Stone Circle He's a tramp

Good, thought Murdock, though he secretly didn't want to share the space he already took up in Stephie's heart. He knew, of course, that the girl had boundless love to give. But she didn't have boundless time or energy, and eventually, she'd have to start picking sides. Ezekiel didn't seem like the type to live and let live, after all, and Murdock was aware that this advice might spell the beginning of the end for him and his little girl.

"I don't know him very well. Your ma seems to think he's alright. I know he's scared you won't like him." That much was clear. Honestly, Murdock had a somewhat poor opinion of the younger male, but that didn't mean Ezekiel didn't deserve a chance. Murdock had sure done a lot of foolhardy things - things he was glad no one had used that to warn Steph away from him.

"But I'll tell you what - if he does or says anything to upset you, I'll beat him up for you. How's that?" he suggested. "Just make sure and tell him I asked you to give him a chance." That ought to get the young man's goat.