Page 121 of Black Flag

And when I thought alittle more, my family never condoned that type of behavior I displayed last nightbut I knew in the face of everything, my family was on my side and would doanything to protect me.

“I thought for sure Iwas going to have to bail you out of jail.” Dad shook his head stepping closer.Yanking me forward, we walked down the hall. “Van called...” his voice faded as he waited for me toask.

“What did he say?”

“It’s not important.”he smiled the same crooked grin I had.

His hand swept acrossthe back of his neck. His expression was one of love that brought me back towhen I’d wreck my car. It didn’t matter if I’d lost my head and wadded the carup. He was still there for me. Now wasn’t any different. He was here, helpingme repair what I destroyed.

“I have to leave forEldora tonight. I won’t be back for two weeks. Are you going to be okay here?Will you control your temper while I’m gone?”

“I’ll try.” I saidcoldly, fumbling with the hem of my shirt. I wasn’t trying to be short but Iwas and he knew I meant nothing by it.

“We haven’t calledCharlie yet. Your mom tried to but ended up just crying. So that hasn’t beendone.”

I nodded lightly.“Should I call him before I leave?”

“I think we shouldwait. Sway and the baby are stable, for now. I just think it’s best if we knoweverything before we call him.”

“How long will he get?”I asked changing subjects but I knew he’d know what I was referring to.

“Yeah, so about that,”his hand swept across the back of his neck once more. “He’d have to be foundbefore that happens and that’s probably never going to happen.” he pausedlooking at me with concern. “That’s why I’m going to have Phillip meet withyou. I really can’t see where any of this would come back to you.”

I started breathingheavy again. Remembering the night, I leaned forward gripping the edge of thegranite counter top where we had stopped.

“Did I...?”

Even if I did kill him,I had no regrets. Not after what he did.

“Van didn’t come outand say it in so many words, but I saw Darrin when we left. I think you did.”He paused and took a deep breath. “Did the doctor let you know the results ofthe test?”

I felt my entire bodytense just thinking of that goddamn word. “He said it was inconclusive.”

He nodded and lookeddown at his phone that buzzed.

“I’ve have to go. Wesis waiting for me.” His hand came up to grasp my shoulder. “Get over here shithead.”

I laughed lightlyagainst his shoulder as we hugged. “Thanks dad.”

“Keep an eye on Aiden.”he said. “That kid is like a ticking time bomb today.”

I laughed again beforepulling away. “How did it go with you guys?”

“Those two are worsethan you and Sway when it comes to bad decisions.” He drew in a deep breath andshrugged into his jacket. “I can’t even imagine what would make the two of themdecide to get married,” he paused glancing around fugitively. “...wait a second...is she fucking pregnant?”

“Don’t ask me,” I heldmy hands in defense. “I don’t know!”

“Emma!” he yelled afterher when she snuck out of the room and ran down the hall away from him. “Getback here you little shit.”

Walking back to Sway’sroom, I heard the end of their conversation.

“No dad! I swear I’mnot pregnant.”

“Well good, butseriously!” he pushed her shoulder walking further down the hall. “What thefuck is wrong with you?”

“I grew up with Spencerand Jameson.” She mused. “You shouldn’t expect so much from me.”

He slung his arm aroundEmma. “At least get the asshole to buy you a decent ring.” He told her. “Thatone looks like shit.”

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