Page 16 of Jack

"Give me one good reason why not."

"She's going to be steamed."

"I said good."

He still had her hand in a tight grip. "Iam grounded." He told her woodenly. "My dad is—"he swallowed his drink. "He's a jerk—" he shook hishead. "It's not his fault that he's not there for me," heblinked, but not before Zuri saw the hint of tears and the unhappylook on his face. "He's busy. He's an important man and does nothave time—" he shrugged. "He's busy."

Zuri never made the mistake of thinkingthat people with money were happier than people without. She hadlearned over the years that everyone had their own cross to bear.

"Where's your mom?" She asked himgently.

Lifting his hand from hers, he clasped itaround his can. "She did not want me." He looked defiant ashe raised his head to stare at her. "She preferred the money.It's no big deal."

"Of course it is." Her voicesoftened as she reached out to touch his hand briefly. "But youhave your grandmother who from what I saw when she came here, sheloves you."

He nodded. "I guess."

"What will they say to know that youhave disobeyed them again?" She asked curiously.

For a minute, she saw fear flash in hiseyes, before it was ruthlessly shut down. She had a feeling that thekid knew how to hide his hurt and pain.

"He's threatening to send me toboarding school. I don't care."

"You do." She sighed as shelooked at him and knew she was being drawn into something she had nobusiness getting involved in. "Ten minutes."

Zach figured that if he hadn't been charmedby Jazmine and enjoying the simple yet meticulous task of teachingher how to draw a pint and thrilled himself by watching her flitbetween tables to deposit a tray with careful ease, he would havenoticed that his sister was missing. Usually, she would be around thecounter at the busiest time in the bar, either ragging on a patron orhanding out drinks and counting off money—or she would poparound the back to see what was going on with the meals.

Tonight, being Saturday, they were servingchicken fingers, fries and bowls of vegetable soup. Tearing his gazefrom the lovely picture Jazmine made in her painted-on jeans andblack silk blouse, he scanned the second level and not seeing herthere, he turned his eyes to the lower level and went as still asstone.

Handing Milt his rum and tonic, he tookseveral deep breaths and waited until the flurry of anger had abatedto a manageable level. Turning to Gary, he handed the task over tohim and taking one last longing look in Jazmine's direction, he madehis way purposefully towards the secluded booth where hissoon-to-be-dead sister was huddled cozily with the teenager. Thewealthy teenager who should be home tucked in bed at—He glancedat his watch. At Christ! Almost midnight. He was going to kill her.He savored the how of it as he advanced on them.

The kid noticed him first and must haveseen the murderous expression on his face, because he half rose,causing Zuri to turn around.

He saw the guilt flash over her face to bereplaced by an airy expression.

"Kid, stay put. I need to have a wordwith my sister." His voice was calm and controlled, consideringthat his thoughts were in turmoil.

She rose gracefully, sending a reassuringlook towards the kid.

"I know what you're going to say,"she began as he steered her towards the second level and into acorner of the room that was unoccupied.

"I bet you don't. What the hell is hedoing here again and why for Christ's sake are you having a drinkwith him instead of sending him home?"

She paced away to straighten a table.

"He snuck in."

"Again. I am going to have a serioustalk with Boris."

"He came in with a family."

"That's not a damn excuse."Heaving out a breath, he strove for calm. "What are you doing,Zoo?"

"He's lonely," she muttered.

His eyes narrowed as he took in the guiltyexpression on her face.

"He's not your responsibility."

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