Island of Lost Girls - Jennifer McMahon [52]
Ill never get enough wind under me for it to work right, Peter said.
Rhonda watched in horror as Peter grabbed a stepladder from the workshop, positioned it against the building, and climbed, pulling himself up onto the shingled roof of the garage.
What are you doing? Rhonda asked. Come down!
Youre going to crack your skull, matey, Lizzy said, though she didnt sound too worried. Your brains will ooze all over the driveway!
God, you are sick, Rhonda told Lizzy.
Peter walked to the front edge and looked down, then backed up all the way to the other side to get a running start.
Walk the plank, matey! Lizzy called up to him.
Would you shut up, Rhonda hissed at her. Peter, dont do it! Rhonda yelled up. It was a stupid stunt just to prove allegiance to his father, who probably wasnt his real father after all.
A sick feeling washed over her like a polluted wave, toxic waste and biohazardous needles in the current. She was in love with her own brother, which was not only disgusting but probably illegal.
Climb back down and Ill tell you a secret, Rhonda promised.
What secret? Peter asked.
A really good one. Just climb down and Ill tell it to you. Please. Would she tell? And if she did, would it ruin everything?
Lizzy came up behind Rhonda, leaned in, and hissed, Whats the big secret, Ronnie? That you love Peter? It doesnt matter, matey, cause Pan has fallen for the crocodile. Hes slipping it to her every chance he gets.
Lizzys breath was sour and fishy. She took her cheek in her fingertips and pulled it in and out fast, making disgusting wet, smacking sounds.
You dont know what youre talking about, Rhonda said. She stepped forward, turned her hand into a visor to keep the sun out while she squinted up at Peter on the roof. Rhonda was beginning to feel like there were two Lizzys: a good one and a bad one. The good one was the Lizzy shed known all her life, the one who wanted to grow up to be a Rockette and sang goofy songs. The bad one stank and used expressions likeslipping it to her , complete with sound effects, and the whole thing was just plain gross and definitely not true.
Oh dont I? Lizzy asked, snickering.
Please, Peter! Rhonda called up.
Daniel shuffled back out of the basement then, open beer can in his hand. Hey there, Rocket! he called to Lizzy. Whereve you been hiding all afternoon?
Lizzy didnt answer, but once Daniel was out in the yard, he turned to see what the girls were looking at up on the workshop roof.
What the devil are you doing, Peter? he called up. Get your ass back down that ladder! Now!
Peter hesitated. Looked down at the ground, then at his father.
Daniel set his beer can down and started for the ladder. Dont make me come up after you! Youknow youll be sorry!
Rhonda cringed.
Daniel started up the ladder. Peter crept to the back corner of the roof. Rhonda held her breath.
You get away from him! Aggie was hurrying from the house toward the garage.
Damn fools gonna bust his head open, Daniel explained from his perch halfway up.
Dont you touch him! Aggie said.
Im not gonna hurt him, Im just gonna get him down!
He can get himself down, Aggie said.
I think hes got himself stuck up there like a goddamn cat, Daniel said.
Aggie grabbed a shovel from its resting place against the side of the garage.
Get down from that ladder or Ill knock you down!
She was wielding a shovel like a medieval weapon.
Daniel backed slowly down the ladder and stood with his hands raised in surrender, calmly coaxing her, Put it down, Aggie.
Aggie brought the shovel up, slugger-style, and came toward him, swinging. Daniel ducked.
What the fuck are you doing? he screamed. She took another swing, barely missing as he jumped away.
Mom! Peter cried from the top of the garage. Mom, stop! Peter had scrambled to the edge and crouched there like a boy-gargoyle. But Aggie raised the shovel again. Daniel was backed up against the garage and was inching his way to the left, his eyes on the metal spade.