Love Rents A Room
Chapter 57: The Teenagers

Chapter 57: The Teenagers

They are in danger!

Joanne frantically dialed Morgan’s number. "Pick up... pick up..."

A click. Then his voice. "Hey, Jo—"

"Ian Walsh is at my door with a gun. Get out of here. Now."

"What?" Morgan’s voice sharpened. "Jo’s in danger—Ian Walsh is—"

"Morgan, listen to me!" Joanne cut him off. He sounded like he was readying for a fight. She didn’t want that. She wanted for them to be safe. "He’s armed. I’ve already called the cops. Leave. Do you hear me? Leave!"

But Morgan wasn’t listening. "No way we’re leaving you with that boozer," he said. "We’ll fight him off."

Joanne’s blood ran cold. Damn their teenage bravado.

"No!" she hissed. "He has a gun! This isn’t a game—get out of here before you get hurt!"

The line went dead.

She cursed, redialing, but none of them picked up.

Her fingers trembled as she switched back to the camera feed. The idiots were sneaking up behind Ian.

Shit.

At that moment, JD stepped down the stairs.

"They’re settled in my room," he whispered.

He paused, his eyes locking onto her shaking hands. Without hesitation, he reached for the gun.

"That’s it," JD muttered, prying it from her grip.

"JD, don’t—! The safety’s off. It’s loaded." She held on, unwilling to let go.

He didn’t care. Neither of them should be holding a gun right now. He turned the safety on. Something was not right. For someone who was rumored to have killed her cousin in cold blood, she was shaking to point the gun at an armed intruder.

He wasn’t left in his thoughts for long as chaos erupted on the porch.

A struggle. Yelling. The teens had jumped Ian.

JD didn’t hesitate. He threw the door open and rushed out.

Joanne’s breath hitched as she watched it unfold. Morgan and the boys wrestled Ian down.

JD kicked hard on Ian’s wrist and his gun skidded across the porch. Ian swung wildly, but he was outnumbered.

Then—sirens.

Red and blue lights cut through the night.

The police stormed in, weapons drawn. Ian barely had time to process what was happening before he was yanked off the ground, his arms twisted behind his back.

The boys backed away, panting, triumphant. They were so excited to give the cops their statements and about their valiant fight.

Joanne exhaled sharply, pressing a hand to her chest. It was over.

James pulled Joanne aside, his expression heavy with frustration. "For tonight, keep the kids," he said quietly.

Joanne frowned. "And after that?"

James exhaled, rubbing a hand over his face. "Their aunt—Ian’s sister—doesn’t want them. Says three more kids are too much of a burden." His voice was tight with barely restrained anger. "I’m talking to their mom’s side, but... the only option is her sister, and she’s barely making ends meet herself."

Joanne’s stomach twisted. So, foster care.

James didn’t say it outright, but she heard it in his sigh. He hated this as much as she did.

"I’ll keep them as long as I can," she promised.

James nodded. "I’ll find a way to make sure they stay here until we figure something out. Just... keep them safe and happy for now."

Joanne swallowed hard, her chest aching for the kids. "I will."

She turned to the other officers, thanking them for arriving so quickly. Fifteen minutes. That’s all it had taken to get here—but it was enough time for things to have gone horribly wrong. She was thankful the kids weren’t hurt.

JD stood by the stairs, watching everything in silence.

He had left the kids in his room, but when he turned back, he caught sight of Timmy peeking through the window, his small fingers curled around the edge of the curtain.

JD’s chest tightened. No child should have to see their father in handcuffs.

Moving swiftly, he got upstairs and shut the blinds. "Come on, buddy. You don’t need to see this."

Timmy hesitated but eventually stepped back. JD ruffled his hair and guided him away.

As he glanced outside through the slats, JD saw something that made his lips curve.

Joanne—smacking the teenagers upside the head.

They were all taller and bulkier than her, yet they stood there taking it—laughing as she gave them an earful. Even though they clearly weren’t listening, Joanne cared too much to let it slide. They were indeed a bit reckless.

JD leaned against the window, shaking his head.

That’s just who she is.

After giving them an earful, Joanne stepped inside, shaking her head. The teenagers followed—completely unbothered by her scolding, as if they were used to it.

"Help yourselves," she muttered, barely finishing the sentence before they descended upon the kitchen like a pack of wolves.

JD watched in silent amazement as the snacks and leftovers vanished within minutes. Meanwhile, Joanne stood by the stove, warming milk for the younger kids, a satisfied smile tugging at her lips.

JD narrowed his eyes. She enjoys this. It was like she was possessed by some weird ghost that compelled her to feed people.

Deciding to be useful, JD rolled up his sleeves and started washing dishes.

Big mistake.

The teenagers took over immediately, shoving him aside. In record time, the kitchen and dining room were spotless—probably cleaner than their own homes had ever been.

JD smirked. These little menaces probably wouldn’t lift a finger at home, but here? They worked like a well-oiled machine.

They’re good kids, though.

Watching them made him nostalgic for his own teenage years—wandering from one summer home to another, traveling the world, always surrounded by people. These kids had that same reckless, aimless energy. They were just enjoying life.

Later, some sprawled out on Joanne’s couch while others headed home. JD stuck around, playing a few board games with them, refereeing the inevitable arguments.

When a couple of them started eyeing the liquor cabinet, JD raised an eyebrow.

"Nice try."

Grumbling, they accepted their fate. One beer each.

The teenagers tried to pry into JD’s relationship with Joanne, their curiosity practically radiating off them.

"So... what’s the deal with you two?" Morgan asked, a mischievous smirk forming. "Living in the same house... looking all domestic..." He exchanged knowing glances with the others before chuckling.