The old man smiled. “Yeah, son, there’s ‘business’ and there’s BUSINESS. That’s why I didn’t sell this thing to those developer bastards... All that money I DIDN’T make? Seein’ that little redhead in that Stearman, I’m paid. Sitting in that thing, back in the air. Pure dee premium.”“Thought you’d get a kick out of it,” I said.“More ‘n a kick, son. Daughter ‘n’ her husband had a fit. Ain’t none of their business, though, not as long as I’m alive and sane.” His eyes narrowed. “They’d be fillin’ in. .. uh there's a dog down the street that makes all kinds of racket," Jimmy lied. "It always sounds just like someone is screaming. We've called the cops several times but they don't do anything... So, you were saying that the guy tipped the boat over and..." Jimmy knew the noise hadn't come from a dog. He knew his mother well enough now to know that she and Rhonda were involved in something. Still, he couldn't tell if the scream was from his mom or Rhonda.Inside the bathroom, Rhonda was doing. You’ll be well compensated.”“But you’ve always preached that a man has to take responsibility for his actions. And I know you’re a man who practices what he preaches. Don’t take this personally, but I think you won’t have me to rely on.”“But—“Just assume I died suddenly and left you childless.”“Goddammit! This isn’t funny!”“I’m not trying to be funny.”“I’ll make sure you don’t get a dime of my money.”“Take your money and shove it! I’ve found I can get along quite well without it.”“What the. We kissed now and then, just little friendly pecks while I slipped a big paw inside her fluttering neckline to cup her lovely mounds, and she nuzzled my neck and stroked my back, eager I assumed to get back to her bed and spread her long legs. She was a prime piece of American girlhood, and I hated to see her being shared by our foul enemy, even if it was her family's politics.I had left her fat husband tied and gagged on the bedroom floor, having decided it would be a pleasant game to horse.