Page 165 of Vicious Saint
True story?
This guy would be glued to the confessional if he ever found out the filthy things me and his son did to each other.
“Also…” Vic sighs.
Enter karma.
Oh, kill me, Jesus. Please.
Take me out of my “also” misery.
“If this revelation’s gonna give me agita, I’d rather you save it for after I’ve thrown up.”
“On the contrary, I think what I have to say will make you happy.”
Well, heisdue.
“If it involves spending more time alone in a room with Saint, I can guarantee you’re mistaken.”
“It involves…a mix of things that’ll benefit you.”
A.K.A. absolutelynothingthat will benefit me.
“Let me begin by saying I don’t believe in using bribery to get what I want.”
“That’s real noble of you.”
Vic’s too focused mulling over his words to acknowledge my sarcasm, which only makes me dread this more.
“Remember how I mentioned a buddy of mine at Bromwell?”
My heart. It lurches. Possibly enough to crack a rib.
“Yeah?”
“Well, I ended up calling him, and he’s willing to check out your portfolio.”
“Wha—uh—why? Why would you do that?”
“Let’s call itanythingbut incentive to allow my son—and Carlo—to keep a close eye on you for a while.”
“Are you manipulating me, Victor Lavell?”
Because if he is, I’m notcompletelymad at it.
“Simply extending an olive branch…and maybe hoping you won’t fight me too hard on spending time with Saint. Getting to know him, and maybe even help protect him too.”
Bursting out a laugh, I respond, “Who the heck could Saint need protection from?”
I guess it’s a stupid question, given if Vic, or any of the Royal families are in trouble, it’s going to trickle down to their kids.
Maybe that’s why Vic’s smile doesn’t meet his eyes.
“Would you believe me if I told you himself?”
Yes,I tell myself instead of him.
Yes I fucking would.
