>>5789443Filling the room with a shrill whistle, Mack opens the door and peeks in as if he hasn’t spent the whole time eavesdropping. “Yea, Cain?”
“Release the redhead. Make sure her ass gets on that ferry and <span class="mu-i">stays</span> there.” Your father instructs in his cold, composed voice. “Tell her it was a system glitch.”
“Wha? I uh… I mean, sure, bud…” Slipping back out the door, Mack leaves you staring at a very smug-looking dad. You’re not gonna thank him.
“It’s not a gift.” He scoffs as he leans back in his chair. “It’s a <span class="mu-i">goodbye</span>. You wanna chuck everyone you love and care about into an early grave and flop in next to them? You wanna follow some suicidal snoop into the hornet’s nest? Your wish is my command, boy. Abra Ka-Fucking <span class="mu-i">Sesame</span>.”
Gee, <span class="mu-i">thanks</span>, you snarl, because he’s been so damn helpful for the last few years-
“No more protection,” he begins, counting everything off on his gloved fingers, “No more pulling favors. No more ‘<span class="mu-i">Get-Outta-Jail-Free Cards</span>’. No more cushy arrangements with your guido uncle. No more allowance. No more assault charges against powerful people getting swept under the rug. Wave bye-bye, kid, because as of right now it’s all. Gone.”
Awesome, you reply with a derisive snort, a lot of good it was doing you anyways!
“Enjoy the hero life while it lasts, Diesel…” Concludes your dad as if he was reading you your last rites, “Because it’s usually a short one. And when it <span class="mu-i">does</span> end,” He adds as you hear the door creak open behind you, “Don’t expect me to be around to say ‘<span class="mu-i">I told you so</span>’.”
“C’mon, kid,” Grunts one of the officers behind you, “Don’t wanna miss your ride.”
Rising to your feet, you already feel lighter… and a bit more hollow, to boot. Crossing his arms and watching you like a hawk, your father doesn’t say anything else as Mack gives your shoulder an affirming pat.
“Seeya in the funny papers, squirt.”
Any last words to dear old dad?
>THANKS.>FUCK YOU, OLD MAN.>TELL MOM I SAY HI.>YOU’RE WRONG ABOUT EVERYTHING.>JUST STAY SILENT.>WRITE-IN! 