Page 65 of Obsession (Dark Revenge)
“I’m just curious about what pushed you to that extent,” Vince inquired.
“They didn’t tell you?”
“I heard something about a woman in the apartment,” he confirmed.
“She was chained and drugged. I believe he keeps her there to...” I trailed off, and Vince nodded, understanding the unspeakable horrors involved.
“We’re not heroes, Jared.”
“I’m well aware of what we’re not, but this is just...”
“I agree. That bastard deserves everything that’s coming his way and more. But you mustn’t forget the bigger picture here.”
“I haven’t,” I assured him. “That’s why Michael is still alive.”
Vince’s smile widened a bit. “Lucky him.”
I chuckled softly, nodding.
“Yet, I sense that’s not really what’s troubling you. Otherwise, you wouldn’t look so worn out,” Vince observed.
“I’m just... wondering, thinking, worrying.”
“That’s quite a lot, son,” he teased, earning a smile from me. “What’s on your mind?”
“My marriage.”
“You’ll handle it. You know I have faith in your sharp mind,” he reassured me. “You’ll lead your marriage and our families well.”
“Yes, but what about...”
“What?” he asked when I didn’t finish my sentence.
“Kids.” I turned to him, noticing the confusion in his expression.
“What about them?”
“We both know I’m obligated to have them. The business stays within the family.”
“It does,” he confirmed.
“Vince, look at me. Do I look like a dad to you?”
“That’s an unusual question.”
“You know what I mean. Do you really think I should be a parent?” I emphasized. “I don’t even know what a good parent does for their kid.”
“Well, they don’t beat them.”
“Really? You don’t say,” I retorted before leaning back in my chair. “Come on. You said it yourself. We don’t love. How the hell can I be a parent then?”
“Being a parent can be done without love.”
“Can it?”
“It can. You raise them. You teach them about the world. You support them. It doesn’t have to be done with love. You can keep a distance and still provide them with a satisfying life,” he assured me.
I shifted in my chair and began rubbing my chin, pondering if that was true. But then my thoughts drifted to Alison.
