“That depends on you. Stay the hell away from me if you don’t want to find out.” I yell out those words before I ride past her.
Chapter 53
Rip
Dax and Preacher are already there when I arrive and slam the door behind me with so much force that the building rattles.
They look up, seemingly startled. I stomp through the empty room and peek through the blinds. I don’t know what I was expecting to see, but I felt like I was being followed again, only this time, the person did a much better job than Serena Rose.
“Fuck,” I mutter under my breath. No one gets to me. No one. But today, I let Serena Rose push every single button that I have. The only weakness I have is Eden, and anyone who threatens that will be dealt with, except this is Eden’s mother, and I can’t deal with her my usual way.
I shouldn’t have said what I said. It’s an impossible situation, and if it were to come out, Eden would be hurt. I never meant to investigate Eden’s mother. This was always about Randall, and when I learned about her infidelity, I had a good laugh with Preacher. Even if Eden never finds out that I knew, she wouldbe hurt, but I’m sure her mother will use this bit of information against me if given half the chance.
I’d deny it, though, and tell Eden this is her mother’s way of coming between us.
“Fuck,” I say again, louder this time.
I dial one of my contacts and put my phone to my ear. “This is Ripley King. I need a tow. I’ll pay double if you drop everything and do it now.” After giving him my address, I tell him to replace all four tires.
Ending the call, I notice Preacher staring at me. Dax isn’t paying attention as he’s looking out the window like I just did. When he turns around, he has a smug, satisfied smile on his face.
“So, okay,” Dax says with a loud hand clap. That causes Finch to run into the room from the back of the store. She goes directly to Preacher, who rests his hand on her head. “We are officially done with the Brennans. Preacher’s going to put the final nail in Jack’s coffin soon.”
I know what that means. The disgusting things Preacher found on his computer will be his undoing.
“I want to talk to you two about a legitimate partnership. A former associate approached me. It’s a well-established casino that needs capital. That’s where we come in if you’re interested.” He points to two files on the desk across the room. “Take that and read it. It details everything, and they need an answer soon. Passive income, gentleman, and we don’t have to do a thing. King, take your girl to Connecticut and have a weekend on them. I’ll set it up for you.”
It’s an order. He wants me to investigate with my own eyes beyond what he’s done. I nod. I can take Eden to New York City while we’re there.
“What? I don’t get a weekend?” Preacher asks.
“These guys will like dealing with a man with a beautiful woman on his arm,” Dax says.
“Don’t look at my woman,” I warn.
Dax chuckles. “Don’t worry. I have my eye on someone else.”
“I wasn’t worried,” I say back.
“Well, the hell with you both,” Preacher mutters.
Something dings on Dax’s phone. He pulls it out of his pocket and grins while he looks down. I’ve never seen him smile this much since I’ve known him, not even after a big payday.
“On that note, gentleman, I’ll be off the grid for a few days. I’ll reach out.” He whistles for Finch. “I have to go hunt my prey.”
Chapter 54
Eden
“Hey, Mom,” I say just as I reach the first level of Rip’s house. When I woke up, he wasn’t in bed, and after showering, he still isn’t back.
Mom’s been calling me a lot lately, even beyond our daily phone calls. She called three times just yesterday. “Is everything okay?” I hear a baby crying in the background and realize either she’s babysitting or Sylvie is there. “Are you calling to cancel?”
I don’t know what’s going on with my sister, but she’s been spending a lot of time at home lately. I’m sure whatever it is involves the declining state of her marriage, and as much as she annoys me, I wish things were different for her.
“Cancel? Of course not, Dandy. Just calling to confirm.” Her voice has an odd twinge. It’s almost as if she’s fishing for information, and for the life of me, I can’t imagine what.
“Since when does anyone in our family call to confirm anything? Is it just going to be the two of us?” I rub a hand over myface, already having second thoughts, but I want to spend time with my mom today.
