Before long, Marcus began slipping out of the house.
He started spending his time in bars and casinos. Soon, a pack of hangers-on had gathered around him, drawn by his money. They praised his loyalty and acted as though he still owned every room he entered, wheelchair or not.
Marcus bought every word.
He was desperate to feel important again, and before long, they had led him into far deeper trouble.
When my dad brought Marcus home from the police station, he was so furious that he nearly collapsed.
Marcus had gotten into a fight after a night of gambling and seriously injured another man. My dad had posted bail, hired lawyers, and paid the victim a substantial settlement to keep the situation from becoming even worse.
Bruised and still cursing, Marcus sat in his wheelchair.
"They l
