His suggestion seemed a perfect means of escape for both of us. "Yes," I said.
"Oh." He sat back like someone who had just been told he had terminal cancer.
"I'm sorry. I shouldn't have gone this far with you," I said. "This is all my fault."
"No, no. Look. I'm not in love with your father. I'm in love with you."
"It can't be, Buddy. He won't permit it, and he's… dangerous."
"Dangerous? Is he a Mob hitman or something?"
"Something," I said.
"Well, I don't get it," he said, his voice more full of anger than confusion now. "Why did your sister bring you to my uncle's house? What was all of this about her agreeing to my being brought to meet your father?"
"She's done things he wouldn't approve of, too, and I blackmailed her."
