have taken her to the auction yesterday.”

“She just sat there during the whole thing, and didn’t even attempt to help.” Robert says. “And from what I can tell, the whole thing started when she went upstairs to invite Riker to be part of the lesson.”

Before Jane can ask more, Lucia comes back with Amber, Samira, and Isabel.

“Are you two ok?” Jane asks, concern obvious as she goes over to embrace Amber, and then get down on one knee to look over Isabel.

“We’ll be ok.” Amber says quietly. “I’m sorry. I couldn’t let him hurt my daughter.”

“No one is mad at you.” Jane assures her, eyes staying on Isabel. “Are you ok, Isabel?”

Isabel nods, looking down at her feet.

“Isabel, would you like to watch a cartoon with me?” Robert asks.

Isabel looks up, nodding eagerly.

“We’ll be in my office.” Robert says, grabbing his laptop, and holding out his hand for Isabel, leaving Jane with Amber and Samira.

“What the fuck happened?” Jane asks.

When Amber is done explaining everything as best she can, Samira picks up the story.

“Amber’s cut is superficial, it probably didn’t strictly need the stitches, but the middle is a bit deeper than the edges.” Samira says. “Robert had 3 stab wounds though. Thankfully the knife he was using was one of those utility knives, and couldn’t go too deep. Roger and Taylor sewed him up, but we probably should get him checked out, and we need antibiotics for him at least.”

“I’ll call Tom.” Jane says, pulling out her phone.

“Jia was very helpful.” Samira says. “She could have just stayed upstairs, but she really stepped up.”

“I’ll make sure to thank her.” Jane says distractedly. When the phone starts ringing, she adds. “And thank you, Samira.”

“Tom, we had a bit of a situation at the house.” Jane says when the call connects. “Is there any way I can pick up a doctor tomorrow?”