Blood Ties Read Free Page B

wife.” He echoed it as if he had to be reminded that she was even in the room, then he pulled his mind back to it. “Of course! My wife. You found her attractive?”
    â€œWell, yes,” I said. “But I need to make it absolutely clear that I had no idea that she was married. I would never have any desire to humiliate you in any way, and you can count on my complete discretion . . .”
    â€œHumiliate me?” He seemed astounded at the notion. “Discretion? What are you talking about? I get bragging rights!”
    â€œWhat?” I felt as if I’d wandered into the middle of another conversation entirely.
    â€œToo right! Wait’ll I tell the lads!” he said. “Ben Finn nearly had it off with my wife!”
    â€œWhat?” Jennifer had finally found her voice, and there was nothing but incredulity in it. Truth be told, I couldn’t exactly blame her. I wasn’t sure how to react either. “You’re . . . you’re going to boast about this?”
    â€œShut up,” said Clixby. “You’re lucky I don’t hold you down and let him have his way with you, just to teach you a lesson.”
    â€œTy!” Her voice went up an octave. She tried to say something more, but her mouth moved without any sounds emerging from it.
    I didn’t think he was serious. I sure hoped he wasn’t. I cleared my throat, and said, “You’re, ah . . . very broadminded, not holding this little misunderstanding against me.”
    â€œOh, under ordinary circumstances, I’d blow the other man’s brains out. But you’re different. You’re Ben Finn.”
    â€œSo?”
    â€œSo if the great Ben Finn thinks my wife is attractive enough to have off, that just reflects well on me, right?”
    There has rarely been an occasion when I didn’t have some sort of glib response, but this was certainly one of those times. I supposed I should have been flattered, and I guess on some level I was. But the entire business seemed madness to me. I slid my feet into my boots, and, forcing a smile, said, “Look . . . you’re welcome to tell anyone anything you want. I honestly don’t care. But I don’t exactly feel comfortable having it off with your wife, with or without your endorsement, and I sure as hell am not going to do it while pointing a gun at her head. So if you’ll excuse me, I’ll be on my way. In fact, even if you don’t excuse me, I’ll be on my way.”
    â€œYes, yes, by all means,” said Clixby. He stepped aside and indicated that the way was clear. Even as I passed him, I watched him warily, concerned that he might still have a trick up his sleeve. That this whole business was just to put me off guard so he could try to ambush me at the last moment. Such, however, was not the case. He made no move toward his rifle, nor any other move really except to bow slightly and gesture for me to pass. That I did quickly, never taking my gaze from him. I needn’t have worried. He was too busy adoring me.
    â€œFinn!” came Jennifer’s sharp voice from behind me. I turned.
    She raised an eyebrow and mouthed, Stay in touch. Then she winked.
    I hastened down the stairs, gathering my wits about me, and emerged into the street moments later. It was still early in the evening, the air crisp as I breathed it in deeply.
    It felt stale in my lungs. I tried to figure out why and did so immediately.
    I had become a popular, even a cult, figure. There was no outrage to my presence. I had always enjoyed being someone who lived on the outskirts of society; that was where I felt the most comfortable. People wanted and expected the least of you, and when you’re dwelling on the outskirts, it becomes that much easier to depart. Instead, I had reached a point in my life where I was a damned status symbol. My wife slept with Ben Finn! Drinks all around! That just wasn’t right.
    â€œI’ve got to get out