Page 152 of Savage Bosses

“Can I ask why you broke up?” Aerica dug her fork into her salad.

“The relationship had run its course. I ended things because I thought she was cheating on me. She told me a lot of lies and I thought it was time to move on. I never saw a real future with her. And she felt the same. I thought the break up was amicable, but now I don’t understand why she’s coming here.”

“She told me that you would eventually come back to her.”

“That would never happen. She’s a liar. She’s manipulative and I can’t trust those types of people. I don’t want them in my life.”

“I understand.”

“You don’t have anything to worry about. I would never take her back.”

“You never asked me about my past relationship.”

“I don’t have to. I know you’re single and that’s all that matters.”

I did extensive background checks on most of the people around me. I knew more about her than she thought. But there was no reason to let her know this.

Our conversation moved on to the launch conference on Friday. From the meeting I shared with her and my tedious search for Wes. I didn’t need my brother for the product launch. I was over his antics. I didn’t know what to do with him. Rehab was an option, but he was an adult and I could maybe force him to go. I couldn’t make him stay in and take it seriously.

I got lost in thought, when the abrupt ringing of my phone shattered the calm atmosphere. My brow furrowed as I glanced at the screen. Chicago Police Department.

“Shit,” I grumbled, swiping to answer. “Kyle Caldwell speaking.”

“Mr. Caldwell, this is Sergeant Hagar. You called earlier about a stolen vehicle and a missing person.”

“I did.”

“We found the vehicle that is registered to Ashley Woodley burned out in a vacant lot on the westside.”

“Burned out?”

“Yes, and there was the body of a Caucasian male recovered from the vehicle. The car was in a bad drug and gang neighborhood.” The sergeant said.

My face heated up. “Is it my brother Wesley?” I choked out the words.

“We can’t confirm it yet. But we need you to come down to the Cook County morgue and identify the body that we believe could be your brother.”

“Fuck.” I slammed my free hand on the table, making Aerica jump. “I’ll be there right away.”

“It’s 2121 West Harrison. Thank you, Mr. Caldwell. I will give you a call when we receive any new information.”

“Thank you.”

The call ended, and I looked over at Aerica.

“Kyle, what’s going on?”

My appetite vanished as I tried to process the information that had been given to me.

“CPD found Ashley’s car torched, with a body inside. They think it might be Wesley.” I clenched my jaw. At that moment, I thought about how good it was that our parents weren’t here to witness this.

“God, that’s awful. But it might not be him, right? There’s still a chance.”

“Maybe.” My voice cracked. I didn’t share her optimism. Maybe because I always feared this day would come. Or it could be because I never really believed Wesley would get his life together. “I have to go to Cook County Morgue.”

“Okay, let’s go,” she said. “You don’t have to face this alone. I’m here for you, no matter what happens.”

“Thank you.” I stood up from the table. And went upstairs and quickly changed into something more presentable. In a few minutes, I was grabbing my car keys.

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