“If she’s the Rebel Mom had to take to California, we can’t,” Ryder said. “We don’t even want to beat her up. We just want to avenge her.”
Ransom pointed to Devon and Rory. “They are part of the reason Mom and Reb are gone again. Which means they are theentirereason Ax left. Why the fuck should we care about them? If those motherfuckers got to walk through the entire school without fucking clothes, we don’t give a fuck. If they would’ve choked on their own spit because of allergies,we don’t care. You shouldn’t either. They hurt Reb in a lot of ways, including watching videos of her without clothes. Fuck them.”
As much as CJ wanted Uncle Johnnie dead and felt a way about Dad’s hemming and hawing whenever he had the chance to kill that motherfucker, CJ suddenly understood. He wanted Devon and—especially—Rory to suffer, to fucking die, he just didn’t want them dead. Illogical but real.
“For what it’s worth, I’m sorry, CJ,” Rory said tearfully. “I never meant—”
“Shut the fuck up with that blatant fucking lie,” CJ spat, stalking to him and shoving him back. “You meant it. Otherwise, you would’ve opened your fucking mouth.”
“But you’re my best friend and—”
CJ’s punch cut Rory the fuck off. How dare that motherfucker say they were friends? “We’re barely fucking family. You betrayed me, Ryan, and the girls. You’re a fucking coward.” Furious, he punched Rory again, hoping he cracked his fucking ribs. “You’re no better than Uncle Johnnie.”
“That’s my dad.”
CJ punched Rory again and knocked him off his feet. “Fuck you and that motherfucker. Rebel’s my sister. Mattie and Harley are my cousins.” Ignoring Rory’s sobs, he looked at Devon, who flinched. “You know what, fuckhead? It’s the quiet motherfuckers who are the most dangerous. You hide behind smilesand opt for “observations”, deigning to speak only when it’s important. But you gather information and use it to your fucking advantage. I might not have always liked Ryan, but he was honest about being a motherfucker. You aren’t. And you’restillfucking with Rebel.”
CJ hadn’t known why Devon gave Jana his seat so she could sit next to Kaia on Saturday night or his attitude yesterday. He couldn’t figure out what the fuck he was missing about Devon’s behavior. He just knew it was fucked up. The truth was so much worse, though.
“If you don’t back the fuck off, Iwilldraft Diesel to help me bury you,” he snarled, then closed the distance between them so he could whisper. “Or, maybe, I’ll choke the fuck out of you like I did Nardo and let Diesel chop you up? Would you prefer that?”
“N-n-no,” Devon said on a sob.
“Fucking pussy.”
CJ’s punch knocked Devon the fuck out. Still, he had the problem of getting those fuckheads dressed. With Marvey dead, he didn’t know who the fuck was in charge, so his consequences could range from severe to a fucking pat on the wrist.
A squeak made him turn.
He met Skye’s startled gaze. “I-I…
She was too far away to have heard what he said to Devon just now. But before? “How the fuck long have you been standing there?”
She swallowed. “I-I followed you to the PE Center.”
CJ narrowed his eyes and she swallowed again.
“I hung behind until the bell rang,” she told him. “I walked in when you punched him.” She pointed at Devon.
CJ didn’t necessarily believe that was all she saw, but since his plan had blown up in his fucking face, he needed assistance and would deal with Skye later. “Call Dad,” he said to his brothers. Both. Either. He didn’t fucking care.
“Negative, C.” Ryder sighed. “Both Dad and Diesel are busy.”
“I-I-I can call m-my dad,” Ryan pushed out.
“Fuck, fine. Wait here until he arrives. I have to get to my next class.” He wished it was Billson.
Leaving the fucking scene, CJ emerged from under the bleachers and stormed the fuck away.
Although the priest didn’t sound as if he liked the idea of Meggie and Rebel visiting Rule, he told her Tuesday was best because Rule had lessons to complete as well as an appointment with his psychiatrist, his dietician, and his therapist. In other words, her son had a very full day.
“Please call before you come, so I can confirm Rule’s schedule, Mrs. Caldwell,” Father Wilkins said. “He may have appointments that has slipped my mind.”
“Rebel and I will be there for 11AM,” she said firmly. “Please inform the staff to expect us. Only call me if my son doesn’t wish to see me.”
“Well—”
“And only if it’s legitimate.” Her tone brooked no resistance. She meant business. “I have talked to Rule almost daily, Father Wilkins. He is open to seeing me and anxious to see Rebel. I wanted to surprise himbecausehe is receptive. Please do not test my desire to see my son against your schemes. Youwilllose.”
