A Tale of Two Carnies

2 - Jason's Crime

I had no comeback when Clint told me I was standing in the way of his and Mom's happiness, because I knew he was full of crap.

He took my silence as an invitation to continue speaking. "Let me ask you something. When it comes down to it, who do you think is going to win the day with your mother, me or you?"

"Me." I had no doubt.

"You really think so?"

"Nope, I know so."

His smirk turned into a toothy grin. "Do you want to bet?"

I said nothing.

Clint rubbed his chin and acted all thoughtful, "I bet you before another week passes, all my stuff will be moved into your house. I'm even going to hang my clothes in your bedroom closet."

My heart began to beat faster. He was getting inside my head.

He went on. "If I lose the bet, I'll go away and never see your mom again." He paused. "Don't get your hopes up, kid. I won't lose."

I swallowed, my courage failing, but I managed to ask, "What happens to me if you win?"

He shrugged. "Very simple. If I win, you lose. You'll obey me and do exactly what I say, when I say it. If you don't like it, you can go live elsewhere."

I suddenly found new courage. "My mother will never let you kick me out."

He finished his beer and crushed the can in one hand. "Your mother already does exactly what I say, when I say it."

"Bullshit," I blurted.

He laughed. "I can prove it to you. Shall I give you a little demonstration?" He stood and belched. "Follow me."

He headed for the house. No way was I going to leave my mom alone with the psycho. I marched along on his heels. When he entered, Mom was facing the sink, wearing an apron, and peeling potatoes.

Clint approached and wrapped his arms around her from behind. He started kissing her neck.

At first, she liked it and smiled. As he continued to kiss her, his hands wandered to her breasts.

She stiffened. "Not now."

"Why not?" He demanded.

Mom put down the potato and peeler. She tried to break free from his hold.

"Come on," he said. "You know how I enjoy some afternoon delight."

"No," she said, more forceful now. "I told you never here at my house. Never in front of Jason."

I understood what was happening. The man was asserting his dominance, not only over my mom, but over me as well. He didn't care what we wanted. He was making it known he would take what he wanted.

I balled my fists. "Let her go."

To my surprise, he did so.

Mom backed away against the refrigerator.

Clint looked at my balled fists and grinned. "You really think you're man enough, kid?"

I said only one word. "Leave."

"Can't," he said. "Your mom has me all hot and bothered. We're going to finish what I started."

In a shaky voice, she said, "Jace, you should go outside for a while."

I remember being really disappointed in her. "What? You're going to let him do it to you?"

Clint laughed. "I told you. She already does exactly what I say and when I say it. You lose, kid."