“We got word that Mr. Carter was here, then we were on our way to your place next. Showing up here gave us a two for one deal. Now if you’ll please come this way?”
“Hell no. I ain’t going with no gotdamn fed,” Trooper said.
They both laughed and pulled their weapons.
“It’s cute that you think you have a choice. Let’s go before I have to call someone to carry you out of here.”
“Ay, don’t sweat it, Troop, let's just get this shit over with then we can sue the fuck outta both their dumb asses. You know they don’t have shit on us, or we'd be in handcuffs already.”
Trooper was mad as fuck and I was just glad Charlie had taken his burner to dispose of it with the body. Otherwise, he’d be screwed. My shit was legal and registered, but Trooper had a record, so he couldn’t legally carry.
“Listen to your boy, Mr. Carter. He’s right. Just a conversation, that’s all.”
“Ay, call me a boy again and I’m fucking you up,” I said, making Trooper smirk.
“My apologies, Mr. Robertson. Let’s just get this over with,” she said, holding her hands up before she lowered her weapon.
I glanced at her partner, who hadn’t said much, then looked at Trooper. He and I were thinking the same thing. This was some bullshit and I couldn’t wait to find out who set this shit in motion.
Chapter 40
Maddie
At some point, I must have drifted off trying to wait up for Carlos, but I wasn’t sure when. It was almost five in the morning and the apartment was quiet aside from the TV and I was in his bed alone.
I lifted my phone to see if I had any messages, but there weren’t any missed calls or texts, which had me pissed. Why the hell would he tell me to meet him here if he wasn’t going to show up?
I decided to check the rest of the apartment just to be sure, but he wasn’t here. The bed was still made on his side, and even though he sometimes got in early, he was never up this early.
Even if he came in late, he would have let me know he was home. After I made my way through his apartment, getting confirmation I was alone, I felt myself getting even more annoyed. I dialed his number, and it just rang, so I sent him a text to let him know I was going home and I didn’t appreciate him making me stay here all night alone.
First thing that came to mind was he’d gotten caught up with some woman. No matter what business Carlos was handling, he was always in touch with me.
Even if it was just a text to say he was busy and couldn’t talk, but for him to go missing with no communication at all had me questioning things.
I occasionally thought he was with other women, how could I not? The man was gorgeous and paid. He was reckless with his mouth, but all in all, he was a sweetheart and respectful. He wasn’t the type of man whose phone was constantly going off or had women showing up at his place, so whoever he dealt with knew better than to be around when he didn’t want them to be.
It was possible he was only with me, but it was also possible he was just careful. Him not showing up, with no calls or texts had me thinking the worst. I never really worried about his safety because he was just that guy. He wasn’t the type of man who got caught up, so of course, the only thing I could think was some woman had his attention.
I sat on the edge of his bed for a minute, looking around and trying to figure out my next move, but then deciding it would be best if I just went home. If he wanted to see me, he knew how to find me. I was, after all, living in his apartment.
I slipped on my shoes and grabbed my purse and keys before shutting off the lights in his room and heading toward the front door. After I was out, I locked up and headed to my car.
An hour later, I was home, showered, and drinking a cup of coffee on the sofa. I was fuming because I still hadn’t heard from Carlos when I heard a knock on the door.
I rolled my eyes, thinking it was him, but Carlos had keys. So I stopped by the kitchen, placed my mug on the counter, then headed to the door.
“Who’s there?” I asked, raking my fingers through my hair, still damp and curly from my shower.
Instead of anyone answering, I heard keys. I turned my back to walk away, knowing it had to be Carlos.
As soon as I heard the door, I spoke without turning around as I lifted my mug.
“You better have a really good excuse for leaving me in your bed alone all night because I’m really pissed with you right now.”
“And you better have a really good excuse for being in my son’s bed all night.” A woman’s voice made me freeze where I stood and I swallowed hard before I turned to face Carlos’s mother.
“Oh my God, I’m so sorry. I thought you were Carlos. I mean, you have keys. Shit, you’re his mother, why wouldn’t you? Please forgive my language. I’m sorry.” I stopped and inhaled. “Let me shut up.”
