Page 38 of Medusa's Revenge

“Oh you’re new to town, you don’t know shit. First, this club is involved in illegal activity.”

“Do you have any evidence to back that claim?” He doesn’t say anything. “That’d be a no because I see no arrest warrants in your hand. This is slander. I’d watch myself if I were you.”

“Are you threatening me, boy?” He now stares at me. I’m taller than him so he’s not very intimidating.

“I’m sure your bosses wouldn’t like a lawsuit. You’re coming in here with threats with no evidence to back your words and now you’re trying to what? Intimidate an officer of the court? Not very smart of you. If you came here to harass the Baxters, then I’m going to ask you to leave this private business. If you have questions pertaining to their missing sister then ask away. I won’t let you derail them.” I hear a few snickers behind me. This man reminds me of my dad when he would threaten people who didn’t know any better. He stutters before pulling out his phone.

“I need to ask some questions.” I nod. “Do you know Michelle’s roommates?”

“Not really. When I dropped off her furniture when she moved, I said hello to them. They were new friends from last year I think.” TJ answers the question. He looks to Medusa.

“Michelle and I weren’t getting along the last few months, so our communications were usually arguing about me taking control of her life. I gave her some tough love and cut her off financially. She has a trust fund that I’ve been adding the profits of my bar and the body shop I co own with TJ. I stopped about two months ago.”

“Does she have access to the money?” He asks.

“Yes. I never took her access from it. She did remove me from it so I don’t know what’s in it right now.” Medusa’s voice cracks. I didn’t realize it had gotten so bad. “Were you able to find her boyfriend, Lucas?”

“Not yet. Her roommates have left the house. We have an officer sitting on it now as we wait. The college is being cooperative. Is there anyone in your past or present who would go after your family? I know your business was burned down.” He looks to TJ.

“The only threats I got were from the people who work and own Cars R Us. They were constantly harassing me to sell. I wouldn’t and now I’m rebuilding.”

“And Noah almost lost his life.” Derby yells from somewhere behind us. The detective looks at me. I raise my shirt, showing the burns. He winces.

“Thank you. I think I have everything for now. Please don’t leave town or go hunting down your own leads.” The detective stares at Medusa. She rolls her eyes. “I mean it. I will arrest you. No one is above the law in my county.” He walks out with the two officers. TJ flips them off.

“What a douchebag.No one is above the law in my county.What a fucking joke.” TJ huffs. “We all know he’s on DeMarcos payroll.” Joker coughs loudly like she choking on something while holding up her hand making a fist. I check the rest of the women who stand frozen. Joker puts her laptop down then heads to her office. She brings back some kind of wand. She’s waving it all over the place. There’s a loud continuous beeping. Pointing to it, Derby grabs the pitcher of water and pulls something off the wall dropping it in to the water. More beeps and the same routine.

“Five listening devices?” Derby speaks. My mouth opens. “How?”

“We weren’t watching the two officers. They were walking around the room. Box them up and send them to the detective.” Medusa shakes her head. “What was the purpose of this visit?”

“Plant those and see what you know.” I pull her into my side, kissing the top of her head. My phone buzzes with a text from my mom.

MOM: How are you feeling?

ME: I’m good. I’ll try to get home at some point. Sorry Amelia needs me.

MOM: It’s okay. Smitty told us about her sister. If you need anything, let us know. I think your dad and I are heading back home. We’ll come back when you have your grand opening.

ME: When are you leaving?

MOM: We’re already at the airport. I knew you’d want to come see us off or try to talk us into staying. We love you but you need to be with Amelia. Protect her.

ME: I love you. I’m sorry I didn’t spend more time with you.

MOM: You’re building a life here. I’m so proud of you.

MOM: They’re calling our flight. Be safe my sweet boy.

“I’m sorry.” My girl’s voice is sad.

Shaking my head, I kiss the top of her head again, “Don’t be. She wanted to make sure I was alive. Mom needed to see that with her own eyes. She did. Besides, right now, I’m where I need to be and I’m not worried about her leaving early. I’m sure once we get everything taking care of with the rebuild, she’ll come and try to plan a party.”

“Dude, would she plan the grand opening? That would kick ass.” TJ high fives me. I nod. Amelia is standing with her girls surrounding Joker and her laptop.

“Dude, do we go over there and listen in, or do we stay here?” I don’t know what to do in this situation. As a man, I should be the one taking care of her and going into the fire for her and not her protecting me.

“Are you two just going to stand there staring, or are you going to eat these burgers?” Pop yells getting everyone’s attention.Laughing, TJ slaps my back and we walk back to the table where Pop put our food. He sits with us while the women do their thing.

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