CHAPTER 15

Papa Good balled up his right fist and struck Dean hard across the face. Had he not been restrained to a chair, wrist tied behind his back, he would have collapsed to the floor. His eyes met his assaulter.

"Having fun?" Dean mocked.

"More than you, I'm sure. I can't believe you're actually enjoying this."

"Come on. You call that a punch? I've taken worse hits than that. I don't know who taught you to hit, but their training obviously didn't work for you. You hit like a girl."

Papa Good replied with three more punches to Dean's bruised and bloody face.

"How's that for hitting like a girl?"

Dean groaned and chuckled before spitting blood to the floor.

"Much better. Dore ware yourself out."

"Oh, I'm just getting started."

"Great," Dean answered sarcastically, rolling his eyes. "Can't wait to see what else you have up your sleeve, Papa Dearest."

Papa Good clasped Dean by the face. "I am sick and tired of your lip, boy. Before this night is over, you will die."

Papa Good release his grip on his son. He reached into his back pocket and pulled out a packet of cigarettes along with a lighter. He pulled a cigarette from the pack, then tossed it behind his back. He placed the cigarette between his lips, and lit it up. Papa Good took a drag, and blew the smoke from his mouth slowly.

"Mind if I smoke?"

Dean didn't reply.

"Care for a puff?"

"I quit a long time ago."

Papa Good shrugged. "Hmm. Suit yourself."

Papa Good took another puff, then blew the smoke into Dean's face. Dean shut his eyes and coughed.

"You know what? These things are so bad for you. Good thing you gave it up.

Dean let out a scream as the burnt end touched his exposed right arm. Papa Good twisted the cigarette between his finger tips before tossing it to the floor and stomping it out. Dean sighed with relief as Papa Good locked eyes with him.

"What are you gonna do about that, boy?"

Dean replied spitting blood on Papa Good's left shoe. Papa Good looked at his shoe, then back at Dean.

"What are you gonna do about that...Dad?"

Papa Good straightened up and grabbed a handful of Dean's hair. "You're gonna pay for that."

Papa Good balled up his fist again ready to strike. However, Papa Good was turned around and knocked to the floor with a hard right hand. Mark stepped over Papa Good and approached a beat up Dean. He examined his face.

"Oh, Dean..."

"I'm fine. Untie me."

Mark stood behind the chair and undid the rope bounding Dean's wrists. He assisted Dean to his feet.

"I thought you left."

"If I left you to die, Renee would never forgive me. I would never forgive me either."

Dean looked to his right and his eyes widened. "GUN!"

Papa Good fired as both men dodged opposite directions. Dean grabbed the chair he was tied to and threw it at Papa Good. Mark pulled Dean to his feet.

"Run!"

Both men made it out the door as another shot was fired.