Page 109 of Ready to Cash Out

“What?” Jules grinned. “That’s the fun stuff.”

Rowena’s heels signaled her impending arrival and she growled as she stalked into the room. “What the fuck? I turn my back for two seconds and that one—” She pointed at Juicy. “—ran off with a bunch of potatoes, while this one—” She pointed at Jules. “—just stands there, staring at me like a dumb puppy, and then bolts!”

“What?” Jules grunted. “I had to go get ’im.”

“You left me all alone to finish making all this stupid fucking popcorn for everyone!”

Jules eyed her empty hands. “Well, where is it?”

Rowena smiled sweetly. “Back in the kitchen.” She scowled, barking, “Where I left it after running around the house trying to find you!”

Jimmy stirred and blinked drowsily. “Mm, what’s going on?”

“Go back to sleep, Jimmy,” Rowena cooed. “Jules is going to get us some popcorn.”

Jules made a face. “I am?”

Brick playfully swatted his thigh. “You are.”

“Okay!” Jimmy yawned and put his head back. “Sounds good.”

“They’re all very noisy,” Juicy said absently as he went to sit down on the couch.

Jules got up with a little growl. “Okay, fine.” He poked Juicy’s shoulder. “You stay put. I’m gettin’ popcorn.”

“Oh, awful stuff.” Juicy waved his hand dismissively. “Gets all stuck in my teeth. Can’t stand it.”

Jules twitched.

“Go get the damn popcorn,” Rowena grumbled. “Someone is going to eat it.”

“Got any decent Chinese places around here?” Trev suggested. “Try that.”

“I’ll grab a menu,” Jules muttered as he left the room.

Juicy had found the remote and was flipping channels, content for the moment to remain as he was. If he heard Trev say anything about Chinese food, he didn’t acknowledge it.

“He is a delight,” Rowena said, smiling at Juicy fondly. “Insane, but a delight.” She reached out to squeeze Trev’s arm. “You okay, sweetie? How did the talk with Roddy go?”

“Ah, you know.” Trev rolled his eyes. “Threats, bargaining, tried to buy me off with a car. Invaded my privacy by having one of his guys break into my lockbox and go through all my shit. I feel like that might be pretty typical.”

Rowena’s expression softened. “I’m sorry, sweetie. What was he trying to buy you off for?”

“To get me to leave.” Trev scoffed. “And I’m not going anywhere without Jupiter.”

“Well, hey! He’s here now!” Rowena perked up. “I know you were worried about him. But at least he’s here and… Oh.” She blinked.

“What?”

“Well, I saw Roger headed upstairs with a bunch of chains…”

“Fuckin’ Christ.” Trev cringed, glancing back worriedly at Juicy.

“Hey. Go check on him.” Rowena patted Trev’s shoulder. “I’ll keep an eye on our geriatric little friend, okay? And I promise to do a better job than Jules.”

Trev hesitated, but he reasoned there wasn’t that much more trouble Juicy could get into.

Hopefully.

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