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A Losing Battle

"So I want you to arrange a nice, little meeting with you, me, and your biological father," Venti's dad said in the too-familiar tone of voice of someone used to getting his way.

Venti steeled himself for the backlash his statement would cause. "I don't think that's a good idea, sir."

The older hyena raised an eyebrow. "And why's that, son? You think I can't handle someone his size?"

"Well, to be honest, I--"

"I handled you when you had that obscene growth spurt and also when you got stronger than me."

Venti shifted his eyes over to Otis and Ted, who were starting to squirm uncomfortably on the sofa.

"Hey, Ted," Otis finally said, "let's go surprise Art at the coffee shop."

"Yeah, that'll be a great idea," Ted said, nodding and getting up too quickly from the sofa. He tugged at Otis' hand. "Do either of you want anything?"

A lifetime supply of valium, thought Venti. "No, I'm good."

"Nothing for me either, thanks."

As Venti watched the otter and younger hyena depart, something bothered him in the back of his head. There was something wrong with the whole scenario, but he couldn't put the clues together.

"Now," Venti's father said, "I'm going to have a polite talk with your biological father, and that's final."

"Dad, I really don't think you need to do anything about this. All I have to do is not show up for lunch today, and he'll go away."

"Are you so trusting that someone like him will just leave you be? He probably knows where you live already."

"I doubt he does, Dad."

"When he offered you a ride from the Gold Brick Cafe, you turned him down. He knows you're within walking distance. He probably knows where you work. Did the magazine article mention your workplace?"

Venti opened his mouth to dispute his father's theory, then closed it shut. Not only could his father figure out he lived within walking distance of the cafe, the article did mention where he worked. For a week, he had gawkers stare at him through the window looking into Cappuccinos. While it did bring in a slight increase of new customers, his boss had not been happy for the non-paying gawkers.

"Do you really think he's dangerous?" Venti asked.

"That's what I want to find out," Venti's father said grimly.

Venti sighed. He knew when to give up a losing battle when he fought one, and this was definitely one of them. "Well, I guess if you're so determined, I'm going to have to go with you. No offense, Dad, but he's bigger than me. Just by a smidge, mind you, but still...you'll need backup."

"Funny, I was about to say you'll need backup." He thumped his chest. "And this old hyena knows some tricks."

"So why didn't you use them the time we arm wrestled?"

"I didn't want to hurt you, son. I love you too much to do that."

Oddly enough, Venti believed every word.