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“Are you being blackmailed into marrying Ethan Fox?” he asks, raising his voice.
“No, no, it’s not like that. I mean, it’s faster than I wanted, but it’s fine. Ethan and I have known each other for a long time?—”
“It’s hardly a reason to marry. What the hell are you doing, Phee?”
“I’m doing what we always thought I’d do.”
“That was before this mess.”
“His family has taken care of me throughout this mess.”
He snorts. “Hardly out of the goodness of their hearts, I’m sure.”
“What does that mean? You know what, it doesn’t matter. Considering what’s happened, Dad, I don’t think you can criticize them?—”
“What did I just say about guilt?”
“Why would you cut a deal? Why not fight it? If you’re not guilty, you can win. Just tell the truth?—”
He laughs outright, which has me fisting my hands in my lap. “You’re naïve, sweetheart. And that’s my fault. I was too protective of you. I let you believe the world was a good place. But I need you to listen to me now. I don’t want you marrying Ethan Fox.”
“Why not? You and the Foxes always thought we’d be married someday.”
“Someday is gone. Things are different.”
“For you, yes, but out there for me the Foxes have been like family.”
“Family? They are not your family.” What he sees in my expression makes him backtrack. “Do you love him?”
“What?” I ask, feeling a strange catching in my throat.
“Because from where I’m sitting, it sounds like obligation. Like blackmail.”
“Why would you say that? I’ve known Ethan for ten years. We grew up together.”
“That’s not an answer to my question.”
“Five minutes,” a guard calls out.
“Tell me something else. Do the Foxes know you’re here, Phee?”
I hesitate, but he raises his eyebrows and looks at me the way he used to when I was younger. “No,” I say, eyes cast down.
“I’m guessing they wouldn’t be pleased.”
“You’re the one who had your lawyer send me that letter telling me to stay away!”
Dad sighs and sets his elbow on the table, hand to his mouth as he studies me for what feels like an eternity. I know this stance. This is him thinking up his plan, adding up the pros and cons before proceeding.
“You’re disappointed,” I say when I can’t stand the silence a moment longer.
“Sweetheart,” he starts putting his hand over mine. “I want the best for you, and Ethan Fox is not it.”
“Did Silas tell you that?” I ask. “I didn’t realize you two were so close.”
“Time.” The guard calls for prisoners to line up, and chairs scrape as visitors and prisoners say their goodbyes.
I hate to say it, but I’m relieved.
