Malicious Intent (Soulscape #5)

CH 13

"Where are we going?"

"To the store." Marlene helped Benny with his shoes. "We need to pick up something for dinner. Your uncle isn't well-stocked for homecooked meals."

Benny hopped off the sofa. "Why can't we have dinner with Frank and Zeke again? Frank made good food."

The mention of the two men caused Marlene to tense. "We shouldn't impose."

"What does that mean?" Benny scrunched his face.

"To intrude... be a nuisance. They already cooked dinner for you and your uncle just a couple of days ago. A person shouldn't take advantage of the kindness of others."

Benny still looked confused. "They said we could come back any time. They like us. And it's fun at their house."

"I'm sure it is," Marlene mumbled as she grabbed her purse. "And I'm sure they do like you. But even so, it's best not to wear out your welcome." She walked to the door and motioned to her son. "Let's go."

Benny sped past her out the door, hopping down the front steps.

"Be careful. Don't trip."

"I won't." He landed on the walk and ran to the car, waiting at the passenger door.

Marlene locked the house and headed for the car.

"What're we gonna get for dinner?" Benny asked when they were on their way.

"I don't know. What sounds good?"

"Frank made pork chops and yummy bread."

"Homemade bread?"

"Yep."

"Better than mine?"

Benny shrugged. "I don't know."

It was irrational that she didn't want Frank Harlan to be a better cook than her... as if that would make any difference to Dennis. He was gay—he wouldn't choose a woman because she was a good cook.

"How about fried chicken?" Marlene asked. "Your uncle always favored my fried chicken."

"Yum!" Benny grinned. "I love fried chicken!"

"Fried chicken it is."

Benny suddenly went quiet, staring at his lap.

"Honey? You okay?"

Benny picked at his pant leg. "Are you sad about daddy?"

"I..." Marlene faltered. As much as she hated Randall, she found herself stumbling over her answer. "I think... we're better off without him." When she glanced at her son, he was staring up at her, a look on his face that broke her heart. "What, baby?"

He teared up. "Am I bad?"

"Bad?" Marlene blinked back forming tears. "Honey, why would you be bad?"

His little chin trembled. "Because I'm not sad about daddy."

"No." Marlene swallowed hard, her anger at her husband bubbling up inside. "He wasn't a good daddy to you." She looked away, her throat working and vision swimming. "You're not bad, sweetheart. You're a good boy, you always have been."

When they arrived at the grocery store, Marlene dabbed her eyes with a Kleenex from her purse then smiled at Benny. "Let's go shopping."

The boy's jovial spirit returned in an instant. Children were so resilient... thank the Lord. Marlene thought they were tougher than adults in many ways.

As soon as they entered the store, Benny begged to go to the toy aisle. Marlene nodded. "Okay, but just look, we're not here to buy toys, we're here to buy dinner."