“Henrik?”
“He’s with Laila watching a film in bed,” Jerrik answered.
“And the two delinquents?”
“Have their heads together trying to figure a way out of this mess.” Viggo chuckled.
That wasn’t happening. They were both up the creek without a paddle. “Thanks, boys, off to bed you go.”
Viggo and Jerrik both seemed disappointed, and I grinned. The kids loved getting one over on each other. They blew out deep breaths and went up the stairs to their rooms.
I headed into the lounge and found Lars and Oskar. Oskar looked sour, and Lars braced himself.
“The punishment stands. Two months’ no bike privileges and six months’ babysitting. If you argue, I’ll tack another month onto each. Tonight, you both disappointed me. I was treated as if I were an airhead with no common sense and certainly not worthy of making up my own mind. Your actions made me feel insignificant, uneasy, and I questioned myself. That is unacceptable.”
“We were worried,MosterJody,” Oskar said, looking a little shamefaced.
“Of what? Magic is no threat. In fact, your behaviour tonight could have caused real danger. What if something happened? When did Laila become aware Lars had snuck out?”
“Five minutes before I returned,” Lars admitted.
“And while Laila was in her room doing whatever, Oskar was watching his brothers alone. I bet in this house Oskar didn’t have them all in sight all the time. That was dangerous, and you’ve upset me. Go to your rooms, think about your actions and how you’d have felt if a terrible accident had happened.”
Lars and Oskar fled. They weren’t men, not yet. The boys might tower over me, but they were still children. Old enough to babysit but not to vote. Half man-half boy. They were at the in-between stage. While I’d let them find their footing and their own way in life, they had to understand I was the parent.
Three days later.
I shook the realtor’s hand and headed to my car. I’d checked out the medical practice that was up for sale and had been impressed. But I wouldn’t take anyone’s word that it was sound. I needed a builder to conduct a survey. And not knowing anyone here, I could only ask one person for a recommendation.
I drove to Magic’s Bar and noted the bikes outside. There always appeared to be people present, which was fantastic for business. I walked in and spotted Magic immediately. He caught sight of me and hurried around the counter.
“The kids okay?” he demanded.
“Yeah, why wouldn’t they be?” I questioned, puzzled.
“You’re in my bar, of your own accord,” Magic replied.
“Aren’t I allowed?”
“No!” Magic shouted. I frowned, and he ran a hand over his beard. “Let’s start again. Hey, what’s up?”
“Are you crazy?” I asked and laughed.
“Yes!” half the peanut gallery exclaimed.
I gaped and looked around at the amused faces. “Well, that answers that!” I quipped as Magic scowled at those drinking.
“Shut the fuck up,” he ordered.
“Who the hell places IED’s in a parking lot in case he’s attacked?” a guy called.
I blinked. Had Magic done that?
“The bar was bombed, and those IEDs saved your lives last time,” Magic shot back.
Beg your pardon?
“And who carries grenades around?” another biker shouted.
