Page 29 of Dangerous Lies

Cold air whipped across Jax’s face as he stepped out of the annex and into the night. His truck was the only one in the lot. He’d messaged Tucker, and the officer had promised to be there when they left, but maybe he’d been delayed by an emergency.

“Why kill Oliver though?” Megan twisted the lock on the exit door and then removed the key. “Zeke had a temper, sure, but he wasn’t stupid. Oliver was a star fighter. He drew crowds. Zeke was making a fortune off him.”

“There are a lot of unanswered questions?—”

The scrape of a boot against concrete was the only warning Jax had of another person’s presence. He dropped the box. It hit the ground and tipped over, flyers scattering across the walkway. Adrenaline surged. Jax whirled, placing himself in front of Megan even as he reached for his holstered weapon. His gaze scanned the parking lot, searching for danger.

There. A dark shape lurked at the edge of the building.

Someone was out there. Watching.

And Jax knew whoever it was had evil intentions.

SIXTEEN

Fear shot through Megan. Her hand trembled around the keys to the annex as the dark shadow in the parking lot edged closer. Jax pulled his weapon from its holster, stepping back and forcing her closer to the building. An icy wind gusted through the lot, scattering flyers across the pavement. One smacked against her calf, and she nearly yelped before catching herself.

“Open the door,” Jax whispered, his eyes locked on the approaching figure.

Megan fumbled with the keys. Her fingers shook so badly she struggled to fit the right one into the lock. Helplessness clawed at her, ramping up her fear. What if the man had a gun? What if he shot Jax? Coming to the NA meeting had been a terrible mistake. And now, they might pay the price.

Finally—praise be to the Lord—the key slid home. Megan turned it with a flick of her wrist just as a voice called out from the shadows.

“Don’t shoot.” The figure stepped into the floodlight’s glow. “I just want to talk.”

Megan inhaled. “Cody?”

It had been years since she’d last seen Zeke’s older brother, and time had not been kind. Deep pockmarks crisscrossed his cheeks, etched with lines that cut deep into his sallow skin. His thick coat, once sturdy, now sagged on his frame, three sizes too big. A frayed ball cap covered his graying hair, and his left boot had a rip near the toe. He was only forty-five, but he looked closer to sixty.

Drugs? Alcohol? Or something else? Megan couldn’t tell, but whatever it was, it had hollowed him out. Once built like a bull, Cody now looked as if a stiff wind could knock him over.

The fear coursing through her dimmed, but she wasn’t foolish. Cody lurking in a dark parking lot wasn’t reassuring, even if his hands were raised in surrender. His gaze flicked from her to Jax. “Don’t shoot me. I only want to talk to Megan.”

Jax lowered his weapon slightly but didn’t holster it. “Maybe you should try calling first.”

“I don’t have her number.” A violent coughing fit overtook him, rattling his whole frame. He hacked into the grass before drawing a shaky breath. His bloodshot eyes cut to Megan. “Why’d you send the cops to my mother’s house looking for Zeke? My brother didn’t do anything to you. How could you accuse him without proof?”

The bitter accusation made Megan’s stomach twist. She’d never liked Cody any more than she had Zeke, but it was clear life had beaten him down. She edged out from behind Jax but stayed close to his side. “I didn’t accuse Zeke of anything. The police want to ask him about Oliver.”

Cody grunted, his attention shifting back to Jax. “I heard the investigation was reopened. Zeke had nothing to do with Oliver’s death.” His glare swung to Megan. “Everyone knows you killed Oliver. Zeke wasn’t even there. Why are you dragging his name into this?”

“If Zeke is innocent, as you say, then he can come forward and tell the police himself.” Jax’s voice was like steel. “Sneaking up on us in a dark parking lot isn’t the best way to defend his honor. How did you even know Megan was here?”

“She runs the NA meetings. Everyone in town knows it.”

“How do we get in contact with your brother?”

Cody let out another hacking cough. When he caught his breath, he pressed a hand to his chest. “He moves around a lot. My mom already gave you his number.”

“He’s not answering.”

“Zeke ain’t fond of the police.”

Jax’s gaze sharpened. “Is that because he was selling drugs and operating an illegal fighting ring?”

“Lies!” Cody’s pale face flushed with anger. Spittle flew from his lips as he jabbed a finger at Jax. “My brother and I ran an honest business. We worked hard for what we had. But the cops wouldn’t leave us alone. They believed rumors from some stupid informant, even after we proved it was all lies.”

Megan’s posture stiffened. She knew Cody wasn’t being honest—she’d seen Zeke selling drugs with her own eyes—but arguing wouldn’t get them anywhere. He’d only dig in his heels or lash out. Instead, she focused on something else. “The sheriff’s department had an informant? Who?”

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