An Unforeseen Turn of Events

Chapter Fifty-Four

Ozzy sat down at the table without being asked. "You've been spending quite a few days in the Boston area. You must have business here I take it." It was a statement more than a question.

Ryan stared at him but still didn't reply.

Ozzy continued. "Are you scouting the town for a movie role?"

Ryan opened his mouth to answer it was none of his business but Ozzy interrupted him. "Or is it of a more personal nature? Such as seeing a daughter you are hiding? And possibly a son? You were hanging around the basketball court at the high school today."

Bile rose in Ryan's throat as he resisted the urge to punch out this despicable man, pay the bill and leave. Instead he tightened his muscles in an effort to control himself. His mouth shook in anger, swallowing invectives he yearned to hurl. This was far too dangerous a subject for him to react.

"I know you think this is none of my business, but I am a journalist, Mr. Monti. My work is to make this information my business." Ozzy's mouth curled in glee. It was obvious he was relishing this moment. His moment. "Now I need to decide what to do with this information. In other words, how important is it to you to keep this private? I must admit, you have dated so many women for so many years that I'm surprised this hasn't come to light sooner."

Ryan tempered his words. "So what makes you think I have a child?"

"Or two?" Ozzy let out a laugh as if he were acting on a stage for an audience. "Mr. Monti, I saw what I saw."

"But what exactly did you see? I'm not following you," he answered through clenched teeth.

Ozzy looked in both directions, leaning his head toward Ryan and spoke in a low voice. "I saw you with your daughter in the Keystone Creamery. Very pretty girl. Looks just like you. You knew her but I don't think she knew you. I wonder what her reaction would be if she found out?" Ozzy grinned but his sharpened beady eyes revealed his evil intent. "She's a young girl. Girls that age are usually sensitive. Boys too can get easily rattled at this age."

Ryan felt the sweat behind his neck expanding to his forehead. He was sure if he felt his forehead, it would be damp. Somehow protecting his children became his top priority and he had to hold his cards close to his vest and not allow this man to force his hand. But he could not control his quivering mouth, which ultimately gave him away.

"Ahhh, I see you know exactly what I'm talking about," Ozzy gave him a fiendish grin. "Now we have to decide how we're going to proceed, huh?"

"Did you say 'how we're going to proceed?' You're making a lot of presumptions here. First of all, what makes you so sure that young woman is my daughter? Or a son?" Ryan said as he tightened his fists under the table and measured his words, all the while keeping his temper in check. "As I'm sure you know, I could easily sue you for slander. By the way, you never mentioned which rag you're working for."

Ozzy's smile vanished. For the first time his eyes lost their beady smugness. He didn't seem to know what to do with his hands and his eyes shifted in different directions, struggling to find steady ground once again. Ryan noticed his face turn red for a moment; he sat up and stared at Ryan, more controlled and confident.

"Well, that you will find out as soon as the news hits the media," he said, straightening his shoulders and sitting taller. Ozzy had regained his ground. "I don't work for any one paper, but I have connections to many, including The Boston Herald," Ozzy stopped to allow Ryan to digest those implications.

Ryan examined him up and down. His clothes didn't fit him, his suit rumpled, and his tie stained. Ozzy's few hairs on the top of his head were standing straight up. "And why should I believe you?"