“I know my nephew is a fine boy growing into a fine man. That’s how boys should be.”
“Now listen, Melinda…”
“I don’t think so, David. I think you’ll listen instead.” The man’s mouth shut with a snap. “If I hear again of any of your family harassing any member of my family, I’ll be dealing directly with you. You got that?”
David nodded. “Yeah, I got it.”
Mel looked pointedly at her metal foot. “Can’t kick a soccer ball anymore,” she said. “My new foot would slice it wide open.”
Mel stared at the man’s face, pretending she didn’t see how his hands, one holding a loaf of bread and the other a head of lettuce, instinctively moved to protect his crotch.
“Good to hear you’re alive,” he said, his voice dry. Mel knew he was lying. “Glad to have you home.”
“Right, David. I’m sure you are.” H
