Page 18 of Ruptured

“Can you prove that?”

Rory glared at him.

“What the fuck does the letter say and where did you get it from?”

“Read it, and I got it from Mom’s office.”

“Kendall didn’t tell me you went to the office.”

“Mom didn’t know. Even if she did, she isn’t talking to you, so she wouldn’t have told you.”

“You broke into her office?”

“That’s the least of your fucking worries, Dad.”

“Talk to me with respect.”

“When you deserve respect, I’ll give it to you. Right now, you’re in here pouting and letting Mom, Mattie, me, JJ, and Blade down. You’re letting your club down and you’re especially letting Uncle Christopher down.”

A red haze of anger blinded Johnnie, and he jumped to his feet. “Do you really want to stand toe-to-toe with me? I’ll fucking cut you to pieces without wielding a knife, you ungrateful wretch.”

“Stop wallowing in self-pity, Dad. We all need and love you, especially Mom. You can help her. Why does she have to help you?”

“Because I’m her husband and it’s her job to listen to me. I’ve given that woman everything.”

“Except faithfulness, loyalty, and respect.”

Johnnie stiffened. “You’re lucky I love you. Otherwise, I’d shoot the fuck out of you.”

“I’ll die standing on that hill of truth. You mightn’t have ever physically been unfaithful. Mentally and emotionally? Aunt Meggie wins every fucking time—”

“I—”

“Don’t, Dad. Okay? I don’t want to talk about it. As long as you dream of another woman, Mom’s second and you disrespect her.”

“I love your mother.”

“But not enough. In all fairness, I don’t think you love Aunt Meggie. The only people you truly love are Uncle Christopher and Logan Donovan. Unfortunately, you hate them, too, and that’s consuming you. Taking away all your good.”

Johnnie squinted. “Are you calling me gay?”

“No, Dad,” Rory said with a sigh. “I’m calling you pathetic.”

“Get out.”

“Not until you read the fucking letter.”

“I cannot believe you broke into her office.”

“Gramps let me in.”

“That motherfucker! Disrespecting Kendall’s privacy.”

“Read the fucking letter.”

Dropping into his seat again, Johnnie snatched the envelope and took out the contents, unfolding a single sheet of paper.

Dear Kendall,