Page 47 of Saving Wyatt

“Search him.”

I was patted down within an inch of my life. Phone removed. Smartwatch. Even a pair of earbuds Autumn had gotten me for my birthday that I still hated using. Any kind of technology was removed from me before I was left all alone with him.

“To what do I owe the pleasure?” he asked, pointing to the seat on the other side of his large desk.

“Oh, trust me. There’s no pleasure.” I didn’t sit, but I approached him. “You need to stop. When will it be enough?”

Wilson took off his specs, which at this point I was sure were there just for show—so he looked like an intellectual instead of the common criminal he was—and stared at me with a smug expression.

“When will what be enough, Mr. Goodman? I have no idea what you’re referring to.”

“Cut the crap,” I snapped. “I’m not one of your lackeys or your voters. You’re talking to me.”

He chuckled. “Funny. I thought you said you’d voted for me.”

“The least of my sins when it comes to you,” I said.

“Now, now, Wyatt. You believe it’s a sin to vote for me?”

“I’m not here for chitchat. I’m here to tell you to stop. To ask you. Rogers had nothing to do with this. You didn’t need to punish him.”

He sat back in his chair and looked out the window to his side before glaring at me. “There are consequences for getting in my way. It was about time you learned what they were.”

“You fuck⁠—”

“I’d watch your words very carefully, if I were you, Wyatt. Need I remind you who I am and what I’ve done?”

“Need I remind you how many of your men we’ve taken down?”

He nodded with a smirk. “It’s true. You have been a hindrance, but no more than I allowed. In fact, you’ve done me a favor or two. Unwittingly, of course.”

I lost my composure for a second and then straightened up again.

“What are you talking about?”

He brushed his hand as if chasing flies and shrugged. “A couple of cells that had gone too cocky and who didn’t abide by my rules. Better you get rid of them than me. I’m far messier.” He spelled out the last word, and it made my skin crawl.

I knew exactly what kind of mess he left behind. Now the whole island knew, even if they didn’t know who was behind it. Even if they thought I was responsible.

“I just need you to stop. These people have families. Children. I’m begging you to stop. I’m the one you want. No one else. Don’t make everyone else pay for my crimes.”

He pouted his lips and seemed to consider my words for a few moments before he spoke again.

“That’s half the fun.”

I opened my mouth to respond, but he cut in.

“Fine. I’ll stop torturing your friends, if you stop getting in my way. Drop your holy hero act and go back to your life. Rebuild your silly bar, raise your adopted son, stomp around the island like the brute you are, and leave me alone. If you do, no one else has to get hurt.”

I studied his face for a while before I spoke.

“Are you man enough to keep your word?”

He joined his fingers in front of his face, considering my question. “Are you smart enough to keep yours?”

I choked back a roar and offered him my hand instead.

“You’ve got yourself a deal,” I told him, and a huge smile decorated his face.