Chapter 69: The Automobile Thief
Kevin shared with Frank the disturbing details about Ethel's past. "Ethel told me that horrible man would abuse her every Tuesday. When I suggested taking her out for some fun, she thought I intended to harm her. The cult really messed with her mind," Kevin explained, deeply troubled by Ethel's experiences.
It was evident that Kevin, embracing his new role as a guardian, was highly invested in Ethel's well-being, a sentiment Frank could relate to, having felt similar responsibilities when he first arrived in this world.
"How's Ethel getting along with Veronica?" Frank inquired.
Frank noticed that Veronica's attitude toward Ethel was initially quite indifferent. The primary reason for taking Ethel in was to benefit financially from government aid, treating their home like a temporary lodging for Ethel.
"Things are much better now. Veronica even made French toast for breakfast. You've never had her French toast, have you? She only makes it for me. It's absolutely delicious!" Kevin beamed.
"We've decided to let Ethel stay longer. She prays every night before bed, separated from her child, which must be incredibly hard for her. Though I suspect her prayers might still be directed to the cult's version of God."
"Tomorrow, the family and children's services are bringing Ethel's son for a visit. It'll be a family reunion—daughter and grandson. Can you imagine that?"
"If possible, I'd like to adopt Ethel's son, Jonah, too. But Veronica isn't fully on board. I'll ask the social worker when they visit," Kevin said quietly.
The conversation between Frank and Kevin was lively and warm.
"Kevin, do you need your car anytime soon? Could I borrow it for a few days? I'll fill up the tank for you." Frank casually asked, taking advantage of the friendly atmosphere.
"Well..." Kevin hesitated, showing his reluctance.
If Fiona, Lip, or Ian had asked to borrow the car, Kevin wouldn't have thought twice. But Frank's past left him wary.
"Alright, but you need to bring it back every night," Kevin eventually agreed.
"Thanks," Frank replied gratefully.
The next day, after Frank turned Steve away from seeing Fiona, he tailed Steve's car as it drove off.
Frank borrowed Kevin's car specifically to follow Steve. He even went to Sheila's to borrow her DV camera the night before.
Frank was determined to catch Steve's shady activities on camera, to reveal Steve's true nature to his daughter. He wanted Fiona to see that Steve wasn't reliable.
While Frank was busy tailing Steve, Lip and Karen were in Frank's backyard.
There sat an old, dilapidated van, tires gone, propped up on cinder blocks. Inside, a mattress and some worn blankets provided shelter from the wind and rain, though it was drafty.
The old "Frank" used to sleep in the van when he had nowhere else to go after being kicked out.
Now, Lip and Karen were using it for privacy, with the house full of people and school out for the day.
"You notice any changes in Frank lately?" Karen asked while they were intimate.
"Let's not talk about Frank now—I'm about to finish!" Lip panted heavily.
"Hold on, I'm not there yet!" Karen flipped Lip onto his back.
"Not quite what I imagined car intimacy to be, but interesting," Karen remarked afterward. "Want to hit the planetarium for some fun tonight?"
"I can't. I'm busy," Lip replied, retrieving a half-pack of cigarettes from his pants.
"Busy with what? Hooking up with Daniel?" Karen teased. Daniel was one of Lip's steady partners.
Karen knew about Daniel, but Lip's other partners remained a mystery to her.
Lip was handsome and smart, using his knowledge to earn money on the side. His academic prowess made him popular, and tutoring often led to romantic encounters.
Karen and Lip's relationship began when she hired him for tutoring. Mid-session, she surprised him by getting intimate under the table.
That was Lip's first time, and Karen had introduced him to a whole new world. Since then, Lip embraced his newfound freedom.
"The less you know, the better," Lip exhaled smoke.
"You've changed a lot recently. I heard you cut ties with Sally and Warren," Lip mentioned. These were names of Karen's former partners.
Just as Karen knew Lip's partners, Lip knew many of Karen's, but their separate lives didn't affect their friendship. They each did their own thing.
"I just lost interest in them. What's our relationship status?" Karen asked.
"Aren't we friends?" Lip replied.
"Just friends?" Karen prodded.
"Friends with benefits," Lip clarified, caressing Karen's back.
"Exactly. I just wanted to confirm. Being friends is great," Karen said, giving Lip a quick kiss.
"You didn't forget about Friday, right?" Karen asked.
"Nope," Lip confirmed.
"Can I get a hint?"
"I could, but I'd rather keep it a surprise. Spoiling it wouldn't be fun."
"Noticed any changes in Frank lately? In any way?" Karen suddenly inquired.
"Frank? Ever since he hit his head and ended up in the hospital, he's been different. But I doubt it'll last. Once he starts drinking again, he'll be back to his old self. Don't expect too much. Have you settled Eddie's inheritance? Don't let Frank get involved," Lip advised.
"What about physical changes? Like fatigue, coughing up blood?" Karen pressed.
"Not that I've noticed," Lip replied, realizing he hadn't paid attention.
Meanwhile, Frank was in a parking lot, using the DV camera to record Steve's actions.
Frank watched as Steve scanned the lot, zeroing in on a car. With practiced ease, Steve jimmied the lock, silencing the alarm in seconds before driving away.
"Finally caught you, you so-called rich kid with an internet company. Just a car thief," Frank muttered, satisfied with the footage on the DV.