Page 32 of Paradox
“Prez, you’re needed out here.”
“Jesus. What is it now?”
“Maybe you should come see for yourself.”
“Fucking hell,” I growl in irritation, walking ahead of him back to the bar.
There, I find one of the last fucking people I want to see right now.Fuck!
“Reaper,” he greets me, his face grim.
I approach him, knowing he won’t come to me. It’s also just like him to show up and not fucking call. I nod in greeting to the two men with him.
“You should’ve called.” I extend my hand to him and he takes it in a firm grip. “We would’ve prepared for your visit.”
“Not a social call. We need to talk.”
“Sure thing. Let’s go to my office.”
I sit behind my desk, observing him and waiting for him to speak, even though I know exactly why he’s here.
“How’s the family?” he asks.
“In the hospital. Babies came but there were some complications.”
His expression changes, and it’s evident he knows that will affect my decision and the outcome of our conversation.
“How are they?”
“Okay for now.”
“I see. That’s good.” He rubs at his long gray beard, seemingly buying time to figure out how to continue. I’ve never seen him do that. He doesn’t give a rat’s ass about tact; however, he wants something from me, and I’m sure that’s what’s giving him pause. “Have you given any thought to what we discussed?”
“I have.”
“And?”
“And….” I think fast, trying to figure out what to say. With everything going on, I haven’t had the time to come up with a solution. I need to stall him. “I have a proposition for you, Krueger.”
CHAPTER 8
E SQUARED
***Ellen***
Jon arrives home when Aunt Nita is hustling Mikey out the door.
“Daddy!” he shrieks, wringing his hand from her hold and racing to Jon. His reaction is always the same, making me realize how much he was missing out on by not having a father. Gage and Daddy did their best, but it wasn’t the same. He’s so much happier now, and so am I. We both have Jon to thank for that.
“Hey, buddy!” Jon swings him into the air, grinning up at him as the boy squeals in delight.
I watch them, knowing Mikey couldn’t have a better father than if Eddie himself were here. I think Mikey loves him more than I do, if that’s even possible.
“You behave for your auntie, now.”
“Yes, Daddy.”
Jon kisses Aunt Nita’s cheek, handing Mikey back to her before approaching me, slipping his arm around my waist.
