Page 107 of Shadow and Skulls

I wasn’t sure I wanted to come, but I wanted to show Lexi, and I guess even Jason, my support. My dad looked at me like I was nuts when I asked him if I could go.

“You’re too forgiving.”

“Everyone deserves a second chance.”

“Not everyone.”

“Okay, I’ll agree with you on that. But I think deep down there are good souls who do bad things, because for whateverreason they lost sight of the light. It doesn’t mean they can’t find it again.”

My dad looked across the lake. “I’m sorry I can’t make the world a better place for you.”

“Oh, but you have.”

He laughed lightly. “Just like your mother.”

My mom scoots down, making room for my dad. He sits between her and Jason, winking at me. I warned Jason that the club will continue to put the fear of God in him in the coming weeks, months, and maybe even years. And perhaps that’s what he needs. At least until he finds his light again.

“Sorry I’m late. Club meeting went longer than expected.”

Mom pats his hand and then jumps to her feet when the ref makes a bad call. “Come on ref!” she yells. “Open your eyes!”

The man in black and white stripes looks over his shoulder at her and recognition sets in. I see him mouth ‘great’ as he turns his focus back to the game. He remembers her from when my brothers played ball. Lily might be sweet, but she can pull it out when she needs to. Especially when it comes to her kids.

Ash pushes his way up the steps, then makes his way down the row to me. I wonder if he came with my dad. Huh. I didn’t see that one coming.

My mom swats his butt as he passes. “You make a better door than window,” she growls.

He looks at her like she’s grown two heads.

“Yeah, she’ll go back to being Mother Theresa as soon as the final buzzer goes off.”

“They’re doing pretty good, huh?”

“Yeah. Great actually. I didn’t know you liked basketball,” I say a few minutes later.

“I don’t. Whatishe doing here?” His eyes narrow down the aisle toward Jason.

“Mom and Dad are here,” I tell him, hoping he didn’t waste his money to get in for me.

“Yeah, I know.”

“Did Tank send you?” I ask.

He guffaws at that. “I’ve moved on from that shit.” He taps two fingers over the patch on his cut. “I’m patched in, baby. I don’t take orders from no prospect.”

I grab his arm excitedly. “What did you just say?”

He swallows hard. “Uh, I said I don’t take orders from anyone.”

My brows pull together as I try to remember his exact words.

“Lexi. I’m here for Lexi,” he says quickly.

That halts my thoughts, making them change course instantly. “Lexi?”

“Yeah. I mean your parents are here to see you home safely. She doesn’t have anyone.”

I look down the court to where the cheerleaders are gathered. Her hands are clapping, but she’s not here … her mind is somewhere else as she stares at a fixed spot on the floor.

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