Page 213 of Restless
Make her swear on the bible.
“Will you swear on a bible?”
“Will it make you happy?”
“As long as it’s the truth.”
“It is.”
For now.
“Later, after I talk to Dad, come to my room.”
She shrugged. “Whatever.”
Sweeping her hair to the side, she turned and walked away.
Stab her.
Rule clapped his hands over his ears, not that it did any good.
Walking into the family room, he found Mom dancing with Uncle Johnnie toGood Timeby Alan Jackson. She looked so happy because she loved to dance. Sometimes, when it was just Mom, Dad, Rule, and his siblings, she even convinced Dad to bust some moves. Mainly, though, it was her, CJ, and Rebel. When Diesel lived at home, he sometimes joined in.
Uncle Mort was Mom’s usual male dance partner. Dad trusted him, and few other men were brave enough to approach her because they feared Outlaw.
Outlaw is gone.
Megan stole Outlaw.
Rebel dragged Diesel to where Mom and Uncle Johnnie were. Taking her cue, CJ held out his hand to Jaleena.
Rule started to back away, but Dad spotted him and beckoned him over.
Confess and prepare to face your father’s wrath.
As usual, Rule had no choice but to obey.
Interlude – Do Not Go Gentle – Joey
Fourteen-year-old Joseph “Joey” Foy II looked up from the book of poetry he’d stolen from Christopher Caldwell’s room. The jack shit moved to the club a year ago and stole away the love and attention of Joey’s father. While bugger head was out, Joey went into his room, saw the poetry book, swiped it, and commandeered Rack, K-P, and his father. Now, they sat at a table, while Joey read a poem by one of the most famous Welsh poets of all time.
He reread the first stanza under his breath. It didn’t matter. He still didn’t understand it. “What does it mean, Dad?”
Big Joe shrugged. “Don’t die easily.” Displeasure oozed from each word.
Feeling attacked, Joey stiffened. “If your time’s up, you’re going to die. You don’t have a fucking choice.”
Glaring, his father polished off his pint of rum.
“What’d I do now?” Joey demanded.
“Stole.” The word fell from Big Joe’s lips like shards of ice. “That’s Christopher’s book. I’d bet my fucking life he didn’t lend it to you, so you went into his room without his permission.”
“What if I did?” Joey challenged, refusing to confirm or deny the accusations. “He’d steal my shit without second thought.”
“He wouldn’t, son,” Big Joe said with a sigh. “A thief is the worst motherfucker alive. You’ll never have trust or respect.”
“It’s just a stupid book. If I don’t understand it, you know he doesn’t.”
