Page 86 of Praying for Thunder

“You win. I’m done bitchin’. So, what did the cameras show you?”

“A certain cowboy befriending Mom after she came out of the house that night, alone.”

I thought of the hoof prints when finding the yellow flowers… “Holy shit. You’re right.”

He grimaced in disbelief. “When am I not?”

My head tilted. “Where do I begin?”

“Fuck off.”

“Back at ‘cha.”

Not able to hold back a smile, he crossed his arms. “So, what do you want from me pertaining to Rya?”

I choked. “Can we get back to her dad trying to kill your son?”

He leaned in, challenging, “You alive?”

“Well… yes, but—”

“What’s with you and buts?”

“Pardon?”

“Hellion, I got places to be and pussies to fuck. Anything else?”

“If he hurts her—”

He threw his hands in the air. “For being so fucking smart, you are stupid as fuck.”

Blink. Blink. “Again, pardon?”

“If he wanted her dead, why would he bother trying to kill you?”

“Oh.”

He tapped his temple. “Think, Titan in training. Think.”

As he walked away, I asked, “No revenge for his actions?”

Walking backward, he held his arms wide, pridefully stating, “Everything I do has a purpose, like this.” He turned around and slapped Sharell across the face so hard, she stumbled, dropping my snacks.

“Why—” I ran to help her.

Picking up the bag and steadying a stunned Sharell who was, shockingly, trying to get behind Onus on his bike, I asked, “Are you okay?”

He started his engine while she held her face, nodding. “Yes, yes, baby.”

Somehow, I felt responsible. I shouldn’t have pushed his psychotic buttons.

I told her, “I’m sorry,” and kissed her cheek. Holding up the bag, I said, “Thank you so much. I’m sure they’ll be delicious.”

Onus lifted his kickstand, grinning. “Like a moth to a flame.”

He had hit her on purpose, knowing how I’d react.

As he drove away, I wondered, What are you up to, fucker?