Page 9 of Diamond in the Rough

“And we’ll pop out babies like rabbits, first one named Carl.”

“Even if it’s a girl?”

Carl pursed his lips. “Carly, then.”

“And I’ll be godfather.”

Carl slapped his hand down on the wheel and barked a laugh. “Hell no. Reckless, irresponsible, immature.”

“You’re just listing things about yourself.”

“I’m keeping my kids as far away from you as possible. Mark my words when all this is over, wife and kids…”

“And when will this be over?”

Carl sighed. “When the Boss finds out who the threat is, and we deal with them. Then it’ll be done.”

“You think Maddox would let you go?”

Carl scrunched his face. “Of course he would. He doesn’t force us to stay. He doesn’t blackmail us, Jake. Jesus, what awful movies have you been watching?”

“Then why do you stay?”

“I like the Boss, and I like working for him. He pays me well, or he will once the money comes back, and to be honest, the last few months have been an absolute breeze. I have regular lunch breaks, the people at Stationery Corner are nice, and babysitting isn’t so bad.”

“Babysitting?”

“Yeah, you’re alive, aren’t ya.”

“Right. I’m going now.”

“Wait,” Carl said, suddenly serious. He checked outside the car again and nodded once he was satisfied no one was around. “Okay, you’re good.”

“Are you coming in?”

Carl shook his head. “I’ve got strict instructions to wait outside.”

Jake tapped his finger against the handle, then took a deep breath and opened the door.

****

Jake heard the buzzing lights but couldn’t hear Maddox walking around beyond the door. “Maddox?”

“In here.”

His voice was enough to cave in Jake’s wariness, and he pushed through the metal door with his heart picking up the pace.

He didn’t know why, but he’d expected Maddox to be suited. He’d expected his stubble to be neat, his hair to be slicked back, and him to be twirling his lighter in his hand. He’d thought he’d look all smug and push his giant chest out under Jake’s gaze.

The lighter snapped shut, but that was the only thing Jake had guessed right. Maddox stood in the centre of the room wearing a stained T-shirt and bobbled joggers. The dark circles under his eyes made his face look gaunt, and even from across the room, Jake could see the redness in the whites of his eyes. His shoulders were slumped, and his neck angled forward. He hung his head like he’d been defeated and awaited execution.

“You look like shit.”

The words blurted out of their own accord, and Jake slapped his hand to his mouth, wishing he could take them back. He widened his eyes and waited with bated breath, but Maddox just grinned at him.

“Funny, these clothes reminded me of you.”

Jake narrowed his eyes, then gestured to his uniform. “Who’s wearing the shirt and trousers now, huh?”

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