Only, if there was a god, they’d get a way to escape. Maybe there would be a shaman-related incident on the rez that needed the older man’s help.
ASAP.
Because he knew that he’d bear the brunt of his grandson’s angst, Timothy just sighed. He’d caused this mess years ago, and he certainly had it coming.
Still…
In his mind, there was no point in beating this particular dead horse, now was there? It was clear the boys were on the same side on that one.
Because he knew that his actions all of those years ago hurt Ethan, he let him take his shots.
For now.
“It smells really good in here,” Gene offered, trying to redirect the conversation before it became a standoff at the‘Definitely-Not-Okay Corral’.
Ethan was getting twitchy.
This was something that Ethan could agree on. It did smell good in there.
“What are we having for dinner?” Ethan asked. “Oh, and after, we’re heading to a hotel. You can go home, Callen. I’ve vacated. You don’t have to hide out here.”
Timothy didn’t argue with trying to get the man to stay. It appeared that Gene Cantrell was a force to be reckoned with in Ethan’s life. It was rare for anyone to be able to calm this savage beast.
Gratefully, Gene was taking his advice and getting his grandson out of here.
For now.
Timothy ignored the last part and answered the more important question.
“We are having an elk roast with potatoes and carrots. It’s one of your favorites,” he offered. “I thought it would be a good meal we could share. I killed the elk myself a few months ago when Callen and I went hunting.”
Surprisingly, Ethan didn’t argue.
That was pleasant.
For a change.
“Sounds good,” he offered, annoyed by that once more. Ethan couldn’t recall when the old man ever went hunting with him. Oh, he’d send him and Callen out together, or he’d try to get Wyler to take him, but he rarely took him.
Ethan just assumed he never wanted to, and this seemed to solidify this for him.
The ugly truth once more reared its head.
Callen was his son.
Ethan was the outsider.
“I bet that was fun,” Ethan offered. “Did you have a good time?” he asked his brother.
Oh, Jesus.
Callen knew this was a loaded comment. He did have a good time, but he knew that Ethan didn’t ask things like that for funsies.
Or to just know.
They were almost always pointed.
And that tip was poisoned.
