Daddy just ignored him. I wish I had..." She sounded sad, and I held her hand and gently brushed my finger across her smooth skin.We talked, or rather... I encouraged her to do the talking, and she rambled about her life and marriage, Brian growing up without a strong father figure, and the dynamics that led to her picking up and moving to Branson."I don't know what to do now that the bank job is gone..." She was hurting, so I threw her a lifeline."I don't think you need to worry about doing much. We'd each gone to our rooms at midnight after some more laughs and a very nice hug. I just conked out; I was so exhausted. The funny thing is that I wasn't afraid. John's voice was calm but forceful and when he said that I was safe, I believed him. John stood up and faced me. He was dressed in a pair of blue Perry Ellis shorts and nothing else. His body is a little more hairy than I like but he's in really decent shape. What really caught my attention was the intensity of his gaze. I felt like. "We know they are capable. I'm sure Coach Hancock wouldn't suggest this if he didn't think it would work." That other coach last year—Mitchell—put Brian on the court to get beaten up. I don't like it." Coach Hancock isn't like that, Mom."Dad looked at Mom and they held each other's eyes for a whole minute. They both gave an almost imperceptible nod."I still don't like it but I will be there and I will support you," Mom said at last. "I think we'd better get some other parents involved."I hadn't. As always I will protect you as long as you do what you are told without hesitation. I have a full schedule for you so I hope you are ready."I nodded. I loved the power of his presence and the way he took control of the situation.We reached Bernard's house and I followed him inside. He immediately picked up the phone and made a call."Yo Henry." He paused as the other party was talking. "I haven't forgotten that I owe you that money. That's why I'm calling. I got something over here that you.