Page 136 of Property of Whiskey

“No.”

Twila’s voice turns dangerous. “Did you just put your hand up at me?”

“Yes.”

“You wanna keep that hand?”

Beth laughs once. “You deserve each other.”

“Probably.”

Beth flinches.

Shit.

That slipped.

Beth’s face closes. “Fine.” She steps off the porch. “I’ll go through the court again here in this county.”

“Do it.”

“I’ll get visitation.”

“If you earn it.”

“I’m her mother.”

“And I’m her father.”

“She needs me.”

“She needs safety.”

Beth looks toward Twila one last time. “This won’t last.”

Twila smiles. “Lady, I’m still deciding whether to arrest him.”

Beth turns and leaves.

I close the door slowly, turn the lock, and don’t turn around. I can feel Twila behind me. Jealousy has heat.

Hers could fry bacon.

“Don’t.”

Beth’s car tears down the road.

“I haven’t said anything.”

“You’re about to.”

Her eyes drop to my arm again. “That’s her.”

I look down at ink I quit seeing years ago. “Yeah.”

“You have your ex tattooed on your fucking arm.”

“Got it a long time ago.”