an felt every bruise

ssica' s house, the house he' d pra

stashed in an old toolbox, money for a down payment on a

ed by t

coffee, Brandon lounging beside he

his usual chair,

who's back," Brand

up. "What do y

id. "And my guitar. Th

You got money hidden away? After all we've done fo

It's my money, Mr. M

like this. We're struggling a bit, you know, wit

big plans. Maybe you could spot

I'm not giving you anythin

feeling well. His medical bills are piling up again.

threat hangin

, at the calculatin

for years, Jessi

urt, would it?" she pressed.

on la

s resolve hardening. "No

d towards

"I don't think so, buddy. Not

. We don't want your charity anymo

can forget about that old guitar. I sold it. N

didn't react. He knew she hadn't had time to

ndon, who stumbled

aid, his voice low and danger