‘—inherited everything. Exciting, huh? Just think—your little girl, the child you abandoned as a baby, is a billionaire.’ Ben offers his Cheshire cat smile. ‘Like hittin’ the lottery without even playing.’

Virgil looks out the tinted window and stifles a grin.

The limo turns south on scenic A-1-A, driving through a wooded area heavy in pine. On the right are million-dollar neighborhoods, on the left—incredible estates featuring private twenty-million-dollar views of the Atlantic.

They pass a WELCOME TO MANALAPAN sign. Moments later, the limo turns into a gated driveway leading up to the Mabus mansion.

Virgil steps out of the car. ‘All this one house?’

‘Yes, sir. Let’s go ’round back and meet your daughter.’

Ben Merchant leads him along a stone path beneath a canopy of palm trees until the aqua-blue hues of the ocean come into view.

The rear of the Mabus property is a private resort. Tennis courts, wet bar, sauna, whirlpool, cabana, a covered patio overlooking an undisturbed stretch of pristine beach … even a helipad.

Virgil’s jaw drops. My little girl got money to burn …

A winding stone stairwell leads up to the main deck. Stretched out before them is a pond-shaped pool, each end adorned with waterfalls and tropical foliage.

Lying in a lounge chair, sunbathing completely in the nude, is Lilith Robinson-Mabus.

For a long moment, Virgil simply stares, his emotions teetering between lust and greed.

‘Lilith, darlin’, this is Virgil Robinson … your biological father.’

Lilith stands and hugs him, smearing baby oil all over his clean white shirt. ‘Well, I’ve only waited my entire life to meet you. Should I call you Virgil or Daddy?’

‘Uh, Daddy’s good. Damn, girl … ya’ll always prance around wit’ no clothes on?’

‘I wanted our first meeting to be memorable. I know you haven’t seen a woman in twenty years.’

Virgil bites his lip. ‘Uh, yeah. Hey, uh, sorry to hear about your husband.’

Lilith giggles as she returns to her lounge chair. ‘Sit, Daddy. Come and sit in front of me where I can see you.’

Merchant positions a lounge chair. ‘Tell you what, how ’bout I get ya’ll something cold to drink? I think Lucille just made some of her famous fresh lemonade. Virgil?’

‘Yeah … sure.’ Virgil sits on the hot vinyl, not sure where to look.

‘So tell me, Daddy, did anyone rape you while you were in prison?’

‘Say what?’

‘You know, hide their sausage in your asshole?’

‘Hell, no. I’d kill any muthafucker try messin’ wit’ me.’

‘Sort of like you killed my mother, huh?’

‘Now girl, I know that was wrong, and I done my time. But see, I’m a changed man. I found Jesus.’

‘Really? Does Jesus spend much time in prison?’

‘Don’t sass your daddy, now. I’m here ’cause I wanna make up for lost time.’

‘How very noble of you. I’m so sorry, I misjudged you completely.’

‘S’all right.’