Page 64 of Bossy Baby

“I’m not asking for you to put me up,” Lance said. “I know you’re otherwise occupied.”

“How long have you been in town?”

“Long enough,” Lance responded. “But you know I watch all of you.”

Mac growled. While it was good that someone had his back, Mac also didn’t like being watched.

“I’m glad you finally got your boy,” Lance said.

“I don’t. Not anymore. I have to tell him.”

“You were going to have to eventually.”

Mac knew that. He’d just hoped for more time.

“He might surprise you,” Lance suggested.

“You ran him?” Mac was offended on behalf of his boy. Hayley was everything that was good in the world.

“Of course I did. He’s not only yours. How he handles your past will affect us all.”

“I’ll kill anyone who comes near him.” That was a promise.

“Exactly.” Lance waited a few moments. “Want the file?”

“Fuck no,” Mac spat. “Destroy it.”

“Already done.”

Mac huffed in annoyance.

“I don’t need a place. I found one. I just wanted you to know I’d be around. Keeping an eye on things.”

“Fucking wonderful,” Mac responded. Everything was spinning out of control. He hated not being in control. “Call next time.”

“Just making sure you haven’t gone soft.” Lance smiled. “You have a boy to protect now.”

“Get out,” Mac ordered. Fuck his life.

“Sure, man.” Lance pushed away from the wall. He exited the house as quietly as he’d entered.

Mac set the gun on the counter and dropped his head.

This was it. He’d run out of time.

“How much did you hear?” He didn’t even lift his head.

“Pretty much all of it.”

“I can take you back to your apartment. Or call you a cab or something if you don’t want me to drive you,” Mac offered. It was the least he could do.

“Can we sit?” Hayley asked.

“Sure.” Mac waited until Hayley pulled out a chair before he chose the one farthest away.

“You’re going to have to look at me eventually.” Hayley’s voice was soft.

“I’m sorry.” Mac rubbed the back of his head. “I wouldn’t have let you get hurt.”

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