Page 52 of Conquering Oz

Oz turned to Trey and folded his arms, lifting his chin.

“Spoke to Ace when we first arrived. He mentioned the possibility of a debt. There has to be a reason Karl went behind Garner’s back to make the sales. And that product was from Polinski’s load. Garner would have to cover that when it came up short.” Trey cocked his brow. “That’s a calculated move and risky. Karl had to know he’d never get away with it.”

“So what’s your fucking theory? Drugs?” Rogue asked.

“Gambling.” Trey said.

Oz jerked his head, sharing a look with Rogue.

“Made some calls to a few associates. Not many were familiar with Karl outside of working for Garner. But one mentioned seeing him a lot at the poker houses. At least two times a week. So I made a call to Dante.”

“And?” Rogue snapped.

Trey glanced over at Oz. “Karl is into Dante for over thirty grand. And hasn’t been seen in over a week, which Dante said was rare. He’s got his own men looking for Karl, but they haven’t found him.”

But I will.At least they knew the motivation behind his betrayal. It wouldn’t save Karl, but it provided information they’d need to not only locate him but weigh his mindset.

“Fuck!” Rogue growled. “Where do we fucking start with this shit?”

“First and foremost, we need to get the recording from Ace’s guy. He’s reaching out now. We do that immediately. Trey, call Dante back and find out if he’s gotten in touch with Garner about Karl’s debt.” Oz said.

“He said he hadn’t yet. Dante wanted to keep it internal.”

Oz nodded. “Then you tell him to keep his guys looking, but he doesn’t breathe a word to Garner until I say. He was adamant about wanting to handle Karl himself. He’ll hide him if he knows.”

Rogue scoffed. “Not if we tell him his fucking nephew gave him up.”

It would be leverage.

“We’re keeping that information to ourselves. For now.” Oz pulled out his phone and stalked into the house. There was one call he’d make out of courtesy. Oz wasn’t looking for guidance because he knew what had to be done. But it was imperative to keep him in the loop. Despite the time, Oz wasn’t surprised when he answered on the second ring.

“Oz.” His voice was groggy but alert.

“Sal, we got a problem.”

Chapter Nine

Elodie stared at her plate. New York strip steak, roasted potatoes, and asparagus. It had been delivered the following day after her date with Oz. The card read “Enjoy”in a bold, masculine script. And nothing else. Elodie was completely torn about what to make of it.

When she’d awoken the next morning after their date, she was alone. She had no idea when Oz slipped out of her apartment. She hadn’t expected him to stay and join her for breakfast. But after their intimate night, she’d assumed he’d leave a note, maybe his card or a number to reach him.

Nothing.

She’d tried calling the number Saylor had given her, but it was no longer in service. It confirmed her suspicions. They’d had a one-night stand. That was all, and while disappointed, she was willing to accept reality. Then the food arrived. It was beyond confusing. Or maybe that was Oz’s MO. Instead of the obligatory flowers or chocolates the next day, Oz sent dinner.

Elodie rolled her eyes, grabbed her fork, and popped a chunk of steak into her mouth. She muffled her moan and pressed the phone to her ear.

“Ghosting you is a douche move, but gotta say I like the idea of a farewell steak sendoff,” Madalyn said, and Elodie smiled.

Elodie grabbed her wine and took a small sip before setting down the glass. She’d been on the phone with her best friend for the last thirty minutes. Elodie hadn’t brought up the date, but Madalyn had handed her a hard interrogation. Then Elodie unleashed, sparing no detail.

“Did you want there to be more?” Madalyn asked.

Elodie sighed. She wasn’t actively looking for a partner. She’d become resigned to never fully settling down with anyone. The thought of getting close to another person, only to lose them, haunted her. When she’d gotten back into the dating pool after her mother’s passing, she’d had every intention of keeping it casual. Nothing long term and no commitments.So why the hell am I freaking out and disappointed that he didn’t call?

She dropped her elbow to the table and planted her face in her hand. She was a walking contradiction.

“Was the sex that good?”

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