Barely Legal

92

David knew something was wrong. His father had been acting strange all day. For the last two days, actually, ever since he’d come and pulled Herbie away from lunch. David didn’t like it. He was the one on trial. He was the one in danger. And now his own father and lawyer were keeping things from him. It was like he had no one to trust. A hell of a position for a college-age kid, already feeling like he was up against the world.

David finished his dinner, which he’d eaten alone in the big dining room, thinking he should have gotten a TV tray in his own room, only he’d hoped his father would join him for the meal. He didn’t.

David went to check on the councilman. The door to his father’s study was closed, which meant he desired privacy.

David pushed the door open and went in.

The councilman was slumped in his chair. A bottle of whiskey was open on the desk in front of him. He was a man on the brink of despair.

“Dad, what’s wrong?”

Councilman Ross immediately straightened in his chair. “It’s nothing. Just business problems.”

“Bullshit.”

“David.”

“Dad, I don’t know what’s going on, but it’s not just me. I’ve been on trial for days. I didn’t do it, but you’re overreacting even if I did. And I’m not going to leave you alone until you tell me why.”

The councilman looked at his son standing in front of him, strong and determined. He sighed and all the resistance oozed out of him.

“It’s your sister.”