Ace dipped his head slightly, offering her a better vantage point at the butchering that he was given under the guise of sutures. By now, it was an art form for his daughter, he had been her canvas more time than he knew was fair.
“Once it adds to this whole ruggedly handsome shit I got going on and doesn’t leave me looking hideous I suppose I can live with it.” He tried by way of a joke though he simply couldn’t muster that easy going energy that he relied so heavily on. Her standing before him outside a police precinct was like the prelude to one of his worst nightmares – that particular night terror being that he would find himself stood outside a building such as the one behind him, alone, answering questions about what had happened to his daughter due to the misfortune of sharing half his DNA.
He had always been adamant that he could keep her safe, the only thing quicker than how fast he could deposit a bullet with precision into another person was how readily he would take one for his first born if it ever came down to it. Now, he wasn’t so sure.
When he could identify a threat, he could put an end to it. By gun, by knife, by hand and by any other grimly creative means his mind could summon but when the enemy wore a mask and seemed to see through his it changed the game. He hated being unsure of the next move.
“Think you should come home for a while, kid. Just until this whole thing winds down. Would give me some peace of mind with you there, plus I think a little more clearly when you’re close by.” While there was no lie in the explanation he offered, what he didn’t verbalise was that one of his main worries was she would revert back to that bad place she had sunk to before.
Jess offers him comfort in the way of her hand resting loosely on his shoulder, to remind them both that the other was there. That they had made it, that it was over, if only for now. “I’ll have you looking like Westworld extra in no time.” She tried again, her voice softer this time, humor fading into openness.
There’s an unspoken understanding that passed between them, they were acting strong for each other. It’s what they did, each in their own way but the root of which being the same. Jess wanted to protect her father, from extra stress or worry.
She had always been aware of how hard he worked to give her everything she needed. To keep her safe, and happy. And as far back as she can remember, she’d been looking for a way to help shoulder the burden in any way she could.
Maybe it’s why the question seems bittersweet at first, she could still remember the last time she had to come back home for a while. Not just for a weekend or a visit but a prolonged stay. She’d been open wounds under a thick layer of sick, and no one seemed to be able to see the bleeding but the man stood in front of her now. So there was no hesitation in her answer, no second thought necessary. When her father asked her to come home, Jessica couldn’t think of a spot in the world she’d rather be. “I gotta be honest with you, dad. Home sounds really great right now.”
