Page 118 of Sins of the Father

Steven’s eyes turn to slits. “You’re going to protect him over me?”

“No! You’re my son. I love you.”

“But you love him, too, don’t you?”

She closes her eyes, as if in pain.

“Tell me what he’s involved in, right now.”

She covers her face. “I can’t.”

“You’re not going to tell me?”

“It’s... Steven, you have to trust me.”

He scowls. “So, you’re going to let me work on his campaign blindly?”

“No. You can’t have any part of it.”

“I have no choice,” Steven growls.

“Tell him no,” Beth says.

“Did you not hear me say I’ll get fired?”

Silence.

The car stops, and Ted opens the door.

“Harper, stay in the car. Let’s go, Mom.”

“Goodnight,” his mom says to me.

“Goodnight,” I reply.

Steven gets out and escorts his mom into the building. He’s gone about ten minutes then gets back in the vehicle.

I slide my hand under his tux jacket and over his heart. It’s pounding fast and hard, and he closes his eyes.

“Did your mom tell you?”

He tilts his head toward me. “No. I told her if she can’t tell me, then not to contact me again.”

My pulse quickens. I stay silent.

“Why are you looking at me like that?”

“Like what?”

“As if I’m in the wrong.”

“I’m not judging you. This is my I’m-concerned-about-you-and-feel-horrible-about-what’s-happening-tonight look.”

“It is?”

“Yes.”

“Okay. Mental note taken.”

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