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Six years ago

HOT STICKY PISSED OFF That’s how I feel as I skid my motorcycle to a halt on a country road just outside of New Braunfels, Texas, a li to set onaisps of the long blond hair that clings tomy helmet on the seat, my hands settle on the waistline of my faded Levi’s and T-shirt as I watch the limo doors open Two beefy dudes in suits exit the front doors One of them opens the back door of the vehicle, and my jaw clenches as Rollin Scott, the thirty-two-year-old son of oil htens his posture, his suit expensive, his black hair neatly styled, as always—unless h it The idea that she slept with the bastard, trying to get hiive a debt owed by my father is still hard to fathom She had no idea ere into—what that debt truly entailed, how big it was, or what I agreed to do to o away

The dickhead givesa short, pleasant fantasy in which I slaainst theof the limo Over and over And over Near euphoria washes overto kill him before this all ends

“I hope that sood news for uards stop in front ofme He has no idea how brave he is to step into ers around his throat and sne I’ve had the displeasure of s on my mother on more than one occasion

“Was I slad to see you Where’s your father?”

“I told him that you and I needed to have a chat Have you found the cylinder?”

“Not yet,” I lie, having done more than found what he wanted I nohat it is, and why Sheridan can never have it

“Really? Because I heard from a reliable source that you do indeed have it In fact, I understand that you’ve had it for weeks, while we’ve been patiently waiting for months for you to locate it and turn it over”

My blood runs cold at his announce Soroup of treasure hunters I ith has betrayed me, but I don’t miss a beat “A source is not reliable just because you pay them—not unless they have proof And since I don’t have it, looks like you got taken for a payday”

“You told us yourself you had a solid lead Some man as supposed to have e’re after”

“He was a solid lead, until so cylinder the size of a pencil eraser I won’t I’m out”

I expect cursing I expect anger I don’t get it, and it feels off Really da by “If you’re playing games with us for more money—”

“This isn’t a negotiation I’m out”

He glares atpainfully “I have to call the consortium members for more money”