“Now that we inadvertently tipped Franklin off, I doubt he’ll be very cooperative with the book.” Reese turned her head toward Maverick.
“You’re right. I think I have enough to finish, especially now that we’re involved.” Maverick lifted his glass toward her. “Goddamn the son of a bitch. He was playing me as well.”
“He’s slick.” I could tell by the look in her face that she had a mischievous thought in that pretty little head of hers. “What are you thinking?”
“Well, you do agree I’m your biggest fan. Right?” she asked innocently enough.
Chase lifted a single eyebrow.
“Did you notice Maverick’s head is much bigger? She’s read all his books twice.” I even held up my fingers.
“Oh, God.” Gabriel slapped his hand against his forehead. “He will never fit through a doorway again.”
“Reese. And I thought you might be a good fit for Kendrick. Get her out of here,” Hudson teased.
It was good to see there was a little sass left in her. She shifted her hips back and forth, even blowing a kiss toward the others.
“So what is this evil thought?” I pressed.
“Do you have actual chapters written?”
Maverick nodded. “Yeah, more than half the book. Why?”
“Is there any way you can embellish a little bit with even more fiction?”
He looked at her and a slow and easy smile crawled across his face. “I could do that. You’re thinking about using my book as a way to draw out more of the club members. Pitting them against each other.”
She nodded. Suddenly, everyone was listening.
“Wait a minute,” Gabriel tossed out. “He’s not done with the book yet. By that time, they will have packed up and left town, especially if what you said is true and this Franklin dude realizes he’s backed into a corner.”
“It could also mean he’s placed himself in danger,” I suggested. “Finish your idea, my sweet slave.”
“He’s such a kidder,” she threw out. “You obviously know nothing about book marketing, Gabriel. A lot of authors give teasers to their readers long before the book is released.”
“They’re clueless, Reese, since not one of them has read a book.” Maverick grinned.
Chase acted as if he was going to toss his glass at the man. “Asshole.”
“Well, they do if they want sales,” she continued. “What if you put just enough in a portion of a chapter like that you have names you’re going to expose when the book comes out?”
“Easily done.” Maverick didn’t seem concerned in the least his life would then be placed in danger.
“The only problem is they will likely send their goons to ensure Maverick doesn’t have a chance to publish the book.” My reminder was met with sighs and nods.
“But there’s a chance by that point, we’ll have enough for the police or the FBI.” Hudson shrugged. “Maybe.”
“You’re assuming that members of law enforcement aren’t involved with the club.” My statement was met with head shakes.
“We put the pieces together and keep digging,” Chase suggested. “Plus, we can protect Maverick.”
“I can protect myself,” he threw out. “I like the idea. If they scramble, they’ll start making mistakes. I’ll work on it tonight. Should be ready by the morning.”
“Then I can put a sexy spin on it and get it out onto social media. If you’d like,” Reese offered.
Maverick grinned. “Assistance from my biggest fan? You bet.”
I pointed a finger at him to watch himself.
