Page 70 of Road to Absolution

CHAPTER 16

Good Lies and Bad Omens

After those fuckers snuck into my room, I was rattled and anxious. I was scared but more for my wife than anyone. What would have had happened to her had those guys had the opportunity to use that syringe? She was a few weeks from delivering my baby.

Not only did I need to be calmer, I needed her calmer. So, I did what Maverick does. I swallowed my mouthful so I could tell her, “Do you know how sexy your voice is?”

“W-What?” I could almost hear her blushing. “Mav-er-ick.”

This was our life now. The quicker she adjusted to me being in danger, the better for us all. Since I needed to follow my own advice, I followed an elder’s lead. Just like Scorch, I acted as if last night was simply another day at the office and told her what happened.

In other words, I lied. I played down the unnerving parts.

Before she even had a chance to panic, she was laughing. “She took your temperature?”

“Maybe it was effective? Who am I to judge? I could buy one of them gadgets for Diesel’s Christmas gift. After some sort ‘o turf war, he can run around checking all his men.”

After laughing deeply, Delilah asked, “Tuck brought you breakfast?”

“Yeah.” I eyed him sitting on the couch. “He’s in a shitty mood.”

He flicked me off, but at least he was smiling again.

“Really?” She lied, “I hadn’t noticed.”

Hmmm. That lie may be connected to my boy’s foul temperament.

“How’s my hero?”

I shrugged. “I’m fine.”

“No,” she giggled, “Scorch.”

I stared at the closed bathroom door. “He’s shitting. Lucky bastard.”

“I so did not need that TMI.”

Hearing her try to sound rested and stronger, I asked, “Got some hella sleep?”

“Oh, Maverick. Like a rock. I don’t think I moved! Those nurses in and out of your room all night really jack with sleeping habits.”

Thinking about the poor nurse who got more than she bargained for last night, I quietly said, “I hear ya.”

Just then, the bathroom door opened then closed. Scorch, appearing lighter, gave me a thumbs up. “Now that’s how you get it done, Pup.”

“Ass. Hole.”

Condescendingly, he nodded. “Very good, pipsqueak. Ass. Hole.” He sneered, “Now use yours. I want to go home.” He grabbed his to-go box, then love-tapped Tuck’s face. “Chin up, my man. The bad times make the good ones even better.” He headed for the door.

I asked, “Where the fuck you going?”

“Out.” He fanned in front of his nose. “It stinks in here.”

“You’re the one who—” I threw my fork at him, but it bounced off the closed door. “Fucker.” After hanging up with Delilah, I squinted at my best friend. “Why’s she lyin’ to me?”

Guilty eyes looked away. “Dunno.”

Hmmm… “Anything to do with that cut you’re sportin’?”