Daddy Dearest Read Free Page B

kept his distance because he was caught up in the hype surround his sister’s death.
    Hammer was very grateful that Bobby was a coward down to his heart. Because if that wasn’t the case, he knew that he would have a serious problem on his hands.
    “This doesn’t have anything to do with that. I wasn’t expecting nothing form you in the first place.”
    “So why are you tripping on me for then?” he asked, lifting his arms from his side. “We ain’t never had no problems with each other.”
    “Because I’m not going to let no child molester/dope fiend keep me from getting home to my daughter. And nobody else for that matter.”
    “That’s real fucked up, man.”
    “Nah, man . That’s real life.” Hammer walked off, leaving Bobby the yard to himself.
    * * *
    Hammer walked in the Chapel the next morning, on time as usual. He was amazed that he actually enjoyed working there, cleaning up and doing odd jobs. The atmosphere there put him in a serene and collective state of mind, like he was in another place all together.
    Chaplin Stephens had hired him ten years ago, and they had unintentionally built an incredible, but dangerous bond.
    The bond was incredible because the Chaplin had a way of simplifying Hammer’s most complex problems. His mighty insight had helped Hammer get through many rough patches that he had endured during the course of his prison sentence.
    Their relationship was dangerous because if it was ever discovered by the prison’s staff they knew that there would be some stiff repercussions for both of them.
    Now as he neared the Chaplin’s office, he could hear a strange sound coming from behind the door. Chaplin Stephens responded immediately to his knock and closed it behind him.
    “Good morning, Bobbit.”
    “Good morning. That could only mean one thing,” he said, referring to the inmate on the phone crying.
    “Unfortunately, you’re right.”
    Hammer shook his head sadly. He dreaded ever being summoned to the Chapel for anything other than to report to work. His heart went out to each inmate he heard being summoned even if he wasn’t sure of the reason. The Grim Reaper seemed to have the hot hand.
    “I don’t mean to bother you, but the utility closet is locked. I need to get in there for the supplies.”
    “Sure, sure.” He went over to the closet. “Have things been okay at home?”
    “They’ve been the same”
    “Have you talked to your daughter?”
    “Yes, I talked to her last night.”
    “Did she watch the program?”
    “No. She was too busy at the mall with her…friend.”
    The Chaplin picked up on Hammer’s change of tone. “Is there something wrong with her friend?”
    “Uhh, he’s on the sweet side, if you know what I mean.”
    “That seems to bother you.”
    “To be honest with you, Chaplin, it bothers me a lot.”
    He unlocked the closet. “Why, may I asks?”
    “Because, I don’t want her to pick up any bad habits.”
    “Bobbit.” He gently placed his hand on Hammer’s shoulder. “You have to give your daughter more credit than what you are giving her. She seems like an intelligent young woman, from what you’ve told me about her. So, I doubt very seriously that-“
    “Sergeant Goines to Chaplin Stephens,” the two-way radio crackled.
    The Chaplin pulled the radio from his belt. “Chaplin Stephens, over. Go ahead, Sergeant Goines.”
    “Do you have an inmate by the name of Carl Bobbit there with you?”
    Both the Chaplin and Hammer frowned.
    “Yes, I do.”
    “I need him in my office a.s.a.p.”
    “Okay, I’m sending him now.” He replaced the radio. “What have you gotten yourself into, Bobbit?”
    “I don’t know. I haven’t done anything.”
    “Well, something is wrong. We both know that Goines doesn’t call anyone to his office unless he’s going to lock them up.”
    Hammer knew this to be accurate. “There’s has to be a mistake, I haven’t done anything.”
    “Well, you better get on down there. And don’t worry about a