Chapter 129. Collateral

ASHLENE

“There’s something I need to tell you both.”

One fact about Dad is that he’s not found of family meetings. It’s as rare as the blood moon, so once he sets one, Anton and I know it’s about something serious. Like life and death serious.

Anton kicked my feet under the table, and I shot him a sharp look.

The three of us were in the living room. The television was off, the door’s closed, and everyone else was given instructions that we were not to be disturbed.

I shook my head discreetly. One special power of being siblings is that we have this implied ability to read each other’s minds and when I gave him the shake, he kicked me again.

“Ow!” I voiced out. Dad paused from his litany of reminding us about Mom’s love for the family and our properties. I kind of see where this is going.

“Are you okay, Ash?” Dad asked, and I nodded.

“I’ll get us some lemonade,” Dad said and left the living room.

“What?!” I said as soon as the doo