“I’m providing a service, Delilah. A very profitable service.”
“Are you insane? I don’t care how profitable it might be. Dealing drugs is not only illegal, it’s dangerous!” I knew I was being hypocritical. Hawk and his brothers were dealing the very drugs my father had sold to them, but I didn’t hold the same animosity towards them that I had for my father. My rage towards him continued to build as I shouted, “Danny could get killed or land himself in jail, and for what? So you can make a dime? You repulse me.”
“Just like your mother—self-righteous and judgmental. Think you know everything when you know nothing at all,” my father snarled. “You know, she’s fucking the reason Danny was weak. She taught him nothing. Hell, the boy could barely rub two pennies together before I came along.”
“So, you think you came along and saved the day? Taught your son how to be a man and live a good life?” I shook my head in disgust. “You did it. Well done. You turned your son into drug dealer. I’m sure you’re so proud.”
“I am proud. Danny has done well for himself. And you should be proud of him too.”
“And what happens when he gets caught? Are you going to be proud when he ends up in jail?”
“That won’t happen. Since he started working for me, Danny has smartened up and become more like me. He’s learned how to keep his head down and stay clear of any trouble.”
I crossed my arms as I spat, “If that’s so, then why is he suddenly missing?”
“We both know he isn’t missing. At least, not anymore.” In a low, threatening tone, he growled, “He’s with those friends of yours ... the Ruthless Sinners.”
“What makes you think they’re friends of mine?”
“I already told you, Delilah. I know everything there is to know about you. Where you went to college. Where you work. What you drive. Where you spend your days and nights, and who you spend them with. I gotta say, I thought you were smarter than to get involved with men like those. You want to call me out for doing something that’s illegal. What about them? Running strip clubs. Selling drugs to every Tom, Dick, and Harry. They’re no better than me, and yet you’ll spread your legs for them. Give them anything they want, including your brother. What does that say about you and all your judgements?”
“You have no idea what you’re talking about!” I yelled. “You don’t know me, and you certainly don’t know them.”
“I know enough.” He leaned back into the dark shadows as he grumbled curses under his breath. “I know they think they’ve pulled a fast one over on me, but I’m too smart for that.”
“I have no idea what you’re talking about.”
“Of course, you don’t. When it comes to them, you only see what you want to see.” For weeks, I’d held a grudge against the Sinners for what they’d done to Danny, and to me, but the day they came to the nursing home to see Mr. McClanahan, I saw a different side of them. Like Zander, they had a good side to them—one that was gentle and kind—and that side made me want to defend them, especially when my father said, “You know ... I’ve seen you with him. That biker with the cocky fucking smirk on his face, putting on airs like he’s someone important, but he’s nothing. I’ve crushed bigger men with the bottom of my fucking shoe.”
“He’s a better man than you’ll ever be.”
“You’re a fool.”
“I stopped caring about what you think a long time ago.”
Just as the words left my mouth, I heard the low rumble of Zander’s motorcycle pulling into my parking lot. Panic washed over me when my father stood and walked over to the window. As he looked down at the parking lot, a low, menacing chuckle vibrated through his chest. “Well, look who’s here again. I shouldn’t be surprised. The piece of shit thinks he owns the place … and you.”
“You’re wrong, but I’m not going to waste my breath trying to convince you of something you’ll never believe.”
“I believe in facts, Delilah. And the fact is this guy is nothing but a piece of shit. What’s that saying? You hang around shit long enough, you’ll start to smell like it. Well, sweet Delilah, you’re reeking of it.”
“And what? You think you smell like roses? If anyone’s reeking, it’s you.” I motioned my hand towards the door as I said, “I’m done with this insanity. This conversation is over. It’s time for you to go.”
“No. The conversation is over when I say it’s over,” he growled. “I came here for Danny, and I’m not leaving until I have him.”
“What exactly do you want me to do here?”
“Call him. Tell him to meet us at Sully’s in twenty minutes. Do whatever it takes to get him there, and tell him to come alone.” When I hesitated, he barked, “Call him, Delilah. Now!”