The Conch Shell of Doom by Ryan Hill

Author:Ryan Hill [Hill, Ryan]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Ryan Hill
Published: 2016-05-23T16:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER NINETEEN

Father of the Year

Bailey’s hands scraped against the asphalt, tearing some skin. He looked up to see his father, face red as a Ferrari, even under a streetlight. Earl was steaming mad. The last time Bailey saw his father that angry was three years ago, after Bailey had been caught lying about running up a cell phone bill of seven hundred dollars on some puzzle game. Lost his phone privileges for two months.

“Where the hell have you been?” Earl grabbed Bailey’s wrist and yanked him to his feet. “You didn’t call. We almost called the cops to chase you down.”

Alexis stormed out of the car. She stopped, taking a moment to steady herself. Bailey worried she’d fall down or pass out, but she pressed on. “Don’t hurt him.”

“Go home.” Earl pointed at her. “This isn’t your business.”

“You’re right. This is probably the cops’ business.”

Earl turned his attention back to Bailey. “Your mother’s been worried sick, thinking you’d gotten hurt or God knows what.”

“Because I was out late?” Bailey yanked his arm free. The exposed, raw skin on his hands burned. Anger swelled inside him. Being out past curfew didn’t warrant an abusive response, especially in front of Alexis. The whole thing was super embarrassing. As if the evening wasn’t bad enough already. “I’m sorry, okay? I’ll send you a telegram next time.”

“Don’t talk back to me. I'm your father, and you will show me some respect.”

“Why should he?” Alexis spat. “He knows you drugged him last night.”

Earl’s thousand-yard stare turned to Alexis. “Excuse me? Missy, you have no idea what you’re talking about. I love my son.”

Alexis stood next to Bailey, who smoothed out his shirt. He felt a little braver with her so close to him. Unfortunately, his fear outweighed his bravery. It was his father. There was only so much standing up to him.

“We all know you did,” she said.

Shoulders heaving, Earl moved closer to Alexis, looming like a predator over its prey. He stood well over a foot taller than her. Bailey wished he had muscles. Or courage. Anything that didn’t make him feel like the Cowardly Lion, so it would be easier to stand up for her.

“We were keeping him safe.” Earl poked Alexis in the shoulder. “You have no idea what we’ve done for our son.”

Screw the Cowardly Lion. Bailey realized he didn’t need courage. Only anger. He moved in between Alexis and his father. The insanity needed to end. “Let it go, Dad. I’m here, I’m fine, so stop bullying my friend and let’s go home. I’m sorry I broke curfew, but this is insane.”

Earl’s body relaxed a little, though he still eyeballed Alexis. “Fine.”

She laid a hand on Bailey’s forearm. “Are you sure?”

“You keep your mouth shut,” Earl spat.

“Enough!” Bailey tried not to think about the punishment to come for yelling at his father and instead focused on Alexis. “What choice do I have?”

“I don’t know.” Alexis’s hand slid off his arm, her soft fingers leaving an impression on Bailey’s skin. He wished the contact would last just a little longer.

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