Page 51 of Ready to Cash Out

Jupiter’s scowl was difficult to read.

“It could have been anyone,” Trev went on. “Sal, Emil, uh?—”

“Howell.” Jupiter carried the bag over to the bed. He dumped it all out, and it did appear to be clothing. He searched each piece, checking pockets if there were any, and scrutinizing each article.

“What is it?” Trev demanded. “Does it go to the padlock? The fucking one around my neck?”

“Would you have used it if it was?”

“What the fuck do you think?” Trev snorted.

Jupiter dropped the clothing, and he appeared to be thinking.

“Now do you believe me?” Trev demanded. “Look, I clearly don’t know everything that’s going on, but I know the scent of bullshit very well. And your family? Someone is working against you. Kinda seems like it might be a pretty long list, if I’m being honest.” He shrugged casually. “Not that it’s any of my business, but…”

“No, it’s not.” Jupiter eyed Trev for a long moment. “But thank you.”

“For?”

Jupiter held up the key. “For showing me this. It’s a master key. Very well might have unlocked your chains.” He tucked it into his pocket. “I still don’t trust you?—”

“Well, duh. It’s not like I trust you.”

“But.” Jupiter reached for Trev’s hand.

Trev let him take it, and he stared as Jupiter placed a soft kiss on his knuckles.

“Thank you,” Jupiter said with surprising sincerity. “Please know that…” His stoic demeanor cracked briefly. “You’re not the only one who’s trapped.”

Trev frowned. “And what does that mean?”

Jupiter turned away from him, gesturing to the clothes on the bed. “If you want to take a shower and change, help yourself.”

“Uh, hello?” Trev put his hands on his hips. “What do you mean trapped? Like, is this a metaphorical thing? Like trapped by family obligation or something? Or does someone come around and also chain you to a wall every night?”

“There’s towels already in the bathroom, but I’m sure you saw those when you looked around, already trying to find a way to get out of here.” Jupiter walked over to a small cabinet, opening the doors to reveal a bar within. He poured himself a drink. “Plenty of hot water, so knock yourself out.”

Trev watched Jupiter chug the glass and then immediately pour another. “It’s five o’clock somewhere, right?”

Jupiter raised his glass. “Saluti.”

“Right.” Trev didn’t think he was going to get any additional information out of Jupiter, but he was clearly rattled by the key.

Trev opted not to share his personal suspicion that it had been Howell, as it seemed like Jupiter was already on that same train of thought. He was curious what Jupiter had meant about being trapped too, but…

No.

That didn’t matter.

What mattered was that giving Jupiter the key had hopefully earned Trev some points in his favor and he’d be able to take advantage of that. He needed Jupiter to trust him so he could figure out a way to get the hell out of here. He couldn’t count on Boss Cold to save him—and pffft, he didn’t need him to.

He was Trevanion Usher, and he wasn’t done fighting yet.

Trev found a pair of black gym shorts and a white T-shirt in the clothing from Howell. They were the least hideous options and the most likely to fit, and he wondered if they were actually Howell’s.

Ew.

Whatever.

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