My 6-year-old granddaughter phoned me in panic just after midnight. “Mommy says the baby is coming! Help!” I asked, “Where’s daddy?” She answered, “He k!cked mommy’s tummy and left.”…..

Better to tear it down and start fresh. They worked through the afternoon methodically destroying the interior of the cabin. Harry ripped out the floorboards in the kitchen where Cassid’s blood had been spilled. Cassidy took particular satisfaction in destroying the back room where lone shark meetings have been held and threats have been made as the sun set over the lake.

They piled the broken wood and debris into a bonfire that could be seen for miles. Harry poured gasoline over the pile and handed Cassidy a book of matches. Want to do the honors? Cassidy struck a match and dropped it into the gasoline. The flames leaped 20 ft into the air, consuming years of corruption and violence in a cleansing inferno.

“You ever think about forgiving him?” Cassidy asked as they watched the fire burnt. The Harry’s answer came without hesitation. “Forgiveness is for men who plan to see someone again. I’m done seeing him.” They stood in comfortable silence, watching the flames dance against the darkening sky. In the distance, Harry could see lights from other cabins around the lake families enjoying evening barbecues.

Children playing on docks. People living normal lives without fear of violence or extortion. What happens now? Cassidy asked. Now we build something better. Harry put his arm around his daughter’s shoulders. The land’s still good, even if the house was rotten. Maybe we’ll put up a place where Lydia and her little brother can come for summer vacations.

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