Page 44 of Injustice and Absolution

She gets up with an enraged huff then takes her food into the other room. I feel Draven’s stare on me from the other end of the table. My eyes shoot to his quickly before I look at the other faces surrounding me.

“Do any of you know who the fuck this guy is?” I query everyone still seated.

“Not personally,” Chubbs chimes in. “I think he’s an acquaintance of Robby’s kid.”

“My brother, Robby? Mickey knows him?”

“Yeah, I think so,” Chubbs answers, shrugging his shoulders.

“So how did Delilah meet him?”

“A party we threw.” This time it’s Ronin who speaks up, his tone just about as irritated as mine. He’s had a crush on Delilah for a long time.

“What party?” I don’t ever remember seeing this guy before. “When?”

“While you were in Memphis.”

Fucking Memphis. Here’s yet another reason why I never should have gone.

Letting my anger get the best of me, I stand and head into my office for some peace and quiet. I sit at my desk for a while, trying to calm down. When nothing helps, I turn on my computer and decide that checking work emails may be a necessary distraction.

Once I’m logged in, my mouse hovers over the icon that will bring up my internet browser. But before I click it, my eyes are pulled to the icon next to that one.

To the audio program Draven and I have been using the past several years to make sure Delilah wasn’t getting curious and asking questions about the disappearance of her father.

What kind of person would it make me if I listen in? It’s nothing I haven’t done before, but never when she’s had someone over. Although she’s never had a guy over, at least not that I’m aware of.

Whoisthis guy, though?

Does she even know him that well?

I let the weak rationalization that I need to make sure she’s safe drown out any semblance of privacy she’s entitled to.

As well as annihilate the last possible ounce of decency I have.

Throwing on my headphones, I open the program. As it loads, I tap my fingers on the surface of my desk impatiently—still questioning my sanity. Once it’s open, I pull up the feed from her room. Instantly, the sound of her voice fills my ear.

“...glad you were able to get away from the club tonight, but are you sure you don’t want to go see the movie?” she asks.

“Well, it’s not hard to do when you own the place...”

Delilah giggles like what he said was actually funny.

“...but I’m sure. I’m kind of worn out. It’s been one thing after another there this week, so I’d rather just chill here with you, if that’s all right?”

No, it’s not all right.

“Of course. I just feel bad that you drove all this way for nothing.”

“Not for nothing, pretty girl. I have you in my arms, don’t I?”

Wow, what a charmer. I roll my eyes and shake my head at his obvious attempt at flattery. Delilah will never fall for it.

“You’re so sweet to me.”

Or maybe she will. I roll my eyes again at her foolishness.

Or is it jealousy? You wanted her to be this happy, and now she is. But you aren’t the reason for it, you dumbass.

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