A Monster And A Psychopath

‘Wow, your house is huge!’ Jennie looked around the spacious living room. It was larger than their apartment. ‘Do you live here alone?’ Jennie looked up at Henry. He nodded. ‘I have many more rooms upstairs. Do you want to come and live with Grandpa?’ He was talking to Jennie, but his evaluative gaze was fixed on Joshua. It was the first time he saw the boy up close. He had Austyn’s thin lips and, apparently, also Austyn’s vigilance. Joshua had not said a word since he came in and held onto Jennie’s hand tightly. The girl went quiet. She looked at the dining table, laid out with half a dozen dishes. Then she inched closer to her brother—a silent refusal. Joshua squeezed her hand. ‘Mister, Mum is waiting for us at home. Could you send us back, please?’ ‘Mummy is going to be upset when she finds out we left school early,’ Jennie said, staring at the floor. Henry squinted at the twins. He pointed to the dining table. ‘You can have dinner first before going home. Your mother won’t mind.’ J