“I don’t drink Caitie, I’m underage.”
“So, isn’t that what everybody does at prom?”
“Only idiots do that crap to show off for girls. I don’t need to do that because you know better.”
“Aren’t you going to feel left out if you don’t get to do what everyone else is going to be doing?”
“Still testing me huh! We’re not going to be doing what everyone else is doing because we’re not them. We’re gonna go to the prom…shoot I gotta rent a tuxedos, and we’re going to have a good time being ourselves. We’re going to come home at a respectable hour because that’s what your dad expects. This was a big move for him babe, it wouldn’t be right to take advantage.”
“Good, you’ve passed the test.” She kissed his cheek and laid her head on his shoulder. This kid is…wow, my kid really lucked out. I came back like I’d just arrived and took my seat across from them.
“So, what’s everybody having?” We ordered light since my wife was making a huge dinner and ended up eating off of each other’s plate. My kid is as slick as her mother I see. This whole thing was about getting me to see that the boy was okay. She involved him in everything we did, but she didn’t leave me out, and I noticed that he was much more relaxed.
By the time we made it back to the house I was feeling more comfortable about the decision I’d made. Now all I have to do is find these fucks so that my kid can go off to school without having to look over her shoulder every step she took.
It was as I opened the door and walked in behind them that I realized that it was my fault. Shit, those assholes had latched onto her because of what I’d done before she was even born.
Fuck that, it’s those boys, now men who’d done this shit. The other three were long out of prison but their lives were pretty much fucked, I hadn’t even thought of them in a while, but I was sure they weren’t the ones behind this. It’s time to go hunting.
Todd
What a day, I’m on cloud nine, but it didn’t take being back two minutes to remember that we still had a lot of work to do. Caitlin went off with her mother and the other women who were waiting to see her dress and my father in law invited me upstairs to his office where the other men were already getting shit done.
I was doing my best to keep myself contained, but damn I wanted to jump, this shit felt better than my first touchdown in a championship game. “What do we have boys?” Mr. Lyon sat behind his desk as the others were spread out around the room.
“We’re pretty much going around in circles, same as yesterday. These assholes have themselves well insulated.”
“I think it’s time we brought in the others. Todd, your place is going to be ready tomorrow right? You have room to put Jace and his crew up over there.”
“Yes Mr. Mancini.” Now we’re talking, get Track and his equipment over here.
“Law, Creed, you guys need to head back anytime soon?” Mr. Lyon sat back in his chair. There was something different about him, can’t put my finger on it but there’s a definite change.
“Nope, I don’t Creed?”
“Nah I’m good, as long as Jess don’t go into labor. She’s like a couple weeks out.”
“Good then that’s settled, Logan you guys were coming out here for a week anyway.”
“Yeah, but is your mom gonna be okay with all of us…”
“Are you shitting me? You’d be lucky if she lets you leave at the end of the week.”
“Okay, then we’re in.”
“When is the prom?” Tyler asked.
“It’s next Saturday.” I answered not quite getting why he wanted to know.
“We won’t leave until after.” Wait, were they planning to follow us there.
“Don’t worry kid we’ll just be in the area we won’t cramp your style.”
“I appreciate it thanks.” It was hitting home just what I was dealing with here. I’d spent the last four years trying to win her dad’s trust, now that was settled, there was a whole new element needed.
I’d won his trust sure, now I have to keep it. I’m sure he knows where this step is gonna lead, what comes next. But I’ll bide my time, baby steps as his wife had warned. But I’m not moving my girl into a building full of married couples with nothing on her finger.
Damn, I just jumped over one hurdle and already it’s on to the next. But I’m sure he’d see that this was the only thing that made sense. I sure as heck don’t plan on spending another four years proving it to him.
“I think it’s time we focused on the stuff Mengele and her friends were working on, let’s put that shit together and see where it leads us. How’re we doing on that IP address Hank?”