Rabbit Hole Carnival: Not All so Lucky

“Hey, so I thought you… said…” Renee looked up, as she spoke. “What happened to Travis?”

“Nothing major, dear.” Abigail replied. “He is just on a bit of mandatory vacation with his wife and kids.”

“I suppose I do hear about him working a lot.” Renee said. “But, if you’ll pardon me, that doesn’t explain why you’re here. This place cleared 15 scheduled and 25 surprise tests for 3 years.”

 “Yes, I noticed that.” Abigail said. “Rather rare to require that level of supervision, bar or otherwise.”

“I,” Renee signed. “I get the feeling this isn’t an official visit. Could I see some documentation? Miss?”

“Just Abigail is fine, or Abby if that makes you more comfortable.” Abigail sat down. “I just have a few basic questions.”

“Without any authorization to ask them.” Renee replied. “I don’t talk about that chapter in my life for no reason. So under the circumstances, I would rather you leave.”

“That seems a bit harsh.” Abby said. There’s no need to get so defensive over a simple standard check-in.”

“Which we’re having 2 years after we were deemed a safe home and work environment because?” Renee asked.

“Home environment?” Abigail asked. “May I see the living quarters?”

“Not without the documentation you don’t have.” Renee replied. “You wanna drink while you call your boss?”

Abigail sighed. “So the reports on this place mentioned something about keeping you away from your father?”

“This place has kept me safe from my father since the day I WILLINGLY ran away from that… that house!” Renee replied. “As I have stated several times.”

“In a very similar fashion too.” Abigail said. “Almost as though it was a little rehearsed, or maybe drilled into that thick head of yours.”

“Do you hear yourself?” Renee asked. “I told a police officer I wanted to stay within less than half a day of stumbling my way here. I’m routinely left to my own devices, or freely roaming the streets. Does that sound like I’m being held hostage, or whatever you think is going on?"

“I just think it’s a little weird that you called the cops here, but never at your real home.” Abigail replied.

“What gave you that idea?” Nick asked, while Renee rushed over to side hug him. “From the stories I heard I would’ve assumed the cops were over at my brother’s house plenty of times.

“Adam usually ended up convincing me not to.” Renee replied

“Adam?” Abby asked, looking through some papers. “Oh, an older brother? Seems you’re rather distant from a lot of family Miss Renee.”

“I’m afraid I’m unsure what business of yours that is, Miss?” Nick asked.

“Her name is Abigail, and I’m still not convinced she is supposed to be inspecting us.” Renee said.

“You did get a call did you not?” Abby replied.

“From a man who should have retired almost a decade ago, and would have if he weren’t the stubborn fool that he is.” Nick said.

“That stubborn fool has helped every single one of his family members out of some of the tightest places one can find themselves in.” Abby replied.

“Really?” Renee replied. “He sounds nice. Glad to hear at least one dad is looking out for their daughter.”

“Perhaps a little too much.” Nick said. “I believe its time you go, Abigail. Perhaps ask Travis about those reports you’ve been reading. I hear Renee’s case is one of his favorites to share.”

“He has the final report framed.” Renee replied. “He told me once that he shows it to all the new hires to teach them just how far apart ‘blood and luck can be.’”