Page 101 of Force At Third

“This whole thing has been about keeping the people we love safe, not money. We’re good. And after I marry my player, we’ll be able to be everywhere all at once.”

“Coast to coast.” Marks and I tap fists.

“Gotta ask: does your player know?”

“Pfft, yeah, he knows.” I watch Chloe and Whit exchange glances. “Oh my God, fine, you need to hear it? I, Gwendolyn York, love Leland Locke and sometimes hate his stupid perfect face.”

They both squeal and quickly shut down what I know is coming next.

“I, Gwendolyn York, also do not want a big, flashy wedding. Tuxes don’t do it for me. I’d take Locke in sweats, wearing his number on a fitted shirt and a backward baseball cap any day of the week. And let’s be honest, a big poofy white dress that screams a big fat lie isn’t me.”

“Lie?”

I lean in and whisper, “I’m not a virgin.”

“Was he your first?” Whit asks.

“Never been into sharing that kind of information with anyone.” I look between them and sigh. “But I never had friends like you two, so I’ll share. He was my first, and I was his.”

“And you love him.”

“Yeah”—my eyes heat up—“and I love the way he loves me.”

“Um, hello,” Marks pipes in. “We start talking dicks, and I’m out.”

“Massive and pierced.” I wink at the girls.

“The fuck, York,” Marks snarls.

“Look, you’re going to be my best man, so you’re going to have to be included in these kinds of talks.”

“Goddammit, York,” he sighs.

“Don’t start sniveling. Get those fingers clacking on the keyboard. Victims’ rights, remember?”

“Way ahead of you. Property records show he still owns the California house, and tax records say”—he turns and looks at Chloe—“it’s worth at least three million.”

“Wait—you’re saying William still owns that house?”

“Sure am. I’m guessing he also has money in the bank that’s been used to pay property taxes all those years he was locked up.”

“If we can’t do victims’ right, you can bring a civil suit against him and force the sale.”

She nods. “Yeah.”

I take her hand. “But?”

She shrugs. “I was just wondering if any of Mom’s things are still there. The things I couldn’t sneak out and sell. Pictures of her and us, you know.”

“You want access, we’ll get it.” I squeeze her hand.

Her eyes fill with tears. “The world’s gonna know everything, anyway, I suppose.”

“You were minors.” Marks closes the laptop and stands.

“They’re not anymore.” Lightbulb moment. “I’ll sue. Might not get as much, but you and CeCe would have something at least. And, more importantly, that’s a kick to the balls of the piece of shit who still thinks he’s above the law.” I turn to Marks. “You good with that?”

“Publicity you couldn’t pay for? Yeah, sure am.”

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