The walk to the car was less stressful this time, seeing as we were minus a dead body. Blaire was quiet, lost in her own little world, and I didn’t want to disturb whatever thoughts she was processing. We all needed time like that—quiet, away from the prying minds of others. I wished I could give her actual alone time, but this was the best I could do for right now.
Silence accompanied us the entire drive, until I parked along the river’s edge, close to the path that cut through the grass.
Blaire stared at the river, a completely different color to when we disposed of Leon. The blue was bright, pure and clear, nothing giving away what lurked beneath its still waters.
“You okay?” I asked.
Blaire nodded. “I will be, I think. I’m still trying to figure out how to separate myself from the action.”
I understood that feeling all too well. I was just about to respond, when a flash of black caught my eye. Adam stood under a tree, looking toward the water. Even not seeing his face, I’d recognize the oversized leather jacket anywhere.
“Come on.”
We got out of the car, and I pulled Blaire close to me. “Adam is what I would’ve been if I hadn’t gotten out when I did. But he’ll do whatever it takes for his next fix. This time, when I tell you to be careful, could youpleaselisten?”
“I promise. No one will end up in a bathtub tonight.”
I rolled my eyes. “Notwhat I meant. Let me put it to you this way. Behave, or I’ll teach you how to behave tonight.”
Blaire rolled her shoulders next to me, obviously bothered by my words.
“Good girl,” I whispered, with a quick squeeze of her hand. Then in a louder voice, I called out to Adam, “Hey, man. Long time no see.”
Adam spun on the spot, visibly trying to figure out who was speaking to him. When he realized it was me, and who was next to me, everything clicked. “Winder.”
He hadn’t changed since I’d seen him last, still looking like a kid playing grown-up in his dad’s jacket. A patch covered one eye, an old injury I never bothered to ask about. A worn beanie covered his head. His smell hit us before we even got close, and Blaire wrinkled her nose.
We stood in front of each other, sizing the other up. I made sure I was the first to speak. “I’m guessing you know why we’re here.”
Adam wheezed. “It’s not exactly like you’ve been subtle. Asking about Conrad is going to get you killed. You of all people should know that.”
“Unfortunately, he’s left me with no choice.” I tipped my head toward Blaire. “Can you tell me what he wants with Blaire?”
“I could. But is that really what you want to know?”
A lesson I learned early on in this game was that everything had a price. Adam knew the information he had was valuable, and he wasn’t going to give anything up without something in return.
I sighed. “I have a new strain of green from a supplier out in Kentucky. I’ll give you a cut of it, for personal useonly, if you tell me what I need to know.”
“And what is it that you need to know?” Adam stuffed his bony hands into his pockets. “I’m not a mind reader, Winder.”
“And I don’t have time for your fucking games,” I snapped. “Tell me what you know about Blaire, and what Conrad wants with her.”
Adam’s gaze rolled toward Blaire, who stiffened beside me. “She’s prettier than I thought she would be.”
He looked Blaire up and down, in a way I didn’t appreciate. If he wasn’t careful, he would end up missing both eyes instead of just one. “Can we get back to the issue at hand, please,” I gritted through clenched teeth.
Blaire touched the back of my hand. “Don’t,” she whispered. “It’s fine.”
“It’s not fucking fine that he’s looking at you like a piece of meat.” I saw red, taking over every bit of my sight. I forgot how much I fucking hated Adam.
Adam coughed out a laugh. “If you think I’m looking at her like a piece of meat, wait until you see what Conrad has planned for her. You’ll be wishing I was the one looking at her then, because I don’t think she’ll be quite as pretty once he makes her pay for everything she’s done.”
Without thinking, I reached out my hands to snap Adam’s neck, and I would’ve done it without a second thought if Blaire hadn’t grabbed my wrist.
“Winder,” she snapped. “Don’t. Don’t do this. He isn’t worth it.”
I took a deep breath, reminding myself of her touch. She was right. He wasn’t fucking worth it. But Blaire was, and for her, I’d keep myself in check. As long as Adam was fucking respectful. “What do you mean everything she’s done?”
