Free Born of Hatred by Steve McHugh

drink of my tea. "It's what adults do. If we told you about everything bad that happens it might scare you. And whether that annoys you or not, they'd rather you had some ignorance about how cruel the world can sometimes be."
    "I understand that," she said firmly. "I just want them to be honest with me."
    "I'll tell you what, you ask me what you want to know, and I'll answer as honestly as I can."
    "I don't have anything right now," she said. "Can I come ask if I think of something?"
    "Sure, not a problem."
    Kasey walked to the doorway and turned back to me. "It's nice to meet you."
    "You, too."
    She paused for a heartbeat. "Dad says you're the scariest person he's ever met. But that you're a good guy. You don't look scary."
    Her words caused me to laugh, but I had to think how best to answer. "I'm only scary to people who deserve it."
    Apparently that was the answer she wanted to hear, as her attention was soon on the opening front door.
    "Mum," she shouted and darted off toward the front door.
     "Olivia," I said with a slight nod as she embraced her daughter.
    "Nathan," she said, not exactly sounding happy about seeing me. "I assume you and Tommy spent the night getting drunk."
    "Better than therapy," I pointed out, as Tommy made his way down the stairs wearing a clean, green shirt and faded jeans.
    "Morning, all," he said far too cheerful for the amount of alcohol he'd consumed, which dwarfed my own intake. A werewolf's healing ability at work made even mine look stagnant in comparison.
    "Morning, Dad," Kasey said with a slight glare. "I heard you both singing last night."
    Tommy grinned. "Sorry, we were in sort of a groove."
    Kasey rolled her eyes as only an eleven-year-old can, which caused Tommy to laugh. "Are you taking me to school today?" she asked her father.
    "I am," Olivia said. "I don't know if I'll get chance to come over tonight, so I thought it'd be nice for me to take you."
    Kasey beamed and went to hug her dad. 
    "See you tonight, Terror," he said as she pulled away.
    Kasey stopped beside me on her way back to Olivia. "Please keep them safe," she whispered before running out of the door.
    "I'll see you both soon," Olivia said with a scowl. 
    "I'm going to my place first," I said. "I need a shower and change of clothes."
    Olivia passed me a notepad and pen which had been kept on a table near the front door. "Write the address down, I'll meet you both there."
    I did as I was asked and Olivia took the paper, leaving without a word. "She's not happy," I said as the door closed.
    Tommy shrugged. "I don't think she was expecting you to be here. She doesn't like showing a soft side in front of people who are working for her."
    "I didn't realise I was working for her." I finished the rest of my tea and went to put the cup next to the sink. "Kasey asked me about the attacks."
     "I figured she might. Olivia and I haven't really spoken about them with her. I've been actively trying to avoid it."
    "I hope you don't mind. I wasn't really sure how to deal with it."
    "It's fine, probably better coming from you than some friends at school. Besides I'd mentioned you to her."
    "Yeah, the scariest man I've ever met bit. Thanks for that, nice way to terrify your child."
    Tommy laughed. "She's always afraid I'm going to get hurt. I figured telling her I was working with you, and that you can be scary might alleviate her fear a little."
    "I'm not really that scary am I?"
    He laughed again. "I've seen you lose your temper. Remember Istanbul?"
    "Ah, yeah. Well that was a special case."
    "You burnt a mansion to the ground and killed a dozen very unpleasant men."
    "They butchered women and children for profit. They deserved it."
    Tommy raised his hands. "No argument from me. But that's only one of many occasions I can think of when I've been really glad that you're on my side."
    I wanted a change of subject. "So, can we leave so that I can get a shower? I stink of booze and salt and vinegar crisps."
    Tommy threw me my jacket and