on Lincoln’s front door, I feel the burdens on my shoulders being ten pounds lighter than before. It’s almost as if The Society did me a fucking favor in throwing me under the bus the way they did. My smile is just as wide and manic as Heath Ledger’s version of Joker. When Linc opens his front door, I rush in, wanting to set my plans in action as fast as possible.
“Finn, don’t take this the wrong way, but you look like a lunatic who just escaped from an asylum.”
The most unhinged laugh leaves me as I place both hands on his shoulders and say, “In a way, I kind of did. My father kicked me out.”
“Shit! What the hell happened?”
“It’s a long story. I’ll tell you everything about it, but first I need to ask you for a couple of favors.”
“Anything, brother. Whatever you need,” Linc answers sincerely, just as I knew he would.
“Can I crash here for a few days? Just until I get my life in order.”
“You don’t even have to ask. My house is your house, Finn. Stay as long as you need.”
“Good, because I might overstay my welcome.” I chuckle.
“Never. You and the guys are the only true family I have left. It’s the least I can do.”
I pull him into a hug because I know Linc means that shit. He’s had a hard life, made even harder after what we did last May, yet he would never abandon us. Never forsake us. And I’m counting on his friendship more than ever to do what needs to be done.
“What else do you need, Finn? Whatever it is, I’ll make sure you get it.”
“I was hoping you’d say that. I’ve ruined enough lives as it is Linc. It’s time I start saving some, and I need your help to do it.”
Chapter 26
Stone
“You look upset, baby girl,” my mom says at my side as we walk over to my truck after leaving the doctor’s office.
“Huh?” I mumble absentmindedly.
“I said you look upset, Stone. Didn’t you like the new doctor?” my mom asks suspiciously as she opens the truck door.
“I liked him just fine, Momma,” I reply, throwing her a lukewarm smile in the hopes that it’s enough to dissuade her from continuing this conversation.
However, once I jump in the truck and fasten my seat belt, my mother grasps onto my hand before I’m able to put the key into the ignition.
“What’s wrong? I know something is troubling you. You should be over the moon, and yet you look sad. Why, baby? Tell me what’s wrong. Maybe I can help?”
I let out a long exhale and lean my head against the headrest.
“I just don’t like charity, that’s all.”
“Charity?” my mom repeats, confused.
“Yes, Momma. Charity. You know as well as I do that we can’t afford this fancy new doctor and all the treatments he’s planning for you.”
“Ah, I see. You don’t want me to go back, then? If it upsets you this much, I won’t set foot in this practice again.”
Shit on a stick! I’m such an asshole.
“No, Mom. Don’t you even think about it. If the Richfield Foundation is willing to pay for your treatment, then we are not going to look a gift horse in the mouth. Pride will not be the reason that will keep you from getting better.”
“And don’t forget the help they are offering your father, too,” she beams brightly.
How could I forget?
It sickens me how people with flushed bank accounts can suddenly get the justice system to work in their favor, while we have been trying in vain for years. But this thought, I keep to myself.
I watch my mother hug her midsection to keep the joy from spilling forth like a busted dam, so utterly happy that she has a hard time keeping her elation in check.
“These last few days, I’ve had to pinch myself non-stop to make sure I’m not dreaming. Your father’s new attorney is confident the appeal for his case will go forward without a hitch, since the last appointed lawyer botched it all up. He should have never forced your dad into that awful plea deal when there was no real evidence to support his conviction. This new fancy attorney even said that if all goes well, your father will be home by Christmas. Isn’t that wonderful?” she sings, her eyes watering with happiness.
I take her hands in mine and kiss her knuckles. It’s been years since I’ve seen true joy in my mother’s eyes. The sight