Page 89 of Catfish

I had a piece of her smartass mouth and the confidence that oozes off her curvy body. I’m starting to think that addiction didn’t skip me and fall down onto my siblings after all.

Because I want a piece of Reagan somewhere in my fucked-up life, and I don't care if she or I get burned in the process.

“I also need another employment contract written up for one of Montgomery’s employees,” I extoll, forcing myself to take another bite of my food.

“Another one?” I nod. “How did you pull that one off?”

“I pay more.”

He chuckles and shakes his head. “Still wanting to take Montgomery down?”

“I still haven’t received my money.”

“You don’t need it.”

“That’s beside the point,” I drawl. “It’s about reputation.”

“As your lawyer, how many people have you bailed out in shady situations? And, as your friend, I seriously don’t want to know.”

I perk a brow. “Which one is sitting in front of me?” He rolls his eyes and takes a mouthful of burger.

He doesn’t want to know. Not wanting to accept the fact that I’ve delved neck-deep into the mucks of politicians and power that shouldn’t be mine based off the principles of payback and my needing to prove a point.

I didn’t win governor fair and square.

“Promise me you won’t come up with a stupid plan until you’ve spoken to me first,” Chase lectures.

Too late for that. I’ve made about a handful since this conversation.

“I already have my plan,” I quip.

“Which is?”

“The sex tape Mila recorded for me.”

Chase stops chewing. “You’re still on the whore bit?”

“It’s more of a parting gift.” I smirk, already imagining the headlines.

Mayor Montgomery caught with his pants down.

Mayor on the verge of stroking out while sleeping with a busty blonde.

Mini Mayor gone astray.

“But he holds the votes of half of Bridgeport,” my best friend quips.

“And I have the charm that’ll bring and keep them over to my side.”

“Not if your name is linked to leaking that video.”

I sigh. “You have such little faith in me.”

“I think you’re getting too deep.” The worry in his declaration makes me pause, I know I can’t argue with him there.

I’ve known that I was getting too rooted in the shadows of untrustworthy men and women, been doing it for quite a while. But it wasn’t all to gain power and votes, it was to rid the disreputable of their sins against the citizens they were supposed to serve and protect.

Chase stares at me like he doesn’t know what to do. That I’ve possibly lost myself over the last few years because of the family I thought loved me.

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