Chapter 94

“I just want to get to know you. I’ve missed so much.” He’s flailing; he knows he is dive-bombing, his voice lacking conviction. His eyes search the elevator for a point to focus on.

“You’re a fucking liar. You had your chance when I was a kid. Where were you for the last twenty-odd years?” I retort, emotion stinging my eyes, my heart aching badly as I try to reign it in.

“I was, Ummm, uh…” He’s raking his hand through his hair evasively, probably shocked that I’m nothing like my mother. If I were, I would be lying in a hospital bed beside her in Chicago, thanks to Ray Vanquis. The elevator pings, and doors open, but no one’s there to walk in. I turn on him again, unable to calm down at all.

“What do you really want? Be honest. I might actually give it to you if you are,” I test him. He has the grace to look uncomfortable, at least, and shiftily looks away. I can smell booze at this distance, and it’s the first time I notice the yellow-stained whites in his eyes. M