Necessary Decisions, A Gino Cataldi Mystery Read Free Page A

greeting unless someone needs something, and badly.”
    “Daddy, I got asked to prom today by the cutest boy in the whole school. Maybe the whole world .”
    “That’s great.” He hugged her and patted her back. “I’m tickled for you. Who’s the lucky boy?”
    Lucia walked over. “I hate to interrupt this moment of joy, but what your daughter isn’t telling you is that she needs a prom dress.”
    Lonny had used all of his willpower on the fake smile. Nothing but frustration remained. “Jada, you know we don’t have money.”
    “Sorry, Dad. I didn’t know if—”
    “You didn’t know, or you didn’t think ? Or maybe you just didn’t care.”
    She cowered. “Dad—”
    “‘Dad’ my ass . Did you bother to think how it makes me feel not being able to afford a dress for my only daughter? Your brother would never do that, he—” Lonny stopped. He went to his chair, where he sat, head buried in his hands. When Jada came to him, he got up and almost ran to the bedroom.
    ***
    Jada tried following but stopped short of going in. She backed up and went to her mother, falling into her arms. “I think Dad’s crying.”
    Her mother hugged her back. “Men cry too, dear. They just try not to let others know.”
    “What’s going on? Why is Dad crying?”
    Lucia led Jada to the kitchen. “Your father’s a proud man. Proud men have a lot further to fall when something goes wrong.”
    “What’s wrong?”
    “I don’t know yet.”
    ***
    Lonny sat on the on the edge of the bed and stared at the floor. For years, he’d taken care of his family—but now he couldn’t. He didn’t know how he would feed them, let alone pay the mortgage or electric bills. He was already one month late on the mortgage. Now, with no work… I can’t lose this house. I won’t lose this house.
    Then he remembered a conversation with a guy named Willard who arranged jobs for people. The problem with his work was that if Lonny got caught, he’d spend time in jail. Still, he had to feed his family.
    What the hell am I gonna do?
    He thought about his old truck, with dents in the back quarter panel and front fender, an engine that sputtered. How long could it last with 155,000 miles on it? Willard drove a two-year-old Mercedes, which got cleaned and waxed every week, at least from what Lonny heard.
    He was about to say no when he thought of Jada and how excited she was about that prom. His little girl all grown up. Then he thought about how Jada and Mars would feel if he lost the house. Where would they live?
    A big battle raged inside of him, and when it was over, Lonny had his decision. No matter what happened, his little girl was going to the prom, and she’d be picked up at this house.
    I’m keeping this house if I have to kill someone to do it.

Chapter 5

    Desperate Times
    A ll night, Lonny fretted over his decision. Sometime between his third or fourth trip to the bathroom, sick to his stomach, he decided he wouldn’t call Willard after all. He’d find work somewhere, even if it meant doing odd jobs or cutting lawns. He’d shovel shit if he had to.
    Dilemma resolved, he finally got to sleep. It was late, maybe five AM when he nodded off, but he got up at six and smiled as he made his way to the kitchen. Looking for a job was as difficult as doing one, or so they said. He hadn’t done it for a long time, so he didn’t remember if the old saying was true. What he did know was that he had to get money before next month’s mortgage payment was due. It would be tough to dig out of this hole, but he was glad he’d decided to do it the right way.
    “Good morning, ladies.” He kissed Lucia and rubbed Jada’s head then playfully punched Mars in the arm. “You too, tough guy.”
    “Be careful, old man. I’ll take you down.”
    “Don’t even think you can come close to that.”
    “Ha! Did you see my take-down at the last competition? It had your name all over it.”
    Lonny laughed then went to get his coffee.
    “Sit down,