Page 8 of The Fall Guy

She’s insane for even asking me to take the blame. Why would I help them when they’ve made it clear I’m a disappointment. Why should I start being anything else now?

She stands from her seat and approaches my side of the table. My eyes follow her, but she’s putting me on edge. What is she doing?

Her arms fling wide, and she wraps them around my shoulders. My posture stiffens as I go rigid. Quickly, I get to my feet, trying to pull away. I’m not an affectionate guy, not even for family. A greeting kiss on the cheek is all I can handle.

“What about a new start when you get out? We can take you in and get you away from the Cyclones.” A hint of optimism twinkles in her eyes.

Here’s me thinking she didn’t know what gang I was in. Clearly she knows more than I realised. “Are you going to let me sleep with you guys so you can keep an eye on me?” I mock. A low chuckle rumbles up my chest. “You’re more naïve than I thought if you think you can help me. Only I can walk away from the Cyclones, and that wouldn’t be pretty. I knew what I was signing up for and I pledged my life to them.”

“We could keep up with your rent and look after your things while you’re inside.” She takes a step toward me, and I take one back.

“Or you could let my brother pay for the crime he’s done.” I shrug like this situation is so simple.

“We both know it won’t be long until you’re in jail of your own accord.” Her mouth falls open as if she’s shocked by her open words. “Please, Kaden, do this for me, for him.” Her voice turns sickly sweet, but I’m not being guilt-tripped. Playing hardball is more my style and I’m ready to push a few of her buttons. I’d rather deal with her anger than emotional tears.

“I’ve always thought you were a good mum to Jacob and have a beautiful body but that’s it. We’re not close, and neither are Kaiand I. We owe each other nothing. His bullshit isn’t mine to sort out.” I lay out my thoughts in a blunt blow, hoping she’ll back off.

“I’ll get on my knees and beg if it’ll help. Just please…” She reaches for the waist of my sweats, and it takes me a minute to realise what she’s offering. I’ll admit my dick stirs a little before I push her away. My interest in Sonia is pure fantasy, but deep down I’d never act on it.

“Times up,” someone shouts outside the holding room and bangs on the door.

My heart beats frantically, and Sonia looks distressed. It’s enough to make my head spin.

“Get me a lawyer and give me some time to process,” I say.

Time to think about the details of our situation won’t make anything clearer but my head needs a breather. False hope isn’t something I’d usually offer, but my thoughts are all over the place. This has been a fucked-up day, and being alone in a cell is sounding appealing right now.

“Don’t do anything stupid,” she says, while her lip starts to quiver again.

A male police officer enters the room, and she’s forced to step away. She begs with her hands as she finally drags herself from the room.

It’s a couple more hours before my lawyer turns up, and they officially charge me.

My conversation with Jarred Burgess is just as productive as the officers’. I tell him nothing, and he quickly gets frustrated with me. It’s my face in the pictures, the evidence is stacked against me, and he thinks I should explain what happened to him. Trust isn’t something I have faith in, and I’m not ready to give anything away yet.

I’m exhausted by the time I’m forced into a cell for the night. The mattress might as well be made of straw, and the blanketis itchy as fuck. Lying on my back, I stare at the ceiling, hoping sleep will come quickly.

Even the thought of telling my brother his wife offered to blow me doesn’t settle the gigantic moths fluttering in my stomach. I thought hell would freeze over before she treated me like a human being. Maybe that’s what’s happened; Satan’s sauna has finally turned to ice, and I have to figure out the lesser evils.

Should I help my brother or watch his life turn to shit?

If I go to jail, what will be left for me when I get out, if I get out? Instead of sleeping, my mind stays in overdrive.

Why was my brother out so late at night when his family was tucked up in bed. Why was the child on the street when he should’ve been asleep? Was Kai intoxicated? After he lectured me at Mum’s birthday about drunk driving, why did he do something so stupid?

Is he really the good one, or does he hide his darker side better than I do? There are so many questions, but unfortunately, the clock is ticking on both of our fates, and I don’t have any of the answers.

CHAPTER 4

KADEN

It feelsas though I’ve just shut my eyes when I’m yanked to my feet and pushed out of the cell. My knees buckle as I move forward. It takes a moment for my brain to catch up. I don’t make it easy for the officers as I wrestle in their grip.

The morning dew clings to the grass, and the bright sunlight shines in my eyes. I’m shackled before they lead me outside into the cold breeze, where a van is waiting. It’s too early to be taking a road trip.

My handcuffs are secured to a chain in the back cab, and once two other guys are loaded up, we set off. It’s a bumpy journey—I swear the driver’s doing it on purpose. My hand flings out to steady myself but can’t quite reach the bench. I’m jolted forward so my chains are the only thing holding me down.

The guy next to me grunts while the other one curses under his breath. Ignoring them both, I widen my legs, trying to regain my balance.

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