“You lost your own mother when you were young,” he said.
I nodded. “We did. My dad had a team of nannies, housekeepers, and cooks to keep our house going. We felt her absence, but our mom was never really a big part of our lives. I also had a lot of brothers to fill the void. Our experience is nothing like what you three went through.”
He nodded and checked the time. “Is she always out this late?”
“Yes,” I said. “Even though she’s not supposed to be.”
“I know you’re not dumb enough to try and tell Thea she has a curfew.” He chuckled.
“No. Wouldn’t dare. She’s at the shelter. I can guarantee it. She’s not supposed to be there late anymore. It isn’t safe.”
“Why isn’t it safe?”
That was when I realized just how big the chasm was between the father and daughter that had once been so close. “The shelter is in an area that has been slowly growing worse by the day. I was there earlier in the week with her.” I pointed to the cut on my head that was almost healed. “I got this walking to my car at night. Three guys jumped me. That was after I was almost mugged during an earlier visit in the middle of the day. She says they won’t bother her, but getting the shit kicked out of me was a wakeup call. She agreed not to work late. I’m guessing she has Kona with her, but the dog can only do so much.”
“Then I say we go make sure she’s okay,” he said.
“I’ll lead the way,” I offered. “Unless you want to ride with me.”
He smiled and shook his head. “Nah. I’ll say my piece and then I think the two of you need some time to figure this thing out.”
“Let’s go.”