Page 92 of Cash

I immediately call Rex.

“Livi’s off the grid. Can you track her cell?”

“I tried, but it’s off. If she turns it on, I’ll know. I get a bead on her, I’ll let James know,” Rex says in a flat tone.

“First call is to me, Asswipe.”

“I have to ask. What part of shitting on a female cop sounded like a great idea to you, Cash? A cop that could snipe your ass from unheard of distances?”

“Tired of saying this lately but fuck you.”

*~*~*~*

I stop by my dad’s place on my way home tonight. He texted that Terry was making homemade pizza and asked if I wanted to have dinner with them. Dad’s kept mostly quiet about Livi, but I know he’s disappointed.

Entering the house, I nod at Terry on my way through the kitchen. I find Dad reading and hand him Liam when he sets down his book. Dropping down on the couch, I quietly watch Dad with Liam. I couldn’t have had a better role model, and Liam’s lucky to have the grandpa he does. If things had been different, I know my mom would have spoiled Liam rotten.

“You ever going to say why Livi’s not around anymore?” Dad asks.

“Because you raised a fool.”

“Actually, I didn’t. I raised a good man who takes his responsibilities seriously. It’s not really any of my business, Son, but if it’s something I can help with, I’m here. I like Livi, but I’m not the one who had to be with her. Was her job a problem?”

“Can’t say I didn’t worry about her, but it wasn’t the issue. I was the issue. I let her walk instead of explaining things better. Instead of working with her.”

“You’ve always had strong beliefs, Cash. Stubborn and unbendable sometimes. That doesn’t wash with women. In any relationship really. There are all shades of gray in between black and white. Most often, the strongest tree is the one that sways and bends with the wind instead of trying to stand straight,” Dad advises.

I know he’s right as usual. He and Mom had a great marriage and I saw both give and take throughout the years. Neither ranked higher than the other but each would take the lead depending on the circumstances. I need to apply what I know to be true.

“Pizza’s ready, Lars,” Terry announces before turning to me. “You can take yours to go.”

My eyebrows hit my hairline at the venom in his voice. The only attitude I’ve ever received from Terry has always been a flirty one. Dad starts laughing while pointing his finger at me.

“Terry’s not your biggest fan anymore. He says you cost him his Snots’ time. I’d think twice before accepting any drink from him that’s been opened.”

“Jesus, Terry. You want to spend time with that pile of wrinkles, call Livi. Crazy ass woman thinks you’re the shit. She’s not going to keep you and Snots apart,” I mutter.

“Wrong, biker boy. She’s avoiding all of us because you’re a dick. And not the good kind,” Terry replies heatedly. “You think I’m being pissy? Wait until those two old bats get you alone. I distinctly heard comments from them along the lines of disowning and disinheriting you.”

Tossing down the slice of pizza I just picked up, I feel a headache coming on. Two of them, in fact. I’m a grown-ass man that’s got to get creative in ways to avoid two tiny batshit crazy women now. Fuck my life.

Chapter 19

Livi

Window down, music blaring to cover the snoring sounds coming from Snots, I’m keeping my mind blank as my Mustang eats up the miles. After stopping for a potty break for both Snots and me, I buy a coffee, road trip snacks and walk back to my car.

I haven’t traveled far since our last stop when I start thinking that I’m being followed. I sit up a little straighter, slip on a pair of shades and carefully monitor the black SUV three cars behind me. I saw it on the edge of the parking lot when I walked out of the gas station but paid it little attention.

Turning down the music, I start paying attention to my location. Watching for the next exit, I wait until I’m right up to it before taking it. I turn right at the end of the off-ramp, drive at a normal rate of speed to the first drive-through restaurant I see and get in line. Watching my mirrors, I spot the SUV turn into a business on the opposite side of the street and park, facing my direction.

I order food for Snots and a drink for myself, pay and pull out. Turning back the way I came, I hit the on-ramp. Within a few minutes, the SUV is once again three cars behind me. I’m right about being followed, but I’m completely confused as to why and by who.

I drive for over an hour without the SUV trying to gain on me. I don’t do anything that would let them know they’ve been spotted, though. My mind’s racing, and yet I’m not coming up with an answer as to why anyone would follow me. The thought crosses my mind that this may be connected to my brother, but I quickly dismiss it. Those types of people wouldn’t waste time following me this far. They would have taken me out at the first opportunity with no regard to collateral damage.

I reach for my phone, power it on and slide it into the holder attached to my dash. I ignore the sound of incoming texts and voicemails while I reach into my purse, withdraw my handgun and set it on my lap. I check my navigation screen to find the next rest area. That’s where I plan on getting my answers.

I drive until I see the signs announcing the rest area. Moving into the left lane, I turn on the blinker and make my turn. Driving through the nearly deserted lot, I park close to the building. Exiting quickly, I have my phone in my hand, my gun under my shirt and Snots following on his leash as I make my way to the dog area. It has several trees for cover if needed and no vehicles behind it to get caught in a crossfire situation.

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