Tears on a Sunday Afternoon - Michael Presley [63]
“I’m sorry, Donald, I didn’t hear you knock,” he said.
I pulled out a chair from the table and sat down. “I didn’t.”
“That was very presumptuous of you.” Malcolm looked at me like he wanted to spank me.
“Malcolm, please, the maid called you when she saw me waiting outside, so let’s not waste any time. You called me and I’m here. Now, what can I do for you?” I retained full eye contact with him as I spoke. I was way past being afraid of him.
“I don’t know what has come over you, Boy, but I think you’re treading on very thin ice here,” he said.
“Well, let the ice break. If it does, I’m either gonna be cold or freeze to death. Now are we gonna get on with it?” I leaned back in the chair. “I have a lot planned for today so I can’t stay long.”
Malcolm gave me this smart smile that looked like he was waiting to get my balls over some hot coals. “Dora informed me that you’ve kept up with your part of our deal.”
“I did what I had to do.” There was a certain amount of disdain in my voice. “I see that Annette is still alive.”
“The time isn’t right,” Malcolm said. “I promise you, I’ll take care of Annette within the week.”
I got up to go. “I’m leaving.”
“Would you like a drink before you leave? I thought maybe we could at least be cordial.” Malcolm rose from his chair.
It was amazing; Malcolm was finally giving me some respect. Whether he liked my attitude or not I wasn’t sure, but the respect was present in his voice. “No, thank you,” I said and walked out of his study.
“Officers from upstate came to my house this morning,” I said to Julie.
Julie opened her mouth as if the world had exploded. “Are you a suspect?”
I had told Julie the complete story of what had happened between me and my father. “No, I don’t think so. I think they were merely checking license plates.”
Julie still looked worried. “They didn’t need to visit you for that.”
“I think they needed to put a face to the vehicle,” I said, nonchalantly.
Julie stared at me. “You don’t seem very concerned.”
“I’m not. Their questions were more about doing their job than actually following leads. Of course, if I had run when they walked in, that would be an entirely different story. But, with the exception of Annette being her bitchy self, everything went good,” I said.
“You’re definitely not afraid?”
“I don’t think there’s anything to fear. I’m more concerned about the robbery. Do you definitely have someone to pick me up?”
“I’ll be there,” she said.
“You!” I jumped out of my chair.
“Yes, me; I only trust myself. Anyone else, I would have to tell them too much,” she said. “Don’t worry; I’ll definitely be careful.”
“Are you sure you want to do that?” I asked, not wanting to endanger her.
She ran her hands over my shoulders. “Stop worrying about me, Donald. I can take care of myself.”
“Julie, I don’t know what I’d do if something happened to you.” I felt really messed up for involving her.
“Donald, the same way you trust me, I also trust you. I have no intention of letting anyone pick you up. We’re in this together. The only reason I didn’t tell you before was because I knew that Brian would never let me do it.” Julie kissed me on the lips.
I shook my head. This was becoming complicated. “I don’t know, Julie.”
“Donald, please stop trying to protect me. I’ll be fine.” Julie put her hands around my neck.
While I agreed that Julie should be the one to pick me up after the robbery, I was afraid that she might get caught up if there were any complications. I knew that I was letting my feelings control my judgment but I didn’t care. I had found something special with Julie and I didn’t want to lose it just yet.
“Alright, but promise me that if you see or hear anything crazy you’ll leave.”
“Crazy like what?”
“I don’t know. If you hear gunshots or spot me running with someone chasing me.”
She looked at me as if I had lost my mind. “I’m supposed to leave you