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My Dad the Ex-Con

"Jail?" Venti and Earl said simultaneously.

Sam nodded his head slowly. "I was hit with some bad times. I was broke and barely able to pay my rent. My only friend was in the bottom of a bottle, if you understand my meaning. So when someone gave me a chance to make some easy money, I took it."

Venti's gaze traveled down to Sam's solid, muscular arms. "Steroids, am I right?"

Sam didn't answer, his eyes drawn down to the table.

Thought so, Venti nodded his head. "Then you got caught, am I right about that too?"

This time, the elder jackal did answer him. "It was a sting," Sam said quietly. "The court sentenced me for ten years, but I got out on good behavior after five." He looked into Earl's eyes. "I wanted to get back in touch with you, but...I was ashamed, Earl. I didn't want to face your disappointment."

Earl didn't say anything for a minute, then muttered "You're an idiot, Sam," he said softly.

"I know," Sam said, his head hung low.

Earl shook his head. "You're an idiot if you think I wouldn't have forgiven you."

Sam looked up at the older hyena. "I don't deserve it."

"Tough," Earl said with a shrug. "I forgive you anyway."

"That's all nice and good," Venti said. "But this doesn't change the fact you hid the fact you were friends with my biological dad, Dad." He looked over at Art, who remained quiet throughout the conversation, but was still holding the jackal's forearm.

"Can we talk about it later, son?" Earl asked.

Venti was about to say no, but he caught the pleading look in his father's eyes. His father was reunited with his best friend. How could he say no?

Venti sighed, feeling a great weight in his chest. "Sure, Dad."

"Thank you, son." He turned back to Sam. "All things considered, Sam, I'm glad to see you." A smirk formed around his muzzle. "Even if you are a deadbeat."

"I love you too, Earl. How's Sandra?"

I think I would've liked it better if Dad had really been pissed off and out for blood, Venti thought, resting his chin on his fist as he idly munched on his appetizer.