Why had I agreed to go to the prom was beyond my understanding at the moment. There was no one at the school I gave two shits about except one.

He held her close like I would have because he knew that the moment he let her go, another guy would sweep in to steal her away.

My date was busy running her mouth with a group of girls. I slipped outside unnoticed and pulled the flask from my rented tux jacket enjoying the burn of vodka I’d gotten from Dad’s stash. He wouldn’t miss it and I needed something to help quiet the demons in my head.

I wasn’t sure how long I was out there staring into space until she found me, eyes watery and red.

“Come help please?”

I was a sucker for her tears.

“What’s wrong, Ashley.”

“It’s Tim. They’re going to kill him.”

She tugged at my arm but, not to lead me inside the school. I was led around to the parking lot. At first I planned to refuse. Tim and I weren’t buddies and I wasn’t going to get expelled so close to graduation because he was fighting with some other loser.

What I saw chilled me. It was a replay of all those years ago. The debt collectors had come for blood. Tim apparently had a gambling problem.

Her boyfriend was on his knees. Though I was certain he was praying, I didn’t think he’d willing got in that pose.

“Hold up,” I said, jogging over where they stood.

“This ain’t none of your business,” the first wise ass said.

He was a big beefy guy but not fat. I didn’t know him on sight, but I understood his kind.

“What does he owe?” I asked but not too loudly.

Why I was keeping this from Ashley was yet another mystery. She needed to know what life would be like with this dipshit. Rumor had it they were getting married before he went off to basic training.

“You willing to pay it,” the wise ass said loud enough everyone heard.

His two buddies only grunted in laughter.

“Maybe.”

That shut them up and garnered me way too much inspection.

“What’s it to you?”

I used the only excuse I had and one they would understand.

“She’s hot. I help her and her boyfriend and she feels grateful to me.”

His bark of laughter was music to my ears. He was buying my story.

“One G.”

I turned back to where the two held Tim.

“How much do you have?” I asked him.

That’s when I noticed his black eye. He spit out blood and said, “Two, in my pocket.”

I nodded at the extras. They let him go and Tim got the money. He handed it to me and Ashley wailed.

“No, we need that for the baby.”

You’ve got to be shitting me.

I must have said that out loud because she said, “I’m pregnant.”

As if I didn’t get it the first time.

I handed the money to her. She was more responsible than that asshole. I turned back to the man in charge. “I’ll cover it.”

“And I’m to take your word.”

I used my get out of jail free card.

“Big Papa can vouch for me.”

His eyes grew at the sound of the boss’s street name.

He nodded. He rattled off a place and time before he flagged over his cronies. They left Tim to fall to his hands and knees like a dog on all fours.

Ashley kneeled next to him giving him comfort, leaving me to ask myself why I was helping her.

“Tim,” I said, gaining their attention.

He reared back to stand up and swayed some. I’d missed the show where they’d tenderized him.

“Thanks man. I’ll pay you back.”

I held up a hand.

“Consider it paid as long as you don’t do shit like this again. What would have happened if Ashley hadn’t gotten me?”

The shook his head muttering apologies as he tried to keep his balance.

“You would have left her alone, her and your kid.”

Those last words hurt.

“I promise.”

I ghosted when I heard the sounds of sirens. A crowd had spilled out of the gym. When I reached my date, she wanted to know what happened. I just needed to get out of there. I was already on the cops radar.