AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Claire told me about the marriage counseling. She says you and Mimi are on the brink of divorce. Cut her some slack, Zeke. She’s sixteen and going through a rough time.”
Zeke looked startled. “Claire’s the one who told you about the counseling? We never told the kids. How did she know?”
Allie rolled her eyes. “For a cop, you’re pretty clueless.”
“We haven’t used the word divorce,” Mimi said softly. “At least, not yet.”
“You’re damn right we haven’t,” Zeke said. “No one’s getting a divorce here. Everything’s fine.”
“Really? Because from where I sit, it doesn’t look so fine. I’ve never met two people more meant for each other than the two of you and if you don’t know what you have then…” Then what? “Then you don’t deserve one another!”
For a second, no one said anything. It emboldened Allie to go on. She reached out and touched Zeke on the arm. “Remember what an asshole Dad was? Is that the kind of relationship you want to have with your daughter? One based on fear?”
Instantly, Allie realized it was the wrong thing to say.
Zeke’s entire face changed. He laughed, short and bitter sounding. “Who made you parent of the year? Yesterday you couldn’t even drive because your license was suspended. Get your own life together before you come around here preaching crap you know nothing about.”
Allie winced. She should have never compared her brother to that worthless sack of nothing that had been their father. “I’m sorry, you’re right. You’re nothing like Dad—”
“Damn straight I’m not.”
Tom stepped in between them. “I think we should all go home before we start saying things we’re going to regret.”
“Yeah? Thanks for the advice, buddy. Here’s something I definitely know I’m not going to regret.” Zeke made a fist and punched Tom in the face, landing him flat on the ground.
“Zeke!” Allie yelled. “Have you gone crazy?” She helped Tom get up. Blood squirted from his nose and down his T-shirt. Oh God. Why did there have to be blood?
“I’ve been waiting twelve years to do that.” Zeke rubbed his knuckles. He smiled for the first time tonight. “Damn if that didn’t feel good.”
“Are you all right?” Allie asked Tom.
He pulled up the edge of his shirt to staunch the blood dripping down his nose. “I’ll live.” He looked at Zeke. “I probably had that coming. But don’t hit me again. Got it?”
“Got it,” Zeke said calmly.
The two men stared at each other for a second as if they’d come to some sort of understanding. Good. Glad they got that settled, but Allie would never understand the male psyche.
“Give me your keys to the truck. I’ll drive you home,” Allie said.
“How are you getting back to the house?” Zeke said.
“I’ll figure something out.”
Zeke wisely kept his mouth shut.
After a few long seconds, Mimi broke the silence. “Thank you for everything, Tom. Even though he might not act like it, Zeke and I appreciate your help.” She ignored her husband’s glare and gave Allie a weak smile. “So I’ll see you later tonight?”
Allie nodded, then she remembered the promise she’d given Jordan’s mother. “Can you give Claire a message? While she still has a cell phone in her possession can you tell her to call her friend Jordan? Her mom’s worried about her and wants her to go home.”
“Will do,” Zeke said. He followed Mimi to the minivan and they took off down the road leaving Tom and Allie alone.
“Are you okay?” Tom asked.
“Me? I’m not the one who just got pulverized by my brother.”
“I mean, are you okay with this?” He pointed to his nose. Blood oozed down his chin.
“Oh, yeah, I’m…okay. Just don’t go hemorrhaging on me or anything. Then I can’t make any promises.” She went to his truck hoping to find a rag or an extra set of clothes to act as a pressure bandage. As usual, Tom’s truck was spotless. “Why can’t you be like most guys and have a messy car?” she muttered.
