Dark Days (The Childe Series, #2) by C.A. Kunz Page A

“Hey, you two,” she called out as she waved to them. She then yanked on Fredricka's leash, who was busy trying to dig a hole in the yard. “Your dad was in a bit of a hurry, tried to catch him before he went inside. For his age, he moves rather quickly. Anyway, have you noticed the moving truck down the street? It seems we have new neighbors.” Leaning in closer Maude’s voice lowered, “I didn’t see any signs of a mother figure, but there is an older man and a young boy. The strange thing is, there’s also a young girl who has a really, really dark tan, if you know what I mean. They must be one of those progressive families I’ve heard so much about. Not that I’m discriminatory or anything, no sirree, I’m equal about everyone.”
    Yeah, you talk equally about everyone, Cat thought.  “We’re just on our way to welcome them to the neighborhood.”
    “I’d come with you girls, but I have to start dinner. Do come over after you visit with them and we’ll have a little chat, shall we?”
    Julie and Cat nodded their heads and took off down the street trying to hold back their laughter. “Yeah, like we’d really go over and purposefully have a chat with her . Not in this lifetime,” Cat whispered to Julie.
    “Maybe we should wait for the rest of our group before we go and meet the neighbors.” Julie slowed down and then stood still.
    “Like that wouldn’t be totally overwhelming. Matt would probably say something inappropriate, and Amanda would smack him for it. Elle would probably be so nervous, she’d immediately ask to use their bathroom.  No, I think we should go by ourselves and then report back to the group.”
    “Okay, maybe you’re right.”
    “Hey look, what is that thing in their front yard? That looks like one of those wooden training dummies. You know, like they use in karate,” Cat explained after seeing the confused look on Julie’s face.
    “Don’t you think it’s a little weird that they have one of those?”
    “And Matt having a blow-up clown punching bag isn’t?” Cat commented.
    As the moving men were closing the back door of the truck, a tall, good-looking older man stood off to the side holding a clipboard, flipping the pages quickly as his pen flew over them. “Thank you, gentlemen,” the man said with a distinct British accent, handing the clipboard over to one of the men. “It looks like we’re all set here.” The three men jumped into the truck and pulled away from the curb.
    Julie and Cat crossed the road and were met by the greenest eyes that either one of them had ever seen. His hair was short and wavy with a mixture of colors from blonde to brown. He smiled when he noticed them. “Well, hello, young ladies, are you what they call the Welcome Wagon?”
    Cat grinned, “I guess you could call us that.  We’re your neighbors up the street,” she said, and then introduced herself and Julie.
    “The name’s Gerard McNeil, and it’s a pleasure to meet you. Oh look, here comes my eldest now. Duffie, come and meet our neighbors, Cat and Julie,” he called out. “If my guess is correct you’re all about the same age.” Julie and Cat watched as a girl matching Maude’s description walked toward them. Her smile was friendly. Her beautiful black hair bounced with every step she took, and her long legs helped make short work of her journey to meet them. However, the girl’s brown eyes were guarded.
    “Nice to meet ya,” Duffie said in her distinct British accent.
    “Why don’t we all go inside and have some refreshments. I find myself feeling a little parched,” Gerard stated, walking toward the front door. Julie and Cat followed them into the foyer and found themselves surrounded by boxes.
    “It’ll take us a little while to get this place in order, but I know it’ll get done. Right, Duffie?” Duffie nodded.
    Looking into the dining room, Cat saw numerous plates full with cakes, pies, muffins, and other random desserts. “Duffie, what’s with all