Page 85 of Silent Damage

Jason shrugs with a cocky flair and replies, “Walked right into the manager’s office and told him to give me a chance.”

When did that happen?

Mom reaches across the table and pats Jason’s arms. “That’s wonderful, Jason! That shows real gumption.”

“Where?” Doug asks.

Jason doesn’t answer for a few moments, but then he picks up his fork and says, “It’s not really a ”place” per se. The guy’s kind of an entrepreneur. He’s got his hands in a lot of pots, and I’m hoping he’ll find a place for me somewhere.”

“Like Old Man McGinty. Are you going to work in one of his shops?” she asks excitedly.

Jason looks at Mom and says, “I don’t want to jinx it by talking about it out loud. I’m a little nervous for the interview, you know?”

Mom nods. “That makes sense. Well, don’t be worried about it. You’re very charming, and I’m sure you’ll ace it.”

“Thanks, Linda,” Jason says before shoving a forkful of food into his mouth.

“Hope it’s legit.”

Doug’s words hang in the air, shifting the mood entirely.

Mom intervenes immediately. “Of course it’s legit. Doug, you should be—”

“What do you consider legit?” Jason asks in a pointed tone.

“I’m saying it better not be drugs or guns or any of that other shit the HellCats get up to.”

Jason cocks his head to the side with a look of disdain on his face. “Would that really be so bad? Didn’t you actually kill people in combat?”

Doug points his finger at Jason. “That’s different."

“How?” Jason spits back.

Doug’s face is red with rage. “I was serving my country!”

Jason leans forward, his teeth clenched. “So, you murdered people for a country that left you high and dry in a trailer park. Is that right?”

Doug slams his fist on the table and screams, “Listen, you—”

Mom puts her hands up and says, “Guys, let’s n—”

“So, not only are you a murderer, but you’re also an abusive asshole who booted his family out of their home when he found a new—”

“Watch your mouth,” Doug interrupts, his face growing redder by the moment.

Jason leaps out of his chair and hollers, “Who the fuck are you to judge what’s legit, you trash bag?”

Doug rises next, squaring up with Jason, and I’m on my feet, primed and ready because like hell is Doug touching Jason again.

“Boys! Stop this,” Mom yells.

“You don’t want to do this, little boy,” Doug warns as he cracks his knuckles.

“You wish I were little. Then you could use me as your whipping boy for being a fucking loser!”

Doug’s fist flies, but I’m already leaping between them, and it connects with my face.

I fall backward into Jason, who goes nuclear. “You hit Gabe! I’ll fucking kill you, old man!”