Chapter 27

“I—” Bud stood in the kitchen, a totally lost and beaten expression on his face.

All David’s anger melted away. Shouting at Bud would be like scolding a puppy who already knew he’d messed on the carpet.

“I had a call from Lisa,” David finally said.

“She told you?”

“About her ultimatum, yes.” David wanted to ask what Bud was going to do, but feared the answer too much to enquire.

“She’s a fucking manipulative bitch.” Bud became animated, though he seemed to pay for his outburst because he immediately brought up his hands to cradle his head.

“Bud, you know you shouldn’t drink because of the damage done to your liver.”

“Don’t start. I can’t deal with it just now.”

“I’m sorry. Do you want anything to eat, or are you just going to go straight to bed?”

“Bed.” Looking down at David, Bud continued. “Last night, I came to a decision.”

David’s insides tightened.

“It’s not easy to choose between the man I love with my whole being, and a defenseless and innocent child.”