Page 18 of Paying Daddy's Debt Collector

“A man of your word? You? I doubt that.”

“I am this time. I swear. I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

I turn my back to him and prepare myself to smash in his face. I raise my fist but stop when he says, “Wait. Maybe that’s why…”

“Why what, you shit?”

“Oh.” He looks startled like he didn’t know he’d said the words aloud. “Uh, some guy was asking me about Cassidy and…and well…you.”

“What guy? Speak up before I break your teeth.”

“Just some guy. A young kid. Well dressed, dark hair, like a younger version of you—sort of.”

“What did you tell him?”

“Nothing, I didn’t tell him anything.”

“I don’t believe you. You had to have told him she was with me. You were the only one who knew.” I take another breath, pinch the bridge of my nose, and remind myself that right now, collecting information from him is more important than killing him. “Where did you see this man?”

“At the casino.”

“My casino?”

He drops his head. “No.”

“We found him at the Royale tonight,” Bobby breaks in.

“So, you wore out your welcome with us and moved over to the competition? Does this man who asked about your daughter work for the Royale?”

Sweat pours down his face as he realizes he’s busted. He’s breathing hard, skin flushing.

“I asked you a question. Does he work there?”

“Yes.”

“So you told one of my competitors that I had your daughter? You weren’t just making conversation. What did they give you in return for that information?”

“Nothing…”

I slap him in the face. “What’s your daughter’s life worth to you? Was it a free drink card? Did they clear your debt?”

“Her life?”

“Why would they want the information if they weren’t gonna use it to hurt me through her? You know what you did. You knew exactly what was on the line and you sold out your own kid. You’re the worst fucking father ever but you won’t have to worry about that anymore. When I get her back, you’ll be gone from her life. I’ll make sure of it.”

I turn to Bobby. “Get this piece of trash out of my sight before I end him.”

I’ve learned all I need to know. The Ramone family and I have had beef for a while, and it’s just a matter of time before it all comes to a head.

They took Cassidy as a bargaining chip. They probably plan to make me sweat it out for a day or two, and then they’ll call and tell me they have her. That’s their plan but that’s not how things are going to go down. When I think about Cassidy being alone and frightened surrounded by these thugs, I know what I have to do. I have to find her tonight. They have no business touching my girl.

Bobby comes back and asks, “What do you want us to do, boss?”

“We’re going across town to get her back.”

9

CASSIDY

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