Mollify

by Xavier Neal

  Our attention turns to the sound of footsteps heading our direction. A man with salt and pepper hair, a tailored suit, and shoes too shiny to be up to anything but evil approaches us.

  He should have bad guy music playing. He’s gotta be 10 minutes from entering a Bond film dressed like this.

  “Mr. Delaney,” Uncle C.J says standing to shake his hand. “I’m Mr. White.”

  “Ah,” he says smugly after shaking. “You must be representing the face behind the pissing contest that’s got my son annoyed.”

  “Mine’s bigger,” the grunt leaves me before I even have the chance to stop it.

  Dad kicks me under the table.

  What! It is! Ask Megan.

  “You’ve got balls. I’ll give you that,” the man says leaning back in his chair as the waitress puts down a copper colored liquid of some kind. “But the problem with having nuts that size junior is if you don’t have the cash or status to back them up with, they mean nothing.”

  His arrogance, but more so his tone reminds me of the man who gave me up to Kellar without a second glance. I hate them both.

  “Who says he can’t back them up?” Uncle C.J. leans forward on his elbows. “Let’s get straight to the point Mr. Delaney. Your son wants my nephew’s head on a platter.”

  “Extra crispy.” He smirks raising his glass.

  Dad flexes his hands beside me. I try not to smile.

  He does that right before he’s about to pound the shit out of something or someone. Obviously I’m hoping someone.

  “Exactly. The problem is he’s not gonna get it.”

  “Oh?” Mr. Delaney looks sarcastically shocked. “How do you figure?”

  “You’re a business man,” Uncle C.J. starts. “The thing about great business men like yourself is they know when to make a trade.”

  “You’d have to have something I’m interested in.”

  “You mean like how your son has embezzled money from the company?” The leak of information causes Mr. Delaney to cease his movement. “And not just little bills, but big ones. The kind that if your shareholders got wind of they would start dropping like flies.” When Mr. Delaney doesn’t say anything Uncle C.J. continues, “And if it’s not enough your brat is taking money from underneath your nose how he spends it on gambling in Rio and hookers in Thailand is enough to drag your name through the mud for decades. As someone who comes from a family similar to your own I understand how the right reputation can be crucial.”

  Holy shit. Uncle CJ. is a cold hearted bastard!

  Mr. Delaney pushes his glass to the side. “Fine. You have my attention. What do you want?”

  “First, for your son to drop all the charges. Second, for Marcus to remove himself completely from Miss Davis’ life allowing the restraining order that’s keeping my nephew away from her lifted. Third, as an added bonus you’re going to buy Miss Davis’ silence by continuing to fund her education until she graduates with honors. Lastly, when this is over, your son has no contact with me and my family which now includes Miss Davis, the Kellars, the Harts and the Whites.”

  “How do I know you’re not making this shit up?” He counters. “What makes you think anyone would believe you?”

  “About the embezzlement? Oh the digital proof of all of that expands much wider than you can imagine. Just remember no matter how hard you think you’ve scrubbed something clean, someone can reach it.”

  “You hacked into my files?”

  “Heavens no,” Uncle C.J. claims. “I couldn’t hack my way out of a paper box with a hatchet. I had an anonymous tip drop me the information and swore it wasn’t the only copy. Apparently your son has a habit of making enemies wherever he goes.” Mr. Delaney’s jaw wiggles clearly debating on something. “Oh and as for proof from Megan, the scars on her body may not speak loud enough, but let the girl give her sob story to the right news outlets all over the country and it really won’t matter if it’s fact or fiction. Public judgment doesn’t care. It’s all how the story is spun.”

  Seeing the defeated look on his face eases the sharp pain inside my chest.

  Fuck...did we...did we win?

  “Fine,” he sighs. “You have a deal. But if this leaks and I find out you had anything to do with it—”

  “It won’t. Make this go away and I’ll make those records you thought disappeared, actually disappear.” Mr. Delaney smiles. “But make issues for my nephew or his girl again and they will magically reappear. Understood?”

  Displeased once more he rises to his feet. “Understood.” His eyes cut to me and Dad and back to Uncle C.J. “You gentlemen enjoy your lunch. It’s on my tab.”

  As swiftly as he came he leaves.

  With a small crooked smile Dad’s fists finally unclench. Smirking he questions, “You mean to tell me you didn’t enjoy that?”

  With a short chortle Uncle C.J. shrugs. “Maybe a little...”

  The three of us walk through the house heading straight for the kitchen where we see Faith sitting in Mom’s lap playing with Play-Doh, Megan next to them on one side and Uncle Tony on the other.

  “No Uncle Tony.” Faith wags a finger at him. “It’s not real.”

  “Wish it was,” he gripes. “I’m starving.”

  “Should’ve came with us. We enjoyed the best steaks in the place courtesy of Mr. Delaney,” Uncle C.J. speaks proudly.

  “Someone had to watch my girls,” Dad declares dropping a kiss on Faith’s lips and then Mom’s.

  Following his action I kiss my baby sister on the cheek and then my girl on the lips.

  That’s right. My girl. Free and clear. For as long as she will have me.

  “Pleasure was mine.” Uncle Tony gives him a nod of respect. “So it’s all done? Everything clear?”

  “It’ll take a few days to get everything officially dropped and dissolved, but yeah. He went for it.” Uncle C.J. leans against the bar. “Not surprised.”

  “Good.” Uncle Tony cocks a grin. “Glad you got that anonymous package in the mail.”

  Uncle C.J. smirks in return. “Me too. I like my hands clean.”

  “Don’t we all,” Uncle Tony murmurs and gives me a wink.

  Yeah, having someone who could probably hack into the pentagon if necessary in the family is fucking awesome.

  “Well, I gotta go. I’m gonna fly out to see Lex play in Chicago.” He announces. “Souvenirs?”

  “A Barbie,” Faith demands.

  “Of course.” He drops a kiss on the top her forehead.

  “Faith, what do you say?” Mom encourages.

  “Thank you Uncle Tony!”

  “You’re welcome,” he chuckles back.

  Moving over to him I embrace him with a hug, whispering, “Thank you Uncle Tony. You saved my life.”

  “Don’t mention it. Ever...”

  The claim clear as a bell.

  You don’t ever mention it either. Our family is based on trust. Don’t make me take yours away.

  “And I should get going too. Need to change and get some papers filed before meeting my wife and brother in law for dinner,” Uncle C.J. sighs.

  “Isn’t Erin working?” Mom questions as Faith tries to shove Play-Doh up her nose, the gesture quickly swatted away by Megan.

  “She is. Thought it’d be nice to treat her,” the lie isn’t well hidden.

  “Aren’t her and Stuart shooting that Fireman calendar for that charity event?” Dad’s comment receives a displeased growl from him.

  “So you all do that?” Megan speaks for the first time since I’ve been back. “That growl thing?”

  “They’re all very territorial,” Mom explains. “You get used to it.”

  “I’m leaving,” Uncle C.J. buttons his jacket with an attitude. “Kellars...stay out of trouble. Both of you.”

  Dad shrugs a shoulder and I nod. “Definitely. And Uncle C.J. thanks again.”

  “Yes,” Megan adds. “Thank you. For...For everything.”

  “Don’t mention it.” He smiles softly at her
. “I like that part of my job. Helping people who really need it.” Looking back up at me he gives me a sharp look, “But you, you, keep your ass in check. No more jail.”

  “Done.” I surrender both hands.

  My uncles exit leaving us alone with my parents and Little Bit.

  Mom looks down at her. “Can you go watch a movie in your playroom for a few minutes, Faith? Mommy and Daddy need to talk to Bubba and Megan alone.”

  “Oooo,” her voice sings. “You’re in trouble...”

  “You’re in trouble for not hugging me when I got home,” I playfully fuss at her. She flings herself into my arms squeezing tightly, the energy and love oozing from her. “I’ll be up in just a few minutes to watch the movie with you. Okay?”

  “Bring Pretty Megan,” she demands. “And Goldfish. It’s the snowman movie...”

  I stifle a gripe as I put her down.

  There are only so many times a person can hear that song before you make up parodies to stay sane.

  She scurries up the kitchen stairs already singing that song.

  When it’s safe to say it’s just the four of us, I have a seat next to Megan, arms wrapped tightly around her from behind.

  I missed this girl....shit. Is this what I’m gonna be for the rest of my life? Some mushy gushy pussy? Ugh. Just don’t let it always seep out. Help me keep that shit in check.

  “So here’s the deal,” Dad starts looking at Megan. “C.J. cut it so that the Delaney’s will finish paying for your education in exchange for you not saying anything about your time with Marcus.”

  “Deal,” the word rushes out of her before he’s finished. “I wanna pretend that nightmare never happened.”

  “We already agreed you could stay here if you want,” Mom speaks while dusting Play-Doh off her hands. “However if you two would rather move out, into your own space, that’s fine too. We get both of you are in school and are working part time, which you still have your job if you want, Megan. I spoke to Haven the other day and she said it’s still yours and also mentioned Clint was increasing security on the building.”

  The dude is a Marine. His level of security makes me feel a lot better about her being there.

  “We know that your income doesn’t suffice for you renting something alone, but if you want to move out,” she emphasizes again, “we’ll help until you two can stand on your own two feet. As long as everyone stays in school.”

  I shoot Megan a look. “Balls in your court. We will do whatever makes you happy. Whatever makes you comfortable.”

  Innocently she smiles at me before turning back to Mom. “If it’s okay with you, I would really rather us live here.” Pleased mom smirks. “I mean, I feel safe here. I love it here. I’ve spent enough time without family to not wanna give up being surrounded by it just yet.”

  “That’s my girl,” I say loudly pressing another kiss on her cheek.

  My parents are in the room. Tonguing the shit out of her might get me yelled at.

  “I’m glad that that’s settled,” Mom hums. “But you two will need to move to the guest room on the other side of the upstairs. Away from Faith’s room. Besides your old room will make for a better nursery.”

  “Nursery?” Dad croaks out.

  With an unsure look Mom turns to him. “Yeah...”

  “Like we’re trying?” He sounds hopeful.

  “Like mission already accomplished,” her sigh has both of our jaws on the ground.

  “What!” We shriek in unison.

  Shooting Megan a sympathetic look she shakes her head, “You get used that too.”

  “Maximus.” Dad rushes over to her, dropping down so he’s squatting beside her. “You’re pregnant?” She nods again slowly. “But the pills...”

  “Don’t always fucking work,” she mumbles. “Something felt different a couple weeks ago. At first I thought it was stress. Then my brain felt like it just went missing. At some point...I just...knew...and so I took the test and...and...”

  “I’m gonna be a Dad again,” his voice chokes in excitement. With pure love in his voice he begs, “Tell me you want this too, Maximus. Please.”

  “It’s yours.” She places a hand on his cheek. “Of course I want this.”

  “Ours.” His lips kiss her wrist. “It’s ours. And I promise things will be different this time.”

  “Aw,” Megan coos from my arms.

  “No babies for you yet,” Dad quickly changes volumes.

  “Understood,” we agree together.

  “Besides,” I shake my head. “I’m still learning the art of love and shit. Definitely not ready for babies. Well, maybe another baby sibling. I love being a big brother.”

  Dad kisses Mom’s stomach and then her cheek, grinning from ear to ear. Slightly smiling she says, “He definitely took it better than the last time...”

  Ha. That was a disaster.

  “The appointment for doctor confirmation is next Wednesday. So please, try to keep it to yourselves until we get the it’s really happening from the doctor.” Dad tries to hold back his excitement but fails. Annoyed Mom rolls her eyes, “Ugh. You’re as bad as Faith when she knows I brought her home a treat.”

  “Best fucking treat ever.” He grabs her by the hand to yank her towards their room. “We....we will be celebrating in my favorite way.” Dad announces.

  “Logan!”

  He shrugs and shoots me a wink that makes Megan laugh. Even through Mom’s fits and complaints that are obviously playful he drags her towards their room.

  “I hope we have that someday.” She looks up at me sweetly.

  “Sex? Because we can have that right now.”

  With a nudge in the stomach she giggles, “A future like that.”

  “Oh,” I pretend I had no idea what she was talking about. “We will...” I squeeze her tightly.

  We definitely will, because in this family, everyone gets a happily ever after even if sometimes it takes a little longer than others.

  Epilogue

  “I’m telling you,” Blaine insists loudly from the other side of the front desk counter. “I’d follow that ass, in those jeans, off a fucking cliff.”

  “That’s probably a long way down,” my girl’s voice pops up behind him.

  “Oh shit. Sorry Megan,” he quickly apologizes. “Didn’t see you there.”

  “And if you had, would that sentence really have been any different?” I question him and he shrugs as the answer. Leaning over I plant a kiss on her lips. “Hi baby.”

  “Hi,” she says back with a flirtatious giggle that shoots straight to my dick.

  It’s been like six hours since I’ve had her. It’s definitely time to go again.

  “Brought you a cookie,” she offers it to me. “Thought you could enjoy something sweet while I was away at class.”

  “I can think of something much sweeter to enjoy before you run off to class.” I lean forward again for another kiss.

  “There are other people around,” Blaine mumbles.

  “Don’t. Care.” I state pushing my lips to hers once more. This time her mouth parts inviting my tongue inside, but only briefly as a voice that makes me cringe just as much as it did the first time I heard it four months ago. Protectively I move my head to indicate Megan needs to get behind the counter.

  “Calm down trailer park,” Marcus slyly says. “Nothing to worry about yet. Just came to have a look around. Check. In.”

  “You were told to stay the fuck away from me and my family.” My fists curl preparing to knock him the fuck out all over again.

  And don’t think I didn’t hit the gym and the bag again when I finally got back to work in anticipation for this moment. You and I both know dicks like him don’t give up that easy.

  “Chill out Cujo. Not touching your precious piece of merchandise.” He winks at Megan who cowers closer to me. “She’s already been replaced in my book. But this thing between you and me? That isn’t over.”

  Before I have a chance to speak, he’s grabbed by
the back of his collar, his face planted on the counter top, with his other arm pinned behind his back. “That’s where you’re wrong dip shit. This is so fucking over.” Dad twists his arms tighter, “And you remember that when you think about setting foot in my gym. It’s private fucking property and I gave a cop or two a discount for moments like this. Ex Marines and SEALs for the same reason. Step foot near my son or my daughter in law and you won’t live to see your inheritance you little prick.”

  Hold your horses. We aren’t technically married. And no I didn’t propose, but we all know that’s where this is headed. Especially Dad.

  Still smug he says groaning through the pain, “Is that a threat?”

  “No.” Dad leans his face closer to him. “It’s a fucking promise. Now get the fuck of out of my gym.” He lets him go and Marcus tries to shrug away the pain in his shoulder.

  Without another word, he backs out the way he came.

  Dad shoots me a look. “Hit the button under the desk to alert security.”

  I do as he instructs and Megan whispers, “Thanks Kellar.”

  “No need to thank me.” He folds his arms across his chest. “No one fucks with my family.”

  “Can I be family?” Blaine asks running his fingers through his blonde hair.

  “You practically are, which reminds me, the next time you eat up all my daughter’s Goldfish you better take your ass to the store and replace them. You ever had to explain to a three year old why her Goldfish crackers swam away? It’s not fun.”

  I drop my arm around Megan’s shoulder.

  Glad Dad handled him the way he did. Jail time twice in one year wouldn’t bode well for me or my college plan. I fell behind the last semester dealing with all that Marcus bullshit. Thankfully some late night studying with Mom helped get me through to pass.

  “Hey, Kellar?” Blaine leans against the edge of the counter. “Think you can train me to fight a bit?”

  “For what?” Dad looks unimpressed. “Shits and giggles?”

  “Nah, there’s this bar that hosts amateur fights and I think with a little guidance I could really stand a shot.”