Dealing with these two old foxes was a job best left to Luther.
Murdock was a slippery operator–Luther could tell what game he was playing the second he walked in.
He was obviously here about that company he’d started on the sly.
“Dad, Jade’s getting engaged soon. We were hoping you could paint something for her as an engagement gift. For good luck, you know?”
Murdock’s smile was all sincerity.
Luther’s gaze shifted from Murdock to the young woman behind him, his interest piqued.
“So, who’s the poor soul with such terrible taste, willing to marry this little troublemaker?”
Jade bit her lip, fighting the urge to snap back.
If it weren’t for her father’s need to make a buck, she’d never have come here just to play the part of a happy, harmonious family.
Edna’s eyes filled with tears. “Dad, Jade may have the Lane name, but after all these years, she’s as much a part of the Selwyn family as anyone. For Murdock’s sake, can’t you give the child a wedding gift? I’m begging you.”
Murdock chimed in, “She’s right, Dad. Honestly, I’ve never asked you for anything! Even if you won’t do it for me, think about my brother–if he were still with us, he’d want the family to be at peace, for all our sakes!”
Crack! Luther’s cane landed hard on Murdock’s back.
Murdock yelped and sprang upright.
“And what right do you have to mention your brother? After the way you all treated Celly, I swear you’ve forgotten everything but your own self–interest!”
Luther was shaking with anger.
Celestine recognized that her grandfather was at his limit.
But this was hardly the time to let things end here.
“Uncle, what are you really here for? If you just wanted to visit Grandpa and share Jade’s good news, you can leave now.”
08:08
Celestine leaned against the hospital bed, her sharp, fox–like eyes glinting with coldness.
“But if you’re here for me, then please leave–quickly. You’re not welcome here.”
The three of them shrank under Celestine’s icy stare.
Jade couldn’t take it anymore. Forgetting Luther was still present, she snapped, “Celestine! My father is your elder–you can’t talk to him like that!”
Celestine replied coolly, “Well, my grandfather is the family patriarch. Not that any of you show him much respect, either.”
“Dad! We just wanted to share this happy occasion with you. Ever since Celly got married, it’s been so long since we’ve had any real celebration in the family. If you paint something new for Jade, maybe it’ll bring some good luck–wash away the bad times!”
Murdock tried to plead his case.
Luther was tired of hearing the same arguments, over and over.
Even the hogs slaughtered at Christmas had more originality than these two.
All they ever did was scheme for a piece of this old man’s bones.
“The only bad luck in this house is you. And those two? At best, they’re just drifting through.”
Murdock’s face turned purple with indignation.
But with no leverage, he could only force a smile and keep playing along.
“If it really would help the family, I’d drift, float, or whatever you want!”
Luther wanted to knock him over the head again just for that grin.
“Let me make myself clear: I don’t care who she’s marrying, or what kind of engagement or divorce it is I won’t be painting any gifts, and you can forget about me picking up a brush.”
Edna’s eyes were full of resentment, but she covered it up in an instant.
She stepped forward and dropped to her knees with a thud.
“Dad, is it me you have a problem with, or Murdock? All these years, Murdock’s done everything just to please you. If you don’t want to see me or Jade, v of your way. Sure, your second son had his achievements, but Murdock is your
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flesh and blood too. How can you be so unfair?”
