Chapter 42

Randy explained. "I'm not here to arrest you. Last time. I just wanted to talk about the kids."

Kathie scoffed. "My kids have nothing to do with you. What do you want?"

Seeing that she hadn't opened the door. Randy took a step forward. "Don't get upset. I'm here for Bob."

He was here for his and Shirley's son? Kathie was a bit confused.

"Just say what you need to say." Kathie said.

"The school won't accept Bob. You're pretty close with Keith, right? I was hoping you could put in a good word for us and get them to accept Bob."

Randy didn't really want to ask her for help, but Shirley had been making a scene at home, insisting that Bob had to get into this school. He had no choice but to swallow his pride and ask Kathie.

Kathie immediately understood his intention. He had seen her leave with Keith and assumed she had some sort of relationship with him that could help get Bob into the school.

"No way! With your son's behavior, I'd be worried he'd hurt other kids.The school made a wise choice not accepting him," she retorted.

"How can you say that? If Bob isn't doing well, I'll teach him patiently. He's only three years old. Do you expect me to just give up on him?"

Kathie kindly advised, "If you really care about him, you should focus on teaching him manners and respect first. Otherwise, he'll cause a lot of trouble in the future."

"So,you're still not willing to help. We're family, for heaven's sake. How can you be so heartless? If you agree to help, I promise I won't bother you again." Randy clearly didn't understand her pont.

Kathie was speechless. "Talking to someone as dense as you is exhausting.I don't have those connections.Go home."

"You're lying. I saw you hugging Keith. Don't tell me you have nothing to do with him. Kathie, you're such a lowlife." Randy was furious. Why could other men touch her, but he couldn't?

Kathie gritted her teeth and opened the door, calling to her dogs,"Go.get this scumbag."

Three large dogs charged out, scaring Randy into running back to his car.As he shut the door, one of the dogs managed to bite him, making him scream in pain.

"Kathie, you only know how to sic dogs on people," he shouted.

"For scum like you, dogs are the best solution. Go get a rabies shot and stop barking like a mad dog."

Randy angrily honked his horn, trying to scare the dogs away, but it was useless.

The noise was so annoying that Jonathan in the yard threw a rock,smashing his windshield into a spiderweb of cracks, making him shudder.

Kathie turned around and gave Jonathan a thumbs up. "You're actually useful,"she said.

Jonathan smiled proudly. For someone like Randy, there was no need to hold back. He waved Kyle and Zachary over. "Now it's your turn to practice, See where I hit? Try to aim there."

Kyle and Zachary picked up stones and threw them. Though not as accurate as Jonathan, they managed to hit the car roof and windows, making a racket that drove Randy to the brink of madness.

Eileen clapped. "Good job. Throw more stones."

Randy had no choice but to drive away in disgrace, shouting threats as he left. "Kathie, just you wait. I'll find a way to deal with you."

Kathie wasn't afraid. She shouted at the car, "Come at me if you dare."

She called the dogs back and took her three kids inside.

Jonathan used the excuse of getting dressed to secretly message Ben,asking him to arrange for someone to deal with Randy on the road.

Breakfast was especially delicious that day, and Jonathan praised the kids."You've improved a lot. You've learned a new skill."

Kathie reminded them, "Be careful not to hurt innocent people. Remember,learning this isfor self-defense, not bullying."

Jonathan nodded. "Your mom's right. Throwing stones is only good for long-distance attacks. This afternoon, I'll teach you some self-defense techniques for dealing wih taller people. Eileen, you too."

The kids nodded excitedly, but Kathie was curious. "Seven,were you a gangster in the past? Why do you only teach fighting?"

Jonathan was speechless. Her mind always wandered to strange places.

The more Kathie thought about it, the more it made sense. "That must be it. I bet you offended some enemies, and they pushed you off a cliff. That explains your injuries."

Jonathan was speechless.

Kathie grew worried. "You're not a dangerous person, are you?" Jonathan was curious. "If I were, would you kick me out?"

Kathie was still thinking when Eileen hugged his arm. "Mommy,you can't kick Seven out. He can't walk yet."

Kyle said. "I don't think Seven is a bad person. He's always helping us and teaching us to protect ourselves."

Zachary agreed. "We're good judges of character. Seven must be a good person. He was framed. Mommy, don't kick him out."

Seeing how much the kids defended him, Kathie realized they'd be heartbroken if they had to part ways. "Alright, eat your breakfast. I never said I'd kick him out. I'm just curious. Ordinary people don't know so much."

Jonathan suggested, "Maybe I'm from a wealthy family and learned a lot of skills growing up."

Kathie waved her hand. "No more guessing. Just try to recover your memory."

Jonathan saw her deep in thought and asked softly, "Do you want me to remember quickly so I can leave?"

Kathie smiled without answering. Whether he stayed or left wasn't up to her.

After breakfast, the kids helped their mom prepare herbs for Jonathan's medicinal bath.

The water in the tub turned dark brown. Kathie carefully helped him undress and get into the tub.

'"Dr.Cavendish, will this medicine stain my skin?" Jonathan asked.

Kathie placed a towel on his back. "Yes, you'll come out looking like

charcoal."

"I think the water's a bit hot." Jonathan continued to make small talk.

"You're a grown man, and you can't handle a little discomfort? Isn't that shameful?" Kathie said with disdain.

"You don't believe me? Try it yourself." Jonathan retorted, feeling wronged.

Kathie pinched his ear and scolded, "Keep talking, and I'll twist your ear off."

Jonathan pulled away. "See, this is why doctor-patient relationships are strained.Can't you be a bit gentler?"

Kathie ground her teeth, and he immediately behaved.

Kathie was a fierce woman; he knew better than to push his luck.

Kathie went to the kitchen to continue preparing the medicine, while Jonathan grew bored in the bathroom.

"Dr. Cavendish, my body feels itchy,"he said.

"That's normal."

"Dr. Cavendish, the water seems to be cooling down."

Kathie came in with a bucket to add more water. Seeing the steam,

Jonathan nervously reminded her, "Slow down, don't spill it."

Kathie glared at him. "If you keep quiet, my hand won't shake. Otherwise,

I'll pour this boiling water on your head, and you'll go bald."

Jonathan thought to himself, 'Kathie is such a ruthless woman.'

"I trust you wouldn't harm your patient." Kathie smirked. "Don't be so sure. For disobedient and talkative patients,I like to use a little force."

Kathie filled a cup with the hot water. Jonathan broke out in a sweat,thinking she was going to scald him, but she gently poured it along the edge,not burning him at all.