But whatever.
While I’m in this shitshow, I may as well have a little fun.
And, cop or not, there is something about her I like. She isn’t as bad as the rest of them.
She hasn’t sold out all her dignity.
Murphy stalks over to the bars of my cell and glares at me with narrowed eyes.
“I wouldn’t be so quick with the jokes, you little shit,” he threatens. “Your time is up.”
“Oo, cue the ominous music!” I say. “Let me guess: you watch a lot of cop shows, friend?”
He raises his baton, but before he can bring it crashing down against the bars of my cell, I hear more footsteps. Murphy clearly does, too, because he lowers the weapon and looks toward the door.
His face pales slightly when he sees who it is.
I crane my neck forward, but I can’t quite make out who has just arrived.
Until my father rounds the corner.
“Mr. O’Sullivan,” Murphy murmurs, stepping away from my holding cell.
I take a breath as Da steps through the door. His light blue eyes don’t so much as glance in my direction. He acts as though I’m merely part of the scenery.
He’s wearing his long, grey wool coat. On any other man, it would look foolish. Like he’s playing at being rich and powerful.
On my father, it looks exactly right.
“Officer Murphy,” Da intones.
Murphy looks shocked that Da knows his name, but says nothing.
“If you don’t mind, I’d like a few words with the prisoner.”
I don’t miss the word choice. Prisoner.
Nice to see you too, Da,I want to mutter.
Murphy hesitates. “My orders—”
“—are irrelevant,” Da cuts in. His gaze flashes sinister. “Now, go before I lose patience.”
Without a word, Murphy waddles out.
Da walks towards my cell as he passes a tired hand across his face.
I’ve known the man my entire life. And it’s still hard for me to read him sometimes.
Except when he’s pissed.
When he’s pissed, I can tell right away. But then again, everyone can.
Finally, his eyes meet mine. He makes no attempt to break the silence.
He just stands there, casting judgement, making me feel small and insignificant without saying a damn word.
When I was a boy, I used to think I could outlast these prolonged silences. But I’m not that naïve boy anymore. No matter what anyone else says.