Farrington-Gores: A revolting offer

'Tristan?'

'Hey.'

'One of my business associates has invited me to Devil's Port. Have you heard of it? It's a city a good few hours away.'

'Yeah... I know of it.'

'Good. Anyway, this time he's extended the offer to you too. If you're interested, we'll be leaving in half an hour.'

'...Who is this business associate?'

'He's called Abraxas Gore. He found out about what happened to you, and he kindly asked me if you'd be interested in accompanying us. It might cheer you up.'

'Uh... what are we gonna be doing?'

'Spending some quality time at the business we own together. Dangerous Curves. You can have your pick of the girls.'

'Wh-what is it...? Like a strip club or something?'

'They're hookers, Tristan.'

'Oh God! No, no... I'm sorry Father, but this isn't something I'd be interested in. A-At all.'

'Listen... there's no shame in being inexperienced. You're still young. I know, it'll be your first time-'

'Father! With all due respect, I'm really not comfortable discussing this with you! I'm sorry, but I can't. You'll have to go on your own.'

'Okay, okay. Of course you don't have to. It was just an offer. Well, I have to get ready. I'll see you later.'

'See you...'

'Hey, Mum. What're you doing?'

'Hi sweetie. I thought I'd try a bit of sculpting, seeing as I've got nothing else to do.'

'Aww, it's good! I didn't realise you were so talented.'

'Thanks! I was put off the last time I did it... well, your father made fun of it and said I was crap.'

'Take no notice, Mum. He was just being a bully, as usual.'

'I know... sorry, let's forget about him. You don't need to hear me complaining! How's he been with you recently? Is there anything I need to hear about?'

'No, I've avoided him as much as possible. It's not like he wants my company anyway. Besides, I've got much better things to do!'

'That's the spirit!'

'Oh, look... he's leaving.'

'Good.'

'He's getting into a car... not his limo, it's somebody else. Dunno where he's going.'

'With a bit of luck, he won't be coming back in a hurry.'

'Oh, hey... Didn't know you were in here.'

'Hi, honey.'

'Did Dad tell you where he was going?'

'Yeah... he's off to Devil's Port.'

'Ah... probably to go hang out with his friend.'

'Friend? What friend?'

'Abraxas Gore.'

'...How do you know about him?'

'We met a couple of his kids. Y'know, when you took us all to Edward's not long ago! It was like a group counselling session... turns out Abraxas is as awful as Dad. No, he's worse. He hits them!'

'Oh my God, that's horrible...'

'He sounds like a really nasty bastard. No wonder he gets on with Father.'

'Poor kids...'

'How do you know him?'

'I- I don't!'

'Then why'd you make that face when I said his name? Sounds like you've at least heard of him.'

'...I met him, a long time ago, when I was much, much younger. Before I had you. I haven't seen him since. I didn't know anything about him... I had no idea he was like that.'

'How did you meet him?'

'...That's not worth asking. Just... don't search his name.'

'Oh...'

'Are you okay?'

'Hey, I'm fine. I promise. Don't you worry about me, okay?'

'I guess... but yeah, Carmella's right. That's who Father's seeing. They're not just friends, they're business partners... and I just found out what their business is.'

'Oh? What is it?'

'...I dunno if I wanna say.'

'Go on... I'd like to know.'

'...It's a brothel.'

'.....Eeewwwwww! That's gross!'

'Oh, the disgusting prick!'

'Yeah...'

'I didn't think I could find Dad more repulsive. Does he... join in?'

'Carmella!'

'...He does. That's why he's going.'

'Oh my fucking God... kids, I'm so sorry. I can't believe I married someone so vile.'

'At least you got us out of it?'

'I did... it was worth it just for that. Because I'd never regret you, and I wouldn't choose different if it meant not having you.'

'Awww, good.'