Page 40 of Wicked Promises
“I was the one who requested the meeting,” Uncle says. He adjusts his tie. “We’re going to have a little chat about your future.”
Looks like he’s going into the office for once. Crisp white shirt, a navy-blue tie and sports coat. He’s the picture of perfection and just as deadly.
“Why?” I’m immediately wary of his plan. Because I’m sure there is a plan hidden in there.
“I’ve come to request Coach remove you from the hockey team.”
Silence.
My jaw drops open, and Coach… well, to his credit, seems equally flabbergasted.
I snap my mouth closed at the same time that Coach seems to shake off his surprise. He straightens in his seat, eyes narrowing at my uncle.
Well, this should be interesting.
“I hate to tell you this, David, but you can’t come in here and demand?—”
“Request,” Uncle interrupts. “Very politely. Caleb has been learning some bad habits of late, and it cannot go unpunished.I had hoped his game suspension would do the trick. This is a stronger counter to his behavior.”
“How’s that?” I ask, unable to help myself.
Uncle glances at me. “Falling for a girl, acting ludicrously… it’s only a matter of time before the girl turns up pregnant and ruins everything the Ashers have worked toward. At the end of the day, hockey is yet another distraction. Caleb needs to focus on what’s important.”
Fuck no.
“I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but Dad ruined everythingheworked for when he sold the company. Right? The Asher name isn’t even on the door anymore. What name is there to harm?”
Uncle’s hand twitches. If we were home…
Well, I’ll pay for this later.
Every action has an equal and opposite reaction, Dad whispers in my ear. Besides the points of inexplicable rage, he was actually a good dad. He taught me some valuable lessons before he was taken from us. Did I fear him?
A decent amount. Especially at ten.
Did he hit me?
No worse than Uncle… and there was always a reprieve. In those lulls, good things happened. It was almost better when he hit me and got it over with, because the following week was bliss.
Uncle has no such calm period after the storm. With him, the storm is always raging.
“You are undermysupervision,” Uncle snaps. “And I think?—”
“Well, technically, the Blacks were awarded guardianship in court,” Coach says. His eyes go back and forth between Uncle and me. “I do a lot for you, David. But this is over the line.”
My stomach knots. Does he see what a monster my uncle actually is?
Worse than I’ve ever been. Worse than how Coach has ever acted.
“They sign all of Caleb’s permission slips and are his emergency contact. Have been since…” Coach shrugs, but his eyes are gleaming. “Well, I suppose you know the catalyst of that decision better than most, right, David?”
Uncle leaps to his feet, his face turning a mottled red. “I will not be outdone!”
He storms out of the room.
A sick feeling coils in my gut.
“Why didn’t you say anything?” Coach asks.