Page 115 of Conquering Oz

He snorted and rolled his eyes. “Yeah because she doesn’t want to hurt your feelings.”

Elodie scoffed, folding her arms. “I see you have no problem doing that.”

Chris’s lips twitched. He gave a short wave and walked out the door.

Elodie waited a few minutes and grabbed her phone. Chris’s suspicions weren’t necessarily alarming but she wanted Oz aware. She tapped the screen and brought the phone to her ear.

As she’d promised Oz, there would be no secrets between them.

****

While life had settled down, there were still issues to be addressed. Elodie’s call informing him of Chris’s visit was one of them. Oz wasn’t too concerned. He mentioned it to Rogue and Trey during their meeting. He was careful to lay out all the details of Elodie’s friendship with the couple. It gave a background that would ease their minds. Madalyn and Chris were family to her which in turn gained them protection from the Underground.

As expected, Trey was far more accepting than his brother.

“Now, we’re fucking protecting cops?”

Oz narrowed his gaze. “Elodie’sfamilyis under our protection.”

Rogue scoffed and shook his head. “And what makes you think this motherfucker can be trusted?”

“I didn’t suggest, we trust him. He voiced his suspicions to Elodie and she shut him down.” Oz eyed both men. “He won’t be a problem.”

Trey lifted his hand. “I’m not questioning how you want to handle this, Oz. But you’re putting a lot of faith into someone we don’t know.”

Oz understood Trey’s concern. It was valid.

“You’re underestimating Elodie’s friendship with his wife. To them, Elodie is family. He didn’t tell her as a threat. He’s worried about her. He wants her safe.” Oz arched his brow. “In that respect, we’re all on the same side.”

Oz grabbed his cigar from the ashtray. “Anything else?”

“We’ll be checking out the new poker house next week. Are you available to join us?” Trey asked.

Oz nodded. He’d make a point of being there.

“Have there been any issues with Killcreek?”

Trey shook his head but Rogue seemed to have a different opinion.

“Yeah, they’re fucking assholes. That’s my issue.”

Oz didn’t bother engaging with Rogue on the topic.

“Then, I guess we’re done.” Oz stood, heading to his desk.

Rogue stopped midway through the room. “She hasn’t reached out to Sal.”

Oz drew in a breath, fisting his glass. He was well aware of that fact. Pushing Elodie wasn’t an option, and even Sal had insisted she be the one to decide to reach out to him. But it had been three weeks.

“Sal and I have both agreed she’ll do it on her terms.”

“When?” Rogue snapped.

His brother wasn’t known for his patience but Oz wouldn’t allow Elodie to be pressured. However, he understood Rogue’s stand. Sal was their family and that would never change. Elodie needed to find common ground with him. But for now…

“When she’s ready.”

Chapter Twenty-Three

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