The Misadventures of the Laundry Hag 00 - Swept Under the Rug

evaporated as reality of what was next for our family to endure settled over us. The Laundry Hag was officially persona non grata .
    “We don’t need the money; we were getting by just fine before you started cleaning houses.” He said for the fifth time.
    “You’re absolutely right.” I agreed, scooping the nuts onto a paper towel to cool.
    “Maybe we should head out.” Marty offered.
    Normally, I would fight him on it, but arguing required more fire than I possessed at the moment. “Do you have somewhere to go?”
    Marty’s lack of reply was answer enough. “Boys, wash your hands and set the table please. Neil, would you call Sylvia, see if she would like to join us for dinner?” The salad alone could feed fifty after all and I didn’t want to think about her sitting all alone, abandoned.
    “Sure thing, Uncle Scrooge.” Neil picked up the phone, but put it down just as fast. “Maybe I’ll walk over their instead, I could use some air.” He headed out of the room to get his jacket.
    “What would you like to drink, Penny?” I opened the fridge surveying the beverage selection.
    “I’ll get it myself. “ Penny drawled but I cast a black scowl over my shoulder. This was not a night I would tolerate someone taking over. I needed to stay busy and hold onto the illusion of control.
    “What… Do… You… Want…. To… Drink.” I bit out.
    Penny and Marty exchanged silent communication. “Milk, please.” She squeaked.
    I poured an enormous glass of milk, then turned to Marty. “And you?”
    “How about a beer?”
    I didn’t bother to look. “We’re out. How about milk?”
    “Sounds like a plan.” My brother grumbled.
    “Milks all around.” I announced and emptied the gallon into various cups.
    “Let me carry those for you, sis.” Marty reached for the glasses, but I jerked them back. Milk sloshed over the rim, slopping onto my sweater and landing with a splat on the floor.
    “Jesus Marty,” I began as the liquid seeped into the fabric.
    My brother hung his head. “Sorry, I’m so sorry Maggie.”
    I knew he was referring to more than the milk. Harnessing my temper, I headed for the laundry room and a mop.
    Wisely, Penny and Marty shuffled into the dining room to assist Kenny and Josh with table duty. I’d just emptied the bucket into the kitchen sink when the doorbell rang. Grumbling, I slouched down the hall. “Neil, did you forget your key…?” I trailed off when I saw Leo on the other side of the door. He looked pale and shivery, understandable since he stood in the cold, coatless, but the stricken look on his face told me more than the weather was to blame for his haggard appearance.
    “Come in here before you freeze.” I hauled him inside. “Where’s your coat? Lord above, it must be in the single digits out there.”
    “Maggie, I’m so sorry.”
    “Not your fault I’m nosy and got in over my head, Leo.” I snatched a blanket off the air mattress and wrapped him up. “Let’s go in the kitchen, the oven is on and you’ll warm up faster.”
    Obediently, Leo shuffled after me. “I have to talk to you, in private.” He cut his gaze toward the dining room where Marty had dropped some silverware.
    “Can it wait until after dinner? We’re just about to sit down and Neil should be back with Sylvia any time now. You’re welcome to stay and—”
    “Now, Maggie.” Though his tone was forceful, I worried he might start to cry if I refused.
    “Let’s go in my bedroom.” I led the way; calling out to the assembled family members that I would be back shortly.
    “What’s going on?” I asked as soon as he shut the door. “I can’t remember ever seeing you this upset.”
    “It’s Richard.”
    Concerned, I rubbed his arm. “Is he all right? Was he in an accident?”
    “No, he’s fine, just a real dickhead.” Leo snorted. “Dick Head, the dickhead, why didn’t I see it?”
    Ignoring the unmade bed, I pulled Leo over and sat down. “Wanna tell me what happened?”
    Leo nodded, misery incarnate. “He stole files from Valentino’s office.”
    “Excuse me?” I was sure I hadn’t processed his word correctly.
    “When he went cleaning with you. I didn’t know, until I went to his house this afternoon. His mother let me in, you see. She’s so sweet, if a bit demanding and Richard didn’t know I was there. He was in the shower and I decided to wait for him in his bedroom. The computer was on and I must have nudged the keyboard or something because this