CHAPTER 18

CHAPTER 18

It was Kimmie’s good luck that the electric company decided to make good on their threat to cut off the power that night in response to a delinquent bill. Chuck’s plot of land, like many others in the area, came equipped with a wooden outhouse, a remnant from Alaska’s homesteading days, and as she led her brother outside, she had the chance to speak to him in private.

“The way your dad’s treating us isn’t right.” She’d lost track of how many nights after a dinner just like this, or worse, her mom would hold Pip in her arms and croon, “Your father loves you. He just doesn’t always know how to show it,” or some other nonsense. Kimmie figured Pip was confused enough by his father’s abuse that he didn’t need anyone else making excuses for such unforgivable behavior.

“I’m trying to t……