“Where’s he from?”
“He’s from Michigan or at least he was in a Michigan prison.”
My father is silent for a moment, no doubt trying to gather his composure. I think this may be the very first time I’ve ever caught him off guard like this.
“Did he tell you who he was?”
“No, Knox had to tell me because he used a fake name to get the job.”
“So Knox already knows about this?”
“Yes, but don’t worry, Daddy, Knox has taken care of the situation.”
“Has he now?”
“Yes, but can I ask what exactly you did to Jake’s brother and why? Why is he so hell bent on destroying you?”
“What happened with his brother is my business, but don’t cry a river for him. He was already a deadbeat and on his way to a full-time life of crime when I dealt with him. Trust me, he was no saint.”
“I’m sure you say that about everyone you destroy.”
“Every one I destroy?” He lingers on the last word.
“Well… yeah.”
“Destroy is a strong word, Gigi. I’m not some kind of villain from a Marvel movie, but I’m also not working with Sunday school teachers either. Most of the time, I’m dealing with people who live on the fringes of normal society. Having a conversation with them is not enough. You have to handle them in ways that they understand.”
“Okay, I think I get what you’re saying.”
“Good, because I don’t want you staying away from me and your mother because you think I’m some sort of evil mastermind. I promise you that I haven’t done anything that I can’t live with.”
I think my Dad’s last sentence is the one I needed to hear. I’m sure what he can live with and what I can live with are worlds apart, but at least I know that he lives comfortably within his self-imposed limits.
“I know you’re not an evil mastermind and I’m sorry if I ever made you feel that I thought you were. It’s just for a moment, I felt kind of sorry for the guy. He must be in real pain to have even gone to the trouble of doing what he did.”
“I’m not sure about his pain, Gigi. All I know is that sociopaths can be really creative.”
I sigh to myself. “Okay, Daddy.”
Maybe we won’t agree on everything after one phone call. I can be satisfied with baby steps for now.
“Listen, I’m meeting your mother for a spa date.”
“Ooh, nice.”
“But the family is meeting on Thursday night at your Uncle Roman’s house and I want you to be there this time.”
My stomach just rolled for the first time at the mention of my Uncle’s name because it literally just hit me–I’m sleeping with a man whose father I call “Uncle”.
Ick.
What the hell are my parents going to say when I tell them about this?
Twenty-Two
Knox
* * *
