Caught in the Net Read Online Free PDF Page A

shirt to show
them.  The crystal glittered in the sunlight.
    “Samantha, when I told you that, I meant clothes or
shoes or something normal, not this,” Scott said patiently.
    “You don't like it?” she asked him, tears welling in
her eyes.
    He sighed, nodding.  “Don't you start crying.  It's
lovely, darling, but you knew how your dad would react.  We went through this
when you got your ears pierced.  Please, no tears.  Damn it.  Joe, it’s not
like it’s permanent.  She can take out the thing if it’s that big of a deal.” 
Scott caved as a single fat tear rolled slowly down Sam's smooth cheek.
    “I wouldn’t have given my permission for something
like a tattoo, Dad.  Please don’t be so angry.  It IS pretty,” Michael pleaded,
as he pulled his sister against his body when she began to cry softly with
disappointment.
    “Not for my daughter.  Absolutely not.  And I know
crocodile tears when I see them.  Enough, Samantha,” Dr. Quimby growled, unaffected
by the display.
    “Why don’t you two go take a walk for an hour or so
and give Dad a chance to calm down,” Scott suggested, nodding towards the back
door.
    “Okay, bye,” Michael said quickly, grabbing his
sister’s hand and dragging her out back and down to the beach.  The two walked
along the surf silently for a few minutes when Michael finally spoke.  “He
looked like he was going to blow a fuse.”
    “I know.  I thought he was going to haul off and smack
you.  I think he was angrier with you than me.  I’m sorry.”
    “Yeah, it seems.  He probably thinks that I
overstepped my bounds with giving consent.  I should have been more
responsible,” came the regretful response.
    “Excuse me?  Michael, look at me,” Sam demanded,
stopping to stare up at him.  “How well do you know me?”
    “As well as I know myself.  Why?”
    “Then answer this question.  Would telling me ‘no’
keep me from doing what I wanted?  I’m 18 now, I could have just hauled off and
done it without your approval.  I mean, how many times did you try to talk me
out of it?”
    “That word, ‘no’, has never been a favorite of yours,
that’s for sure.”
    “So, in essence, the reality of things is that you
assured my safety by giving your consent and supporting my decision.  You
inspected the shop, liked the guy and purchased a high quality ring.  That’s
more responsible than leaving me to my own devices.”
    “They were wrong.  YOU should have been an attorney. 
Thanks, little sister,” he smiled, hugging her.  “It’s so funny.  I’m 22 years
old, 6’3” tall, a good solid 210 pounds, black belt in four disciplines in
martial arts and a Marine Corps Special Forces officer.  And I still want to
run out of reach when my father gets mad at me.”
    “Why do you think I still hide behind you?  You’re a
rock solid fortress.  I honestly don't understand what the big deal is.”
    “It’s one of his hang ups, that’s all.  He’s like that
about this type of thing.  Don’t worry, Scott will straighten it out.  He
always does in situations like this.”
    Back at the house Scott watched his friend pace the
floor, yelling about disrespect and assumptions.  After ten minutes of the
ranting, Scott put his hand on his friend’s chest.  “Okay, that's enough.  You
can stop it now with the ridiculous overreacting.  There is no doubt you can
still scare the living hell out of that boy, but why?  You know damn well that
your daughter would have found a way to get that thing with or without our
knowledge.  Be grateful Mike was there to at least watch over her.  You’re
being a complete asshole about this.”
    “Aren’t you in the least bit pissed?  She manipulated
it so that it sounded as though you gave her permission!”
    “And that surprises you?”  Scott wrinkled his
forehead.  “I wasn’t expecting this, but then, with her, I’m not shocked.  I’m
just glad she didn’t try to get a