Page 118 of Badges
Who knows?
I’ll take the light at the end of the tunnel, that Elena will finally be free of the ankle monitor.
That will make the surprise I have planned for her even better.
When I pull into the parking lot of the station, Dad’s car is already sitting there.
But stepping inside, my stomach drops when I see who he’s talking to.
Fucking Paige.
“I thought you were taking leave?” I grumble as I walk through the main room.
She narrows her eyes at me. “I needed the money now that you made me single.”
Dad glances between us, his brows raising.
“I didn’t do that. You’re the one who put yourself in that position.” I wave at him to follow. I don’t have the patience to deal with her right now.
“What position?” he asks when we make it into my truck.
“Horizontal with her legs spread.” I hit the gas a little harder than I intended, making the gravel churn under the tires.
He snorts. “Did you fuck her? Before Elena, I hope?”
“Yea, Dad. Thanks for the vote of confidence. It was long before Elena, but Paige’s husband just found out and booted her ass out a couple of weeks ago.” Today is a day I’m starting to question if I want to keep working at this job.
Between the D.A. being a dick and Paige being back, it’s going to make things miserable.
“Does Elena know?” He doesn’t look at me, but I can feel him judging.
“Yes. I’m not hiding anything from her.” I take the turn that leads into the industrial section of Campton.
“Except what happened to her father.” This time he looks at me.
I hate that I told him in a moment of weakness.
But at the time I needed someone to help me with the pain. It wasn’t just what I did to Quincy, it was losing Maria too.
“That was a long time ago, Dad. I’ll tell her.” I pull up to the autobody shop and stop. “I’m sure there’s shit you never told Mom. It didn’t ruin your relationship.”
“The stuff I kept from her were things at work I wasn’t allowed to talk about. Or maybe an extra beer when I was out with friends.” He glances at me, then reaches over to pat my arm. “But I understand why that would stay in the past.
I’m not sure how I feel about that.
He’s giving me an out, yet now I almost feel guilty for taking it.
“Here’s the keys. Remember, give me ten minutes.” I flip them by the ring for him to take.
“See you at home, son.” He raises his arm in a wave after he shuts his door.
Maybe he’s right?
I should tell her. I just need to figure out the right time.
Not today.
She’s standing in the kitchen, stirring something delicious on the stove when I get home.
