Weston by Debra Kayn Page A

that you’ve changed your mind. Then take both of them to the airport and fly to wherever the hell you want. I’ll have the guys from the agency escort you the entire way and stay until the plane takes off. I’ll foot the bill. You’ll stay there with them until I call you. Understand?”
    His dad leaned closer. “You’re serious about this guy putting their lives in danger.”
    “Fuck, yeah,” he said. “I don’t want you or mom involved, and Mary needs to stay away from Bay City until we can get some answers.”
    “What about Rocki?” Dad asked. “Is she in danger?”
    “I’ll protect Rocki.”
    A loud, deep sigh of acceptance came from his dad. “Hell, son, why didn’t you say you meant business?”
    He’d explained the situation in more ways than he thought possible, but his parents and Mary’s mom were too caught up in seeing him and Rocki together. He removed his wallet and extracted a credit card. “Go straight to the airport. Buy the clothes you need once you arrive at your destination.”
    His dad pushed his hand away. “No way. I’ll pay for the women and keep them safe. I was in charge of a whole barrack. I can manage overseeing two women.”
    Having grown up under his dad’s roof, and having similar thoughts on what was right and wrong, Tony put his wallet in his pocket. His dad had pride and served his country, powered through having his thigh shattered and reconstructed, and never once lay down and admitted defeat. If anyone could keep his mother and Mary safe while they were out of the area, it was his dad.
    He shook his father’s hand, pulling him into a shoulder tap. “Hawaii’s nice this time of year, yeah?”
    “Right.” His dad held Tony’s face and brought his forehead to his. “Stay clean. Keep that girl safe. She’s a good one, son. The kind of woman you’d wake up every morning with and hope to get to know everything about in your lifetime.”
    “I hear you,” he said. “Thanks, Dad. I owe you.”
    “Never, boy, never.” His dad slapped him on the shoulder, squeezed, and left the rest unsaid.
    Tony understood. Growing up, both his parents gave him their one hundred percent support in whatever he did, whether he was right or wrong in his decisions. He knew his place as their son would never waver. They gave him enough freedom to get into trouble, and the tools to work his way out.
    He walked back into the living room, sought out Rocki, and gave her a wink. He grinned when she visibly relaxed. He’d never get used to how she tuned in to him, even when they didn’t see eye to eye.
    “All right, change of plans. We’re going to make this situation easier on Tony and Rocki. The kids need space and time to bring their lives under control so they can get on with real things.” His dad clapped his hands. “How would you two beautiful ladies like to catch a flight to Hawaii and bask in the sun?”
    Tony’s mom squealed and rushed toward his dad. Mary looked at Rocki and frowned. He moved forward, wanting to assure Mary he’d take care of her daughter and, in turn, nothing would happen to her.
    “Tony?” Rocki whispered, distracting him. “What’s going on?”
    “Vacation time, sweetheart.” He grasped her hand and pulled her onto her feet. “Your mom will be fine and better protected away from Bay City. You’ll be safe here with me and the guys watching over you. When we have everything settled, your mom will come back and life will return to normal. In the meantime, my dad will watch over her. She’ll be fine.”
    “I think I should stay with Rocki.” Mary worked her lips in worry. “I don’t even know your parents…”
    “It’ll be the perfect time for you all to get to know each other.” Tony lowered his voice. “I understand you want to stay with your daughter, but I can assure you, she’s perfectly safe, between me and the other three private investigators at the body shop, plus your daughter is trained and knows how to handle herself in this