Page 147 of Simon Says

When Simon said nothing, Barnaby lost some of his congenial good humor. “A very successful fighter?”

His success would only be mentioned if Barnaby hoped to gain from it. Relaxing a little, Simon leaned back in his chair. “Yeah, I’m successful.”

“I thought so. You’ve been all over the news lately.” With an oily smile, Barnaby added, “I’ve been overcome with pride.” Then he scooped up another bite of pie.

Simon grew impatient. He took the plate and moved it out of Barnaby’s reach. “What do you want?”

“I can see small talk is a waste of time.”

Again, Simon said nothing.

“Fine.” Barnaby, too, sat back in his seat. “I need your help. There’s no one else for me to turn to or I wouldn’t be bothering you.”

Simon laughed at his audacity. “If you’re counting on me, then you’re really sunk. I have no intention of helping you in any way.”

“Perhaps you should let me tell you what I need?”

“I have about two drinks of juice left. That’ll give you three minutes, tops.”

Barnaby narrowed his eyes. “I need cash.”

“No. Anything else?”

“It’s important.” Hands flat on the tabletop, he leaned toward Simon. “I’ve been ill. I can’t work. I’m going to lose everything if—”

Simon wanted to walk out, just not yet. He still had to figure out what hold this man had over Dakota. “There are government programs to offer assistance to the needy. I’m not a program.” He swallowed the last of his juice and set the glass aside.

“I’ll lose my home.” Barnaby’s eyes shone with malice. “Dakota’s home.”

In the process of pulling a few bucks from his wallet, Simon froze. Slowly, he brought his gaze to meet Barnaby’s.

Sensing he had an advantage, Barnaby rushed into the rest of his speech. “Do you want her to lose the only real home she’s ever had?”

“I have no idea what you’re talking about.”

“Really?” Barnaby laughed. “You mean she never told you?” Another laugh.

Simon wanted to kill him. “Told me what?”

“I’m her stepfather.”

It felt like his heart stopped beating. Simon couldn’t move.

“Poor girl lost her daddy long ago. I married her mother and filled in the best I could. But Dakota was a difficult child. Too determined to have her own way. Too stubborn.” Barnaby propped his head on his hand. “She and her mother did not part on good terms. Dakota knows that her disrespect nearly destroyed Joan. If it wasn’t for me, I’m not sure Joan could have borne the pain of it.”

Simon stared beyond Barnaby. Had Dakota been as innocent as he assumed?

“Joan always had the hope that they’d one day reconcile. Of course, with Joan dying so unexpectedly, that didn’t happen.”

Anger made Simon’s movements awkward and stiff. He threw a ten on the table and closed his wallet. “How do I know you’re not lying?”

“About what?”

“Being her stepfather.”

“Well, isn’t that just like Dakota?” He shook his head as if amused. “I’m sure she has her reasons for not telling you. But I’m curious. Did she do anything at all to convince you?”

Simon kept silent.

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