A Tribe United Again

Chapter 20

Marcy found Mal in his mancave. "Hey?"

He looked over at her. "Hey?"

She came closer. "How are you?"

He shrugged. "It's not us."

"Doesn't mean you don't feel some type-a way about them imploding."

He smiled briefly before thinking about it. "I can't see Laura cheating but Marc was devastated."

"What?" She was really confused.

He could tell and frowned a little. "Marc was really upset."

"No. You said Laura and cheating in the same sentence like we're playing a board game."

He almost laughed but this was too serious. "Baby, he thinks she cheated on him."

"With who?!" She was so lost.

"The guy he fought at her job."

"Chester?!"

He did frown then. "You know about him?"

"She told us about him ages ago. She told Marc about him ages ago. He just don't listen! Chester was showing her his new specialty contacts when Marc flew in like a bat outta hell and starts whaling on him."

He blinked. "Wait. What? Marc said they were almost kissing."

"Why would Laura cheat at work?"

The more she spoke, the more he was convinced Marc had gotten it wrong. "We've got to tell him!"

"Why?"

"Baby, is this a you not understanding emotions thing or a you not being nice thing?"

"He needs to be alone! He embarrassed her at work and she almost lost her job! Chester is still on the fence about pressing charges!"

"Yeah but-"

"No buts but his in the hot seat. I think he's the one cheating."

"What?!" His whisky eyes widened dramatically.

"Knowing this, I doubly think he's cheating."

"Why?" He was hurt.

"People always suspect what they're guilty of."

He frowned. That sounded like personal experience. "Baby,-?"

"But we can't fix them if they don't wanna be fixed."

"You don't think they want to be fixed?"

"I told Laura she should have set the bed on fire."

His eyes bugged out. "Why?!"

"To burn his ass up!"

He felt faint then pure dread. "Would you do that to me?"

"No."

That was too easy. "Why not?"

"You want me to?"

"No but I know you. Why would you tell her to commit arson but you won't, firebug?"

"Because I'd straight out bust you in the head with whatever I pick up." She shrugged.

He had nothing to say for the longest time.

ATUA

Mike watched Mercedes slam around the kitchen. He'd just walked in but could tell she was in a mood.

Quinn was sitting at the island, eating as if their wife was being normal.

Suddenly Mercedes noticed him. "I bet you're on his side!"