Chapter 2
Jason’s heart pulsed with adrenaline. “Dad.” His hands flew up to shield his face out of habit. “I swear it was an accident. A horrible accident. I’m sorry. So sorry.”
His lanky shoulders and reed-thin body shook. Guilt shrouded his thoughts. “I’ll go to the police and tell them what happened. I’ll make it right.”
Hank stared in disbelief at his son. “You’re an idiot!
If he dies, you’ll be charged with manslaughter!
You’re a minor, but they’ll give you time in juvie, and after that, hard time in the slammer.
” He eyed Jason up and down. “They’ll eat you for breakfast. Believe me.
I know firsthand what happens to new meat. ”
Jason opened his mouth to interject.“But?—”
“Shut up. I’m making a plan to save your sorry hide.” He scanned the area with a furtive glance. “Grab the keys.”
Jason scrunched his brow and tilted his head.
“Do what I say. You’re worthless, just like your mother. Both of you’ve ruined my life.”
Jason hustled into the house to grab the car keys while his dad entered the shed next to the house.
When he came back outside, his dad was putting gasoline and rags in the trunk.
His prized possession, a 2006 Fat Boy Harley, was parked next to the car, a spare helmet strapped onto the rear of the bike.
Gesturing to the car, he shouted, “Get in.”
Jason’s eyes widened. “What are you doing?”
His dad pushed him into the driver’s seat with a stinging slap on his back. “Shut your pie hole! Follow me. Stay right on my tail.” He pulled on his helmet and stomped on the start pedal. The machine roared to life.
An hour later, they turned onto a remote logging road. Another half-hour passed before they reached their destination. A large circular area of dirt. The trees had been cleared, and it was big enough for logging trucks to load, circle, and head out down the lumber roads to the mill.
“Put the car in the middle of the logging deck, and haul the stuff out of the trunk,” Hank barked.
“Are you actually going to torch the car?” Jason’s voice quivered in fear.
“Do you want to end up in jail—and me too as your accomplice?”
Jason looked at his dad, a puzzled expression on his face. “How do you know all this?”
Hank stomped toward him. He hulked over him, face flushed and hands fisted. “How do you think I know?”
Jason’s heart quaked. Who was his dad—and what had he done?
“Put the other helmet on and sit on the bike. After I light her up, we need to get out of here fast. The smoke is going to be thick and black. Someone’s bound to call it in right away.”
Nodding, Jason did what he was told. Hank splashed gasoline inside and outside the car and saturated the rags. Next, he stuffed them into the gas tank fill.
“Start the bike.” He took a lighter out of his pocket and lit the rags.
Orange and red flames engulfed the car. Hank ran over and hopped on the bike with Jason behind him.
“Hang on!” He revved the engine and shot out of the loading deck. The motorcycle rocketed down the dirt trail. Billows of dust clouded behind them.
Less than a quarter mile down the road, the ground rumbled as the gas tank exploded. Hank wound around the logging roads, taking a different route before entering the highway.
“It’ll take a while for the smoke to be noticed. I think we’re going to be alright.” Hank snorted with a gleeful smile.
Gripping his father’s waist, Jason lowered his head in shame.
When they got home, Hank headed for the kitchen to grab a beer. Jason knew better than to remind his dad it was still morning, and Christmas, as if that mattered. Hank guzzled a hefty mouthful of beer and picked up his phone. He punched in three numbers.
Dispatch answered on the first ring.“This is 911. State your emergency.”
Hank took another swig.“My car was stolen. It was parked out front last night, and now it ain’t here.” As he lit a cigarette, he smirked and winked at Jason.