Page 45 of Legacy

“Kellan is stuck at the clinic all evening,” Rune put in. “He had to switch shifts with someone.”

“Thankfully, it seems that their new nanny might actually work out, though, because having to switch like that really messes with the childcare,” Finnian put in.

Rune nodded. “Pretty much. And Thatcher’s on call all night. I was going to send over a few things to eat for the entire staff because I know with the wildfires going on out west, everybody’s on edge.”

“You’re a good man, Rune,” Briar said softly, and Rune just rolled his eyes. “Not really. But I don’t mind pretending.”

I stretched my back and eased out of the booth.

“Be right back.”

“Hey, when you’re back there, can you let me know if I need to send someone to go clean up anything? I know my staff is working hard tonight, but we’re down a busboy, and they won’t let me work to help tonight,” Rune put in.

“Because you work too many hours as it is. And don’t worry, I’ll let you know exactly what I think about the cleanliness of your establishment.”

Rune flipped me off, and I laughed, making my way down to the back of the bar and grill where the bank of restrooms was.

The back door was propped open slightly, one of the waitresses out there taking her smoke break, but as I heard a familiar growl of a voice, my hands fisted at my sides, and I moved towards the door.

“Just a couple of dollars. If not, you know, a beer? I’ll pay. I promise.”

“Mr. Ashford, you’re not supposed to be here.”

“Leslie, why don’t you head on in? I’ve got this.”

The twenty-something looked up at me, and relief spread over her face. “Sorry, Callum,” she whispered as she put out her cigarette and skittered behind me.

“I wasn’t going to hurt her, boy,” my dad slurred, and I shook my head.

“Go home. You know you’re not allowed to be here.”

“Because your friend is a jackass who is too weak to stand up to you.”

“You’re kicked out because the last two times you were here, you tried to start a brawl. And you try to steal shit, and you’re a drunk who continues to hit on waitresses. Just go home.”

Briar walked past. “Did she bring that little brat of hers? Nobody will tell dear old grandpa anything. I haven’t even met the little tyke.”

My spine stiffened, and I tried not to show any of my anger or fear on my face. Because my dad would latch onto that. He was so damn good at it.

I fisted my hands once again, letting out a breath. Those same hands that looked so much like my father’s. But I would not use them to beat the shit out of my father. That’s what he wanted. That’s what he craved.

“Go home.”

“What are you going to do about it? Call one of your little fuck boys to go arrest me again? It’s public property back here, and I’m not doing anything. Though, if I had a little incentive, I’d head out.”

Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Teagan move in close, doing what she always did—trying to protect the Ashfords. Just like I failed to do.

I scowled, then pulled a couple of twenties out of my wallet. “Go.”

If Briar hadn’t been in there, maybe I’d have just shoved the man out of the way, but I knew if I gave him at least a couple bucks, Dad would let her breathe. Because that’s how it always worked.

He snatched the bills from my hand and walked away, whistling a tune that still haunted me. Because he’d always whistle that after he’d beat the shit out of us.

“Why did you pay him?” Teagan asked, and I couldn’t even look back at her.

“Because he would fuck with Briar and the kids.”

“I just wish he would go away. Or just die. That’s something a daughter should always say about her dad, right?”