Page 8 of Give Me Forever Love

“It’s an investment.” He shrugs, hitting his smoke again.

I shake my head. “You don’t seem like the type to be a silent investor.”

His left eye flinches slightly.

He’s lying through his fucking teeth. That’s why the man would rather play roulette. It has nothing to do with luck, like he said when I first met him. He’s a shitty liar. He’d be murdered in poker.

“The basement has been shut down,” I say. “But I’m sure you already know this.”

“I’m aware. But it won’t be for long, and that’s another thing I’m willing to pay you for.”

“What? The equipment left over?” I smirk.

“No. Your list.”

“What list?” I ask, knowing exactly what he’s talking about.

My list of clients.

I have all of their information. Background checks, what they do for a living. I even know where they fuck and take a shit.

I was that good.

My business was that organized.

But Jace had to go and screw that up for me.

He and his little girlfriend.

It’s hidden in a very secretive place. Only Simon and I know where it’s located.

“Don’t play dumb. You know what list I’m referring to.”

I uncross my arms before walking over to the wall and leaning back against it. “How do you know the feds haven’t got it?”

“You seem like a smart man. I’m sure you have it put up in a safe place. Not only to protect your clients, but to protect yourself. You had some pretty big deals coming in and out of that basement. You wouldn’t want their information getting into the feds’ hands. That wouldn’t be wise.”

My eyes go down to the cement floor. “So, let me get this straight. You want to buy Red and my client list? And then you’re going to pay the judge to let me go?”

“Yes.”

“That’s a shitload of money you’ll be spending.”

“Money isn’t an issue.”

I rub the side of my face with an exhale. I don’t want to sell Red. That’s my home. I built that place from the ground. But damn, do I want to get out of here.

If what he’s saying is true about the DA wanting to make an example of me, then I’ll be here for a while. Actually, I’ll be sent off to prison instead of this jail.

What will K do?

I have a chance to make this all go away and really start a life with her.

“You know my brother is the mayor back in Eaglewood,” Bones says, interrupting my thoughts.

“My connections run deep, Bryce. You also know the people I work for. They can make things happen with the snap of a finger. You don’t have that power.” Bones hits the table with his hand before standing up. He takes a drag from his cigarillo.

“Think on it,” he says. “When you’ve made up your mind, call me. I’ve spoken to your lawyer. He knows how to get in touch with me.”

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