The Founders' Plot

“You’re just closing your mind on this,” Patti shot back. “What are you afraid of?”

“Watch your tone with me,” he said, his voice rising.

Becky gasped. She touched her father’s hand. “Take it easy, Dad. We only want to have a say in this. We’re not little girls anymore. Don’t shut us out.”

“I’m not shutting you out. It’s just that I’ve made my decision, and there’s no point in discussing it anymore.”

“Just hear us out, Dad,” Becky implored. “We’re worried.”

He put down his knife and fork. “Well, don’t be. I’ve given this quite a bit of thought. I’m ready for whatever happens. I’ve gone through all this with your mother. She’ll get through it. And so will you. Becky said it herself. You’re not little girls anymore.”

Becky and Rose slumped in their chairs. But Patti sat erect, peering into his eyes. Mike knew she’d only just begun to fight. He wasn’t surprised. She’d always been spunky. Mike sometimes thought that because she was the youngest, he and Josephine may have spoiled her a bit.

“You’re just being stubborn!” Patti shouted and threw her napkin on the table. “You’re just thinking about yourself! How do you say it?” She pointed to her head. “Testa Dura. Hard head. You can’t—”

Mike pointed his finger at her. “I told you to watch how you talk to me! This discussion is over! Period!”

Patti stood. “This is such bullshit! Why the fuck—”

Mike jumped to his feet. “You mind that mouth of yours! I’m not going to tell you again! I swear if you keep this up, you’ll regret it.”

Patti put her hands on her hips. “Is that supposed to scare me?”

“It had better!” Mike shouted and began walking around the table toward her.

Becky and Rose jumped in front of him and held their hands against his chest. “Come on, Dad,” Rose pleaded. “Don’t do that. Please.”

Josephine went to Patti and put an arm around her. She looked at Mike. “Calm down, Mike. Just calm down.”

Mike’s chest heaved. They were silent for a moment. Then, Mike pointed at Patti again. “You’d better show me some respect. Don’t ever come into this house again with that … that attitude, or whatever. And leave that foul mouth of yours at the door, too.”

Patti’s face was beet red, and her lips were sucked tightly into her teeth. She began to speak, then stopped, whirled around, and walked out, slamming the door behind her.