Page 84 of Lost Boy

Mitch could hear the sneer in his father’s tone. He peeked around Byron’s shoulder. His father looked like shit. He hadn’t shaved in a couple of days and his hair wasn’t slicked back like normal. Hell, it didn’t even appear to have been brushed. “What happened to you?” Mitch couldn’t help but ask.

“What happened?” His father repeated. “I have a lot of pissed off people coming after me because someone hacked until my files! The information that is about to be released is going to bring down the firm and a lot of powerful people. The one time that I need my son, you are nowhere to be found.”

Mitch hadn’t expected that outburst. He stepped up beside Byron but stopped when Byron grabbed his elbow. “It doesn’t matter where I was because I’m not going to do anything for you. I already told you that you got yourself into this mess. It’s time you took responsibility for your own actions.”

“My actions?” His father said with a scoff. “My actions paid for your fancy schools and a first-rate education. Where would you be without me? That’s what you need to ask yourself.”

His father was never going to learn his lesson. Mitch was almost certain, almost, that Mac wouldn’t kill his father. He would try to convince the mysterious hit-man to spare his father’s life if it came to that. But seeing his father losing his law license would be justice. His father might even find himself serving time. While that might not be ideal, Mitch was prepared to watch his father go down. He just didn’t want the man dead.

“I don’t owe you for anything,” Mitch said firmly.

Byron’s arm went around his waist and he soaked up the strength from his Daddy.

“I would have traded all those private schools for just an hour of your time during the week. I went to Law school because you insisted. I have tried my entire life to make you proud.”

“Proud?” His father’s tone turned even nastier. “All I’m hearing is weakness. You’ve always been weak. Why would I be proud of that?”

“That’s the thing,” Mitch said. He felt powerful finally saying the words he’d only thought before. “I’m not weak. You’ve made me feel that way my entire life, but the truth is that I’m stronger than you’ll ever be.”

Beside him, Byron turned and smiled. He’d made his daddy proud. His father could go fuck himself.

“I don’t need you,” Mitch said. “I’m fine on my own. I have found a new job and have a partner that I love. You can get yourself out of this mess.”

“Love?” His father laughed. Cruelly. “Love is bullshit, son.”

“Love is everything,” Byron said. “I love Mitch and he loves me. And he’s right. He doesn’t need you. Whatever the fuck you did, you can do the right thing now, and leave Mitch out of it.”

“I need his help. He is the only one that can help me fix the files!”

“Fix them yourself,” Mitch demanded. “Or better yet, admit to what you and everyone at the firm have been doing.”

“You are just involved son. You worked there too.”

“I never did anything illegal.” Mitch was sure of that. He took his profession seriously. He’d suspected for a while that his father was more than an asshole. He was also a criminal asshole, but he hadn’t had proof until the last case he’d sat in on.

“Who’s going to believe that?”

Shit, his father might have a point. Mitch would be devastated if he lost his license. It might be a price he had to pay though if it meant his father couldn’t practice law any longer. It would be okay. He had Mitch and his friends. He’d figure something else out if it came to that.

“Anyone who knows him,” Byron answered.

Mitch peered up at him. Byron winked at him. “It’s true baby. Anyone who has met you, spent time with you, knows that you are a straight forward, honest man. No question about that.”

“That’s fantasy,” his father replied. “This is the real world. If I go down, I’ll take everyone down with me. Including my son.”

That was when Mitch remembered Mac saying that he would make sure Mitch was clear.

Mitch smiled. “Do whatever you have to do. I’m not afraid of you. Now either leave or I’ll have security escort you out of here.”

“You’ll be sorry.” His father stomped away but Mitch didn’t even watch him go. It was over as far as he was concerned.

“Come on boy,” Byron urged him forward. “Let’s get you some clothes. Then we’ll get the Chinese food before going home.”

“That sounds good,” Mitch admitted. “Although you have enough stuff for me at your house I don’t see why we have to stop here.”

Byron chuckled as they reached the garage elevator. “Because Daddy said.”

Mitch rolled his eyes. He could see Byron saying that a lot.

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