The Blood Gang

Chapter 2

I took a bite out of my chicken Parmesan. "So, I was on the phone."

Michael nodded. "I heard. With who?"

"Ezekiel. Zudd's brother." I swallowed.

"Oh." He looked really disappointed. Probably because he probably thought Ezekiel knew he did it.

"It's okay though, I mean, because he thinks I did it."

He slammed his fork on the table. "I've had enough. Zudd took my school and my mom. I can't lose you too!" There were tears in his eyes. "Why can't you tell him I did it?"

I slammed my fork down. "I spent years trying to get you and Kate back, and I did it for you, so you could have a father. I can't let you throw yourself away like that!" I felt my eyes well up with tears.

He nodded. "You're right. I'm sorry. I didn't know."

"It's okay. I never told you." I wiped the tears from my eyes and dabbed a napkin at my mouth. "We're leaving tomorrow morning. I already bought two train tickets."

"Where?"

"Chicago." I finished my dinner and pushed my plate away. "Hurry up and pack your things. Say goodbye to Maddie if you must, but not over the phone or computer." I stood up and walked upstairs.

"Did you ever see him face-to-face?"

I stopped. "Yes. He has two friends, Fernando and Iza. I had a friend named El Cielo, but... "

"But?"

I sighed. "Fernando and Iza killed him. I don't know if they meant to, but they did. Now if you'll excuse me, I have to finish packing."

We didn't speak for the rest of the night. Around eleven, I heard a window open and close and the scuffle of shoes, and the sound of those same shoes slapping the concrete sidewalk. Michael was probably sneaking out to say goodbye to Madelyn.

I wondered what Ezekiel was doing. He was probably rounding up Fernando and Iza and whatever other thugs he had up his sleeves. Or he was on a plane here with them -- I remember him living in Spain when Zudd came to help me get Kate and Michael back. Or they were right outside the house.

I hurriedly looked out all the windows before pulling down the curtains. Michael was gone. I was right, then.

Half an hour later, he came back with tears streaming from his eyes. I knew how he felt. It was hard saying goodbye to Kate when I left for the Navy. Had Madelyn kissed Michael? I didn't get to find out.