Page 55 of Relentles
“I’m sorry, Uncle,” she said with a sigh, then lowered her lashes.
At the opening door, she jumped to her feet, but relaxed when Rory entered, carrying a tray of food. Upon seeing Tabitha, he halted.
She smiled widely. “Hi, Ro.”
Clearing his throat, Rory nodded, then walked to the dresser and sat the overflowing tray down. An empty plate sat underneath another one that was covered with aluminum foil. Two glasses of orange juice sat between two steaming cups of coffee, the aroma wafting to Johnnie. There were also utensils, napkins, two vials of medicine and two syringes. “I thought you’d be hungry, Dad. I have food for us because I wanted to eat with you.”
Touched by his son’s regard, Johnnie nodded. He wasn’t particularly hungry, still needed a piss, and wanted a dose of morphine.
“As for the location of the cabin, Uncle Johnnie,” Tabitha said, drawing his attention again, “you’re going to think I’m a total flake, but I couldn’t give directions to save my life. The cabin is in the middle of nowhere, so it is hard for me to explain how to get there. I could ask my friend, but I figured the less people know where she’ll be, the safer it’ll be for her.”
“Safer for who?” Rory asked.
“No one,” Tabitha blurted as Johnnie volunteered, “your Aunt Megan. Tabitha has a friend who owns a cabin and she’sbeen trying to get Megan to spend a few days there resting and recuperating. I wanted the address but, well, you heard.”
Irritation settling into her face, she folded her arms. “Wow, you don’t hide anything from your son.”
Rory glanced between Johnnie and Tabitha. “Is there a reason he should?”
She gasped. “What are you implying?”
“Yeah, son,” Johnnie said with indignation. “Just what the fuck are you implying?”
“I’m happily married to Diesel and I fucking resent—”
“Lady, I don’t give a good fuck what you resent. You’re married to Diesel, but I sure the fuck wouldn’t say happily.”
“That’s enough, Rory,” Johnnie ordered.
“Seriously, dude?”
No matter what a pussy CJ was, he listened to Christopher and respected him enough to call him ‘Dad’ or ‘Outlaw’. Johnnie would allow Rory to do no less. “I’m your father, not your dude!”
Scowling, Rory ignored Johnnie. “My mother doesn’t like you, Tabitha. Neither does my little sister. Aunt Meggie only tolerates you for Diesel and Rebel despises you, so you coming in here while my dad’s undressed and injured is bullshit.”
“I came out of concern forAunt Meggie,” she spat.
“If you’re really concerned and want her to go somewhere to recuperate, ask your fucking friend to give Dad the location, so he can check it out. The next time Uncle Christopher shoots him, he’ll be dead. If you’re trying to fuck over Aunt Meggie by sending her in the middle of nowhere…”
Tabitha’s eyes rounded and Johnnie lifted his brow.
“You’re trying to get me killed?” she said in a trembly voice. “I only want to help. Nothing more. The cabin stays empty more often than not. My friend uses it mainly in the summer to fish, since it sits near a river or something.”
Although his son still looked skeptical, Johnnie decided to step in. After all, he needed Megan away for his own purposes. If Kendall didn’t love luxury so much, he might suggest she go with Megan.
“Son, I promise you that Tabitha means your aunt no harm. My instinct is telling me she’s above board. She’s worried about her husband. Diesel’s concern for Megan is interfering with his marriage. That’s it.”
Laying a hand on her chest, Tabitha sniffled. “Thank you, Uncle Johnnie. Your ardent defense means the world to me.”
Rory snorted. “I’m hungry, Tabitha. Can you get the fuck out so my dad and me can eat?”
“One day, I hope you’ll learn to have the same gentlemanly qualities as your father. He knows how to treat a lady.”
“You’re a scheming cunt, like most girls, so I’m not fucking impressed. As long as my dad treats my mom, my sister, my aunts, and my cousins with respect, I don’t give a fuck how he treats another bitch, so save your fucking lecture.”
Regret washed through Johnnie, deflating his anger. Over the last few weeks, he’d noticed a marked change in his son, and it was all his fault.
“Dad, you better know what you’re doing,” Rory said.
