A Terrified Boy Begged His Estranged Father for Protection on a Rainy Night — Part 2

Previously: When twenty-year-old Toby burst into a rainy diner begging his estranged father Leo for protection, a dangerous family secret came rushing through the neon-lit doors right behind him.

The Shadow of the Past

The diner door swung open with a slow, deliberate creak. A tall man in a tailored dark overcoat stepped inside, shaking the rain from his umbrella. Marcus. Leo recognized him instantly; the scars on Marcus's face were a brutal reminder of the criminal syndicate Leo had spent the last ten years trying to escape. Marcus’s cold eyes scanned the room before landing on Toby, a sinister smile creeping across his lips.

Marcus walked over, his heavy boots squeaking against the wet checkered floor. He stopped right at their booth, ignoring Leo entirely as he leaned down toward Toby.

"You ran a long way, kid," Marcus whispered, his voice dripping with venom. "Did you really think you could steal from me and get away with it? Hand over the drive, and maybe I let you walk."

Toby shrank back into the red vinyl cushions, his face completely drained of color. He reached into his pocket, his hand shaking violently, but Leo reached out and firmly placed his hand over Toby's, stopping him. Leo then stood up, his towering frame matching Marcus’s height. The calm demeanor Leo had maintained vanished, replaced by a fierce, dangerous intensity.

"He doesn't have anything for you, Marcus," Leo said, his voice low and dangerous. "Leave the boy out of this. Your fight is with me."

Marcus laughed, a dry, humorless sound that echoed in the quiet diner. He looked at Leo, then back to Toby, realization dawning on his face.

"Well, well. I wondered where the kid got the courage to break into my office. He was looking for his dear old dad, wasn't he? How touching. The legendary Leo, hiding out in a greasy spoon, protecting a boy who doesn't even know the truth about why you left."

Toby looked up at Leo, confusion mixing with his fear. Leo had always told him he left because of a failing marriage, but the truth was far darker. Leo had stolen a ledger containing evidence of Marcus's illegal operations to use as leverage, ensuring Toby and his mother would always be left in peace. Now, Toby had unwittingly dug it up, trying to find clues to locate his father.