Master Gallagher

Called everyone out

The minute he said. "I will be off now."

I thanked the father, the son and the Holy Spirit. The thought of them sleeping over did not sit well with them. I could see them, waiting for the lights to be off so they could come for me in the basement. They scared me, Master Milton wouldn't stop with his disgusting gestures, he licked his nonexistent thin lips too often when I passed by. Master Gerald was no exception. William told me to stay in the Kitchen until they left.

"Better make the most of this weekend. We board for Australia soon. I made sure Peters gave us the finest Cabins.." Master Joshua said excitedly. I noticed how William slumped his shoulders as his father took his cane while his brothers grabbed their coats.

"Father... I have a profession, I can not just up and leave..." William let out. Both his brothers burst out laughing with Master Joshua.

"There there my little William..." Master Joshua gave William a pat on the shoulder. "You can always play doctor when it suits you but you're a Gallagher. Land, n*****s, land, n*****s, land... that my son is our algorithm."

"I appreciate you little brother having helped our wives with delivery and taking care of Edwin but you ought to do right by family first."

"That vegetable will die soon, I presume. What do you think doctor?" Master Joshua intervened, raising his eyebrows the lines on his forehead did not go unnoticed.

"I do not know father, cases like Edwin have never even reached past the teens."

"Can you not lay him to rest, with those fancy dose injections.." Master Joshua added anxiously. I noticed how the three brothers all became uncomfortable.

"Father, you can not do that." Master Milton quickly added.

"It's murder!" Said Master Gerald in a low tone. It was clear that they feared their father.

"I have dealt with so many n*****s in the same fashion. What makes it any different, I already have blood on my hands but thank the lord. He forgives, confess and he forgives." Master Joshua paused. "I will be doing Edwin a favor, that piece of wood. I do not know what I did to deserve that."

"A lot." William said under his breath.

There was silence.

"William, better thank the heavens that you're close to my heart. I'd have castrated you after that snazzy comment. Out of my way... you blue eyed dimwit." He used his cane to push William aside for a moment I felt bad. I could not imagine how horrible it must have been to have Master Joshua as a father.

"William, what is wrong with you?!" Master Gerald whispered as he walked past William who did not even seem guilty.

"Bloody hell, now we have to deal with grumpy Gallagher because of you spoiled urchin. You're lucky you have never had a hitting. You act like you need one." Master Milton mustered walking right behind them. It was true, Master Joshua would never allow anyone to lay his hands on William and his two sisters. He never failed to hide his favoritism.

"Run along now... three musketeers.." William added with a smirk. Master Milton bit on his lip.

"I swear, I swear when Father dies... you will curse the day you were born!"

"I'm so afraid Milton. It's unfortunate that you're convinced father will leave everything in your name because you follow him like his shadow and practically wipe his ol'ass after shitting." William chuckled. Luckily Master Joshua and Gerald has already headed out into their carriage. This aggravated Master Milton so much that he pushed William against the wall. Keeping a tight grip on William's collar. It scared me, I was afraid... for William.

"Pray... William. Pray hard!"

"I will pray for you as well. Hell will not be a recess but I suppose... you have company; father and Gerald—"

Master Milton held out his fist but was interrupted. I was thankful when Master Joshua stood in front of them fuming so much that his ear turned a bit red.

"Milton remove your heinous hands off my son. How dare you!" Master Joshua gave Master Milton a backhand clap. I felt horrible watching from my corner. I was more afraid of what would happen. Master Milton had so much anger arched in his eyes as he wiped the bits of blood from his lip.

"Willy, are you alright my boy?" Master Joshua said quickly, approaching William.

William immediately dismissed it. I knew that he felt just as horrible.

"I'm perfectly fine father."

"Milton, you dare lay your hands on my son?—"

"It's fine Father.." William interrupted.

"No no no, he could have hurt you." Master Joshua said making sure William was alright. Master Milton stared with so much anger that if looks could kill there would be two corpses on the floor. Master Gerald stood in his corner not wanting to intervene.

"You're jealous, Milton. Shameless little neanderthal! William is only a little boy, he is twenty-six and here you're standing in your forties shamelessly fighting my little boy."

"Father—" William interrupted.

"You say forties because you do not even know my age or my birthday. Such a good father you're." Master Milton said with so much anguish.

"Milton, it's best—" Master Gerald tried to intervene.

"No, Gerald... leave me alone." He paused. I never thought I would see a grown man cry much less Master Milton the most proud there is. "One day, one day Father. Your precious little blue eyed boy is going to disappoint you and I can tell that day will be soon. You expect so much of him that the day he disappoints, you will most likely get a heart attack or go straight into a stroke. I will be there, waiting..."

William's eyes immediately met mine.

I felt tears immediately rush down my cheeks. Before they could all focus on me, I pretended to be clearing the table. Tears fell on the table, I couldn't stop them from coming. Fear... so much fear. Sometimes, I forgot how bad the situation is whenever I was with William. He made it seem as if it wasn't that bad but when reality finally sat in. My heart sank, it scared me to death. Hector was right, this wouldn't be easy...

death would be easier.

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