Page 123 of Conquering Oz

“Fuck,” he snapped, dragging his hands through his hair and staring across the parking lot. “Liked it better when you were banging the high schooler.”

For Christ’s sake!She groaned. “He was twenty-four!”

He snorted, but she caught the small semblance of a smile. This was a good thing. It may not have been common ground just yet, but they were making headway. This discussion wouldn’t end tonight, but they needed to find some type of momentary resolve.I only have thirty seconds before Oz comes down.

“How do you want to do this?” Elodie asked.

He shifted his gaze, glaring at her.

“Let’s just get through the night and her pregnancy. After that, you and I will sit down with her and explain everything, okay? But not now.” She said.

He remained silent and balled his fists. Then, finally. “Fine.”

Elodie widened the door, and he walked inside.

Wish us luck.

****

This wasn’t the first time Oz had been in police presence, but it was a first having to play nice with the enemy in front of an audience. For his part, aside from silently scolding his wife, Chris was cordial. And quiet. Oz noticed his gaze linger on Sal, especially when he engaged with Madalyn. At one point, Tom asked Chris what he did for a living. Madalyn jumped in bragging about him being a police officer.

“He’s one of the best Lawry has. He’s gotten three promotions in the last two years.” Madalyn was beaming, and she glanced over at Chris. He remained silent and seemed uncomfortable with the praise.

“That is an honorable profession,” Sal said, which earned him a harsh scowl from Chris, though again, he remained silent.

“Chris,” Elodie said. “You hungry? I’ve got plenty of leftovers.”

Chris waved his hand, “No, thanks.”

Madalyn leaned closer to her husband and muttered, “She didn’t make it.”

Oz cupped his mouth, concealing his smile. It seemed they were all familiar with Elodie’s cooking skills.Or lack of.

Elodie stomped forward with her hands on her hips. “I heard that.”

Chris stood, walking to the kitchen. “In that case, I’ll make a plate.”

Elodie snapped the towel at Chris’s leg as he passed then turned to Sal and Tom. “They think I’m a bad cook.”

Madalyn gasped. “I’ve never said you were a bad cook.”

Elodie arched her brow, and Madalyn blushed.

“Well, not to your face.”

The room erupted in laughter, and even Oz chuckled. That broke the underlying tension in the room. It would never be comfortable for him or Chris, but they’d both play their part for the sake of their women.

Thirty minutes later, Oz had stepped outside to take a call and lit his cigar. This night wasn’t ending anytime soon. Oz knew Chris wouldn’t leave without his wife, and Madalyn wasn’t showing any signs she was ready to go.

Oz heard the door click and creak as it opened. He glanced across the parking lot at his men stationed in the trucks. It was dark with the streetlamp giving minimal light into the cab. It was enough to see Caine straighten letting him know exactly who’d come outside.

Oz shoved his phone in his chest pocket, took a deep drag from his cigar, and stared across the lot, never turning around.

“Something I can help you with,Officer?”

There was a long stretch of silence.

“I don’t want you around my wife.”

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