Page 75 of When The Noise Stops

"Sit down," I said.

He sat. On the edge of the couch. Elbows on his knees.

I sat on the other end.

He was quiet for a long time.

I already knew some of it. Tiny had told me after Miami. Pulled me aside and said, "You're gonna hear about Maggie eventually. Just—let him tell you when he's ready." So I waited.

"Her name is Maggie," he said.

"She was my wife."

I nodded. I knew that much. But I would acknowledge it because Tiny had told me. He wanted to make sure I was aware of her after Miami. He asked me not to say anything.

"And Gabby. She's not mine. Not biologically."

"Okay."

"I raised her. From the time she was a baby. I did everything. The bottles. The diapers. The first day of school. I was her father," he stopped. Started again.

"She cheated. We split. And when we split, she took Gabby. Said I had no claim. Said I wasn't her real father. Her lawyer told the judge there was no biological relationship. Like eight years was a hobby I'd picked up. The judge agreed."

I felt something twist in my chest. Not for me. For him.

"Knox—"

"I haven't seen her in three years. No visitation. No calls. Nothing. And then last night, Maggie shows up at my door with a duffel bag and Gabby, saying she needs somewhere to stay."

"You want me to beat her ass?"

He paused. Then he actually laughed.

"No."

"You sure? Because if I call Ronny, she can be here in five hours. We could probably have her body across state lines before breakfast. And we'll get away with it."

He rubbed a hand over his face, but he was still smiling.

It disappeared slowly.

"She needs somewhere to stay. I gave her the extra room. For now."

I nodded.

"Okay."

"That's it? Okay?"

"What do you want me to say?"

"I don't know," he rubbed his jaw.

"I wanted you to know. Before you—"

"Before I what?"

"Before you decided this was too much."