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Get in and get out.
Needing to hold onto the railing up the porch steps, I take in the potted plants and the bench swing as I rap my knuckles against the front door.
Heavy footsteps pound on the other side, my heartbeat matching each thud. Twisting my hands together, I’m five seconds away from letting my nerves get the better of me. If it weren’t for the door opening, I’d be back in my car and hightailing it out of here.
Mr. Jackson cocks his brow, waiting for me to introduce myself, but I’m tongue tied.
“Whatever you’re selling, I’m not interested.”
Unable to speak a single word, I pull out the envelope from my purse and shove it at him. He swipes it from my hand, clearly not remembering who I am. But if I lived for a hundred years, I’d never forget him. Because of Luca, this man came into my life, beat the crap out of my father, and took me to a safe place.
“I’m Sara Lancaster. I knew your son a few years ago. This money,”—I point to the envelope— “is the twenty thousand dollars I took from Luca, knowing full well he stole it from you. I also took this.” Digging out the gun I also know Luca took from his father, I hold it out for him. Slowly, he takes it from my hand.
“You’ve had this, and this cash, all this time?”
“I spent the cash to see me through school. I’ve been saving the last couple of years. I’m not a thief, and I promised myself I’d pay back every cent when I could.” Pointing to the envelope, I add, “This is me paying you back.”
Weighing the gun in his hand, he asks, “Have you had to use this?”
I shake my head.
“I remember who you are. Why pay me back now? Why at all?”
“You were the only adult who ever helped me. I wasn’t going to thank you by never repaying you. Also, I’m in town for my father’s funeral.”
The bastard finally burned himself to death in a drunken stupor, passing out with a lit cigarette.
“I’d offer my condolences, but I assume you wouldn’t care for them. Plus, I’m not sorry he’s dead.”
He’s right. I feel nothing but relief that he’s dead. I’m here for closure, and to make sure he’s really fucking gone from this world.
“Anyway, I’ve righted my wrong, and I’m sorry I took it in the first place. I really am.”
Turning for my car, I make it to the bottom of the steps when he calls out, “You fucked my boy up, twisted him up and shit, running like you did.”
His words slice through my heart, and I squeeze the image of Luca out of my head.
“Is he included in your quest for a clear conscience?” he asks.
Not everything can be made right. The sooner my deadbeat dad is in the ground, the sooner I can leave this town behind me forever.
Or rather, that’s the plan.
