I leaned in to Dad when Alicia excused herself to use the washroom, watching her go as I spoke.
"You're a big idiot," I said. "Why didn't you just tell me?"
"Same," he said. And sighed. "Never mind," he winked at me, good humor in his eyes, "you tried to, didn't you? So, I'll accept the idiot label. If you'll admit you thought your old man killed Pete Wilkins." He seemed highly amused by that.
"Not as bad as you thinking your daughter did," I said. Paused. "Or the fact you used to associate with Malcolm Murray."
Dad flinched, paled. "What are you talking about?"
I told him about how I'd followed Simon, the encounter with the old Irishman. I'd seen my dad a lot of things, but never truly afraid. Not until that moment when he grasped my hand, smothering my little one in his big grip, tight and shaking.
"Promise me," he said, "you'll stay away from Malcolm Murray."