Page 40 of Red's Revenge

“When have I ever given a fuck about the law?” I tilt my head to the side, wondering if he believes jail time would stop me from kicking his ass.

He must sense the answer to that question cause he holds up his hands and backs off.

“This is a closed-door planning board meeting. Not sure what you’re doing here, Justice.” Cyrus Dander approaches us with his customary sneer.

He’s the youngest of the group, and Ma always said he must not have gotten enough love as a child since he’s a pickle shy of a sandwich. It’s his eyes that unnerve me. They’re always so unfocused and downright deranged.

“We haven’t had the pleasure. Cyrus Dander.” He reaches out for Camila’s hand, but I swat it away.

“Nor will you ever.” The mayor slams his gavel on the table and the room quiets and turns in his direction.

“Before we vote on the plans for the highway expansion, Colton Justice has a few items he’d like to present to the board.” Mayor Grant points at Colt, but before my brother can speak, the Danders butt in.

“He has no business addressing us tonight. He isn’t a member of this board.” Elijah Danders calls out to the room, and I sigh.

He’s always had a thing against Colton ever since my brother stole the prom queen from him and took her virginity. My straight-laced, law-abiding brother isn’t the saint everyone thinks he is.

He’s worked hard to keep his image clean, but he’s seen a few back-alley fights in his day.

“Well, this injunction says otherwise. I’d get your attorney on the phone.” The crowd starts to mutter, and Cami squeezes my hand.

“This is better than TV.” I glance down at her giddy tone.

“Mr. Justice has informed me that Danders Construction is under investigation for corporate espionage. Until this matter is concluded and settled, the Town of Serenity must vote on whether or not to approve their bid.

The members go up to cast their votes one by one. We stand against the back wall as the mayor counts out the fifteen votes.

“The motion to deny the bid passed with thirteen to two votes. Thank you all for coming out tonight on short notice.” Mayor Grant bangs the gavel, and the Danders start shouting.

“We’ll see you in court, Justice!” Elijah pulls his other brothers out the door as Colton joins us.

“Fucking assholes actually think they have a chance in hell.” I’m paying attention to Colt as he speaks, but my eyes are watching the mayor’s daughter approach us with a sweet-as-sin smile on her face.

Oh fuck.

“Colton, Red. Oh, hello again.” Becca Grant waves at Cami, who has turned to stone next to me.

“Do you have dinner plans tonight, Red?” I raise our entwined hands so she can see them.

“I do, Ms. Grant. I’ll be busy every night.” Her face drops, but then she smiles again.

“I see. Congrats to you both. You’ll be the envy of the town. I’d teach her to shoot Red. Have a good evening.” She walks away with her head held high.

“I like her.” That catches me off guard.

“She’s a sweet girl.” I instantly feel horrible for the way I’ve treated women in the past.

As if they were just temporary fixtures I could use and discard at my discretion.

“Is that guilt I see in your eyes for your whorish ways, big brother?” Colton grins as Cami giggles next to me.

“I will bury you next to Mittens.” Colton gasps and fucking clutches his pearls.

“Why I never.” He flips imaginary hair over his shoulder as he walks away, then stops when what I said hits home.

“Where Mittens is buried? You said she was stolen!” I bite my lip and try not to snicker.

“She was under my truck. You were twelve. I couldn’t tell you I flattened her.” Colton launches himself at me.

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