Joel: The dog didn’t die, it continued to torment me, so it doesn’t matter.
Ryan: Will you tell us what’s happening with the cat already?
Joel: I think he lives here now.
Connor: Congratulations, you’re a cat dad.
Joel: I bought him tuna and a food bowl. What’s wrong with me?
Ryan: You have this big beating organ called a heart.
Joel: Who knew? Ethan, have you spoken to Gerome yet?
Ethan: I’m staking out Gerome’s shop.
Ryan: Sure you don’t want backup?
A truck suddenly pulled up in front of the barbershop.
There you are.
Ethan had parked a little down the road, so Gerome didn’t notice him as he got out of his vehicle.
Ethan: No, I’ve got this.
Ethan climbed out and walked toward the shop. Gerome didn’t look up or scan his surroundings.
Idiot.
The door was closing behind the guy when Ethan slipped inside.
Gerome swung around and scowled. “What the hell are you doing in my shop?”
Ethan scanned the room, taking in the drop sheets on the floor. Unopened paint cans, clean rollers and brushes and trays. “When’s this place supposed to open?”
“Why the fuck would I tell you anything? Get out before I call?—”
“Your daddy?” Finally, Ethan looked at Gerome. “You do that a lot, don’t you? Hide behind your father’s badge.”
“Jealous that I have people in high places?”
Ethan laughed. “That’s funny that you think your father’s inhigh places.”
“He runs this town. He could arrest you right now.”
Ethan ran his fingers over the unpainted wall. “Growing up with a father as the town sheriff has given you a real sense of entitlement, huh?”
“What the hell are you talking about?”
“You grew up thinking you could do whatever you wanted, no consequences.” He looked back at Gerome. “You still think that, don’t you? That you can grab women in the street. Set buildings on fire.”
A hint of amusement danced over Gerome’s face. “Yeah, I heard about your little fire.”
“Where were you last night?”
“I don’t have to tell you shit.”
Ethan lifted a brow. “You don’t have to. But you should.”
