Chapter 6 - Trapped Overnight
"Nobody is driving anywhere tonight," Cole announced, cutting through the shouting with authoritative finality. "Red Mountain Pass just shut down at mile marker 82. Avalanche warning is active. State patrol has blocked the gate at Ouray."
A collective groan went through the room.
"You mean we're stuck here?" Aunt Carol squeaked.
"You're stuck," Cole said. "And since Becca is the lawful homeowner, she dictates the terms. If she wants you in the garage, you sleep in the garage. If she wants you to sit on the floor, you sit on the floor."
Every eye turned to me.
Olivia looked broken, her designer mascara streaked down her cheeks. Jason was standing in the corner, clutching his phone, desperately trying to get reception while glaring at his wife with pure disgust. My mother sat on a stool, crying quietly into paper towels.
I took a deep breath. I looked at the hearth, at the soapstone mantle where my father’s initials were carved in the hidden back corner.
"The guests who didn't know what was happening can take the two loft bedrooms," I said evenly. "Jason, take your kids into the basement guest room; it has four bunks and electric heat. Aunt Carol, take the pull-out sofa."
"And us?" Olivia asked in a small, trembling voice.
"You and Mom get the mudroom," I said. "There are blankets in the utility closet. You don't touch my wine, you don't touch my food, and if I catch either of you near my fireplace, Cole will cuff you and lock you in his patrol vehicle until morning."
"Becca, I'm your mother!" Diane gasped.
May you like
"My mother wouldn't steal the only thing my father helped me build to fund your favorite daughter's vanity," I said. "Mudroom. Now."
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