Page 81 of The Afterthought

"Very well. What exactly are you thinking?"

"You get Coal, and I get Greyson," I state.

"Coal?" he questions.

"Yes. That's what they call him on the streets, isn't it?"

He nods, so I go on to tell him about the hybrid method Greyson and I discussed. He could call Grey to handle anything that would take place in the torture shed but essentially leave him out of the rest. He sits quietly, absorbing all of the information, not giving us any indication of whether or not he will accept or decline.

Once I finish, he takes a moment to consider what I've laid out for him. I know I'm asking for him to let his right-hand man step away from the major duties. I didn't think he would accept right away, but when he glances back at Greyson and takes in the look on his face. I see Knox nod in acceptance.

"We can try out your hybrid method. If it goes well, then it will be fine as long as Greyson is still able to be somewhat involved. He has a special set of skills that are hard to come by."

"Agreed. He needs to use those skills. I would never try to stop him from doing that. It's part of who he is."

"Excellent. Anything else?"

"Yes, actually. Gary Myers. His mother is poking around at his death. I’ve been investigating it for her. I think everyone in this room knows who caused his untimely demise. I want it handled."

"Done. I'll have it covered up to look like he was in the fire at Temptations. I'll send you whatever documents you need in order to wrap up your investigation. I can have it all fabricated fairly quickly. Anything else?"

“I believe Grey still owes you a favor,” I state, not asking because Greyson already told me he does.

I take in the way Knox clenches his jaw at the mention of the favor. I’m sure he assumed he could use it as his wild card, should the need arise. I’m not taking any chances with our future.

“Consider the favor fulfilled. Once we leave our meeting, we will all move forward with no debts," he reluctantly says.

“Okay.” I nod.

“Anything else?”

"That's all from me. This is all I will ever ask of you."

"A small set of demands in the big scheme of things," he says with a wave of his hand. I expected more pushback, but I'm beyond happy that there's none. "You two can head out. Again, Ava, I will never express enough how much I appreciate your presence last night. You were the only one with enough sense to actually consider something might be wrong. I've already laid into the crew for being a bunch of fucking morons."

Funny, I thought the exact same thing last night. "Men don't always think logically," I tease.

"Watch yourself, little shadow. You've just earned yourself a lot more time with me. I might have to punish you," Grey says, and my cheeks flush.

"Alright, I have a few other meetings that I need to address. You two can be on your way to do whatever you need to do." He gestures to the door. "Greyson, I'll be in touch when we need your expertise."

"You better. You and I both know I'll never turn down the chance to light a motherfucker up."

"Also, if you could let the crew know, I would appreciate it. I think they will receive the news better coming from you."

"Sure thing."

I shake my head and walk to the car. Greyson hangs back at the garage to talk with some of the crew and update them on how things will be going forward. He will likely be hung up for a bit explaining everything, which is perfect. This gives me the alone time I need to get a few things done.

I run my errands before heading back home. Now that I'm staying in town permanently, Grey and I are going to have to find a new place to live. There are bad memories here—memories with my mom and dad. I want to get a place for just Grey and me, and Chloe if she wants, to make new memories.

When I open the door, I see him on the couch watching TV. He hardly ever takes time to actually relax, so the sight of it makes my heart swell. He looks over his shoulder, and his eyes beam with light.

"Hey, baby." He stands and meets me in the middle of the living room. “I had one of the guys bring me home.”

I wrap my arms around his waist and just take a moment to feel his warmth. It's been the best day. Nothing compares to having him here waiting for me when I get home.

I take a step back and smile. "Okay, are you ready for your surprise?"

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