Total pages in book: 158
Estimated words: 160684 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 803(@200wpm)___ 643(@250wpm)___ 536(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 160684 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 803(@200wpm)___ 643(@250wpm)___ 536(@300wpm)
“I looked into him,” Grady said. “He seems ordinary. There were a couple of old arrests for theft, but nothing stuck. He lives a quiet life. But there’s got to be more.”
“My dad,” Brooks said, then he cleared his throat. “He said something about the woman who birthed me having an uncle. But not a blood uncle like an honorary one. Dad said he wasn’t a good man. Also, he said that Tanya had a weird relationship with him, like she worshipped him or something. But that one day they had a fight and he cut ties with her. Maybe it’s him. Or something to do with him.”
“Fuck, maybe we need to send someone to talk to her. Although whether she’ll talk is debatable,” Steele said.
“She probably won’t,” Effie whispered. “Tanya is stubborn.”
“We need to question Chantelle and check the cameras,” Grady said. “As well as speak to Wolfe again. I can do that.”
“That leaves me with this guy,” Steele said grimly.
“And me,” Ink said.
“I figured you might take the boys with you,” Steele said to Ink. “I’ll need to take him somewhere more secure.”
Ink shook his head. “You need back-up. I’ll call Spike; he got home yesterday. I’ll get him to come get the boys and Effie and take them to my place. It’s secure.”
“I want to stay with you guys,” Effie said.
Grady squeezed her tight. He didn’t want her or Brooks away from him.
“Effie stays with me,” Steele said firmly.
Grady gave him a worried glance. He was holding himself together. But just barely. He looked like a powder keg about to ignite, and Grady knew why.
She could have been shot.
“I don’t think Effie needs to see what’s going to happen with this guy,” Ink said carefully. “You trust Spike, right? We’ll tell him to stay with her. And I’ll make sure they’re secure with plenty of guards. No one will get to them.”
Steele looked torn.
“I’ll go with Spike,” Effie said. “I’ll be all right, Damon.”
“You’ll do exactly as he says. He goes everywhere with you,” Steele ordered.
She nodded.
“And we’ll be there too,” Baron said. “We’ll keep Effie safe.”
Steele looked about as worried as Grady felt about that. But there was no denying that the twins were resourceful.
“Fine. Fuck. Fuck!” Steele yelled, turning to kick a crate.
Effie jumped but didn’t make a noise. Brooks tensed next to him. Then Effie tugged free of his hold and walked over to Steele, wrapping herself around him and whispering quietly.
He nodded, then straightened and turned, pulling her into his arms. He glanced around at everyone. “Sorry.”
“No problem,” Royal said. “If Effie was my woman, I’d want her under lock and key for the rest of her life.”
Baron grinned. “He’s not joking.”
“Lord help me,” Ink muttered. “Actually, though, I’ve got an idea.” Using his phone, he took a photo of the unconscious guy and sent a text. “I’ll send this to the Fox. If anyone might know who this guy is, it’s him.”
“Good idea,” Royal said. “The Fox knows everything.”
“Is it wise to bring him in?” Steele asked.
“Wise? No,” Ink replied. “Will he help? Perhaps. It’s hard to know. But I’ve also sent this to Brody. He’ll get him to help.”
“Who is the Fox?” Effie asked.
Grady shook his head. “Probably best you don’t know.”
“He was a paid assassin,” Baron said. “But mostly, he took jobs where he killed bad guys.”
“And he saved Ma,” Royal added. “She was in a hole.”
“A hole?” Effie whispered.
“In the forest,” Baron added. “He saved Sunny too.”
“He’s saved lots of our women,” Royal said.
Ink shook his head at Royal’s words, his lips twitching before he sighed. “He’s a pain in the fucking ass. Has a warped moral code and is arrogant. But yeah, he’s also helped us a lot. And I think he’ll have our back. Mostly.” His phone went off. “Spike is coming in. Let’s get ready to move.”
“I think he’s given you everything.”
Fatigue filled Steele. He looked at his watch. Ten hours had passed since Effie had been shot at. After they’d sent the boys and Effie away, it had taken a while to drive this guy out to his warehouse and wake him so he could work him over.
Steele looked over at Ink with a nod. He didn’t bother looking at the man hanging from the ceiling. He knew he wouldn’t lose any sleep over what he’d had to do.
Not if it kept Effie and Brooks safe.
“What do you want done with him?” Ink asked.
“I’ll handle it. I’ve got connections.”
Spike had taken the kids and Effie to Ink’s security company. Betsy and Millie were going to meet them there.
He didn’t like being away from her, but he knew Spike would guard her with his life.
Taking off his clothes, he left them in a pile. Then he washed off in the sink before pulling some fresh clothes out of the bag he’d brought in with him. He always kept spare clothes in his car.