Page 97 of Stockman's Stormcloud

‘It was sixty years ago,’ said Dex.

‘No, there’s something else.’ Ryder walked outside, then back inside. ‘This room should be wider.’

‘I’ve got to hand it to your older brother, he’s a thousand times quicker than you and the cop were,’ said Bree with that sly know-it-all grin.

‘I was under the influence of opiates,’ replied Dex. ‘And I was in pain.’

‘And you want to risk putting yourself through all of that again?’

‘What’s going on?’ Sophie pulled on Dex’s arm, forcing him to face her. ‘What does she mean about risking yourself? For what?’

They all remained quiet.

‘I am so sick of the secrets in this place.’ Sophie stamped her foot on the ground. ‘I don’t like being kept in the dark.’

‘Says the woman working the night shift.’

‘Bree, play nice,’ warned Dex before he spoke to Sophie. ‘I just didn’t want to worry you, because nothing has beendecided.’

‘It’s not happening. Simple. End of discussion.’ Ryder crossed his arms over his chest. ‘Both of you can’t do this.’

‘I’m already in, cupcake,’ said Bree. ‘You can’t talk me out of this. And all Stormcloud has to do is sit right next to me and my Kombi where I can watch himnotfight.’

‘You want to what?’ Sophie glared at Dex. ‘Is that what you’re training for? Not for your health, but for another fight?’

‘He’s not doing it, Sophie. Ryder and I won’t let him.’

‘Stop that.’ Dex pointed at Ryder and Bree. ‘You two working together is so wrong.’

‘But it must be big if they are, Dex.’ Sophie knew Ryder and Bree were enemies. ‘Tell me, what is going on?’

‘I can’t.’ Dex ripped off his hat, raking fingers through his hair, giving her a pained look. He wanted to tell her, but his pride or something else was stopping him.

Bree walked up briskly. ‘I can tell you anything you want to know. Just ask.’

‘Fine!’ Sophie spun around with her eyes narrowed at the bossy redhead. ‘Are you sleeping with Dex?’

Bree’s evil laugh was unexpected. But it was loud, echoing in the room.

‘I told you, Sophie.’ Dex hung his head, rubbing his hands roughly over his face, while Ryder rolled his eyes at Sophie like she was a moron. ‘Bree and I are purely platonic.’

‘I’d rather let hell freeze over and kiss a cane toad than Dex. Next question.’

‘I have one.’ Ryder stepped forward. ‘What was it you two were doing in here the night the cattle were stolen?’

Dex looked at Bree and shrugged. ‘Your secret.’

‘Well, if you insist on being a part of the inner circle, that doesn’t exist anymore, this is where I kept my still.’ Bree tossed her thumb at one wall.

‘A what?’ Sophie stammered out.

‘An illegal distillery to make my gin.’

‘In here? Where?’ Sophie couldn’t picture it, screwing hernose up. ‘It’s filthy. This room looks like it hasn’t been opened in—’

‘As if I’d leave something like that out in the open.’ This time it was Bree rolling her eyes.

‘The room is smaller. It’s that wall, right?’ Ryder walked to the wall and tapped at it. ‘It’s hollow.’

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