Page 250 of Restless
“CJ, kid, I know you’re angry with her, but she has suffered, too. The boys at the club with me. Her momma and me barely speaking. She got beat up. She misses you—”
“No, she doesn’t miss me.” His nose reddened and the tears that had been in his eyes earlier returned. “She has Nardo.”
The argument he’d had with Bailey over Harley going to that little motherfucker’s house rose in Mort’s mind.
“I hate that motherfucker so much, Uncle Mort.” CJ’s voice trembled with anger and pain. “I ran into him at the mall today, and he told me about his and Harley’s private business.”
Mort pressed his lips together to keep his own tears at bay.
“I don’t know if he’s lying. I’m hoping he is, but he was just too…too.” CJ scrubbed a hand over his face, wiping away a covert tear. “I don’t want Harley to turn up pregnant or with a disease.”
“Goddamn.” Mort sagged against the sofa. His heart, already shredded by Bailey and Harley, stuttered and then quickened. “I discussed fucking Char when I was twelve and she was fifteen. Shit hits different when it’s your own baby girl.”
“Who’s Char?”
A bitch better left in the past. “The mama of my firstborn. Tyler. Killed—” by Sharper— “the same day Meggie was shot, and Digger kidnapped you and Bunny.”
CJ didn’t respond.
“Fuck, man.” Resting his head on the back of the sofa, Mort stared at the ceiling. “This my fault, CJ. If I was home, this wouldn’t have happened.” He jumped to his feet. “Goddamn.”
“It would’ve happened whether you were there or not, Uncle Mort. Harley doesn’t think she’s pretty or special. She even asked me if I had a problem with herhair. Can you believe that? While she doubts herself, she’ll recklessly search for fucking validation. And…and I justcan’twith her anymore. I’m sorry. I’ve kissed other girls, but I’ve never had sex. I was waiting for her.”
Mort felt numb. He didn’t have words or advice for CJ. He couldn’t even express admiration at his intelligence.
Another text message came through.
Bailey:I’m selling my practice, Lucas.
Wait, now. Say what?
Mort:Don’t do that, Bailey. Your dream always been to have a practice in Portland. You put a lot of time and effort into it.
Bailey:No, I’ve been so unfair to you, and I’m so sorry. I’m going to call you.
Mort:Not yet, Bailey.
He pressed send immediately.
Mort:Meggie collapsed and I’m at the ER with CJ. We trying to find out her condition.
Bailey:Oh my god! Let me know how she is as soon as possible.
Mort:I wi
Halls of Illusion by ICPpeeled from his phone, interrupting Mort’s typing.
“Fuuuuuuccccccckkkkkk.”
“He was going to call eventually,” CJ said glumly, knowing it was Outlaw since he’d chosen the ringtone.
Mort answered. “Hey, Prez.”
“Where my woman, Mortician? Her fuckin’ location at the coffee shop, but she been there for hours and she not answerin’.”
“Where you at?” Mort asked cautiously.
“On my way from Roseburg with Derby.”
