Page 80 of Conquering Oz

Too small.

Elodie mustered up a smile, cocking her head. “Yes, it is.”

“Oh, that’s great,” Tom said, inching closer. “We’re actually heading for lunch at the food truck. You’re welcome to join us.”

Sal beamed. “That’s a wonderful idea.”

It was as if he was taunting and challenging her.

“I can’t. I have to go back to work.”

“Right.” Sal nodded. “The boutique. The one down the street.”

She flattened her lips. It seemed Sal had been given quite a bit of information about her. It gave her an unsettling vibe. She swallowed the knot in her throat and nodded.

“I’m sorry, I have to be going.” Elodie’s abrupt departure may have come off rude but she didn’t care. She needed to put some distance between her and Sal Caruso.

Karia pointed to the line. “What about your bread?”

Madalyn was going to kill her. But she’d risk the wrath of her friend. This was proving too much for her mental health. Elodie waved her hand. “You take it. Just give him my name.” She looked over at Tom, “Enjoy your lunch.”

Elodie forced a smile when she met Sal’s stare and simply nodded as she circled the back of the line. She tried to remain calm but found herself rushing. She was just at the last tent when she glanced over her shoulder. The line had moved once again, and she scanned the people. Her eyes locked on Sal, who was staring back at her. Long gone was his smile. A chill ran down her spine, and her fear elevated.

For all outward appearances, Sal looked like a jovial grandpa with his kind smile and his warm nature.But I know better.Elodie knew the truth.Firsthand.

Elodie turned toward the parking lot, quickening her pace. It was as if she’d been transported back in time to a memory she wanted to forget.

****

Oz rolled his shoulders and swiveled his neck, staring down at the message from thirty minutes ago.

Elodie: I’m sorry, but I have to cancel tonight. I’ve got so much to do at the store. I’ll talk to you tomorrow.

He dropped the phone to his desk and drove his hand through his hair, grasping the back of his neck. Seeing her would’ve been the only bright part of his day. He’d been looking forward to it, especially since he’d been dealing with some unsettling news.

All leads for Karl had dried up, pointing his suspicions to Garner hiding his nephew. It wouldn’t be the first time someone tried to save one of their men. Oz had already decided on cutting all ties with Garner. As promised, he wouldn’t seek personal retribution considering his ties to Sal and Inez, but it was obvious Garner couldn’t be trusted.

The soft knock on his door caught his attention, and Nash walked in.

“Rogue and Trey are here,” he said, and Oz furrowed his brows.

He wasn’t expecting either of his brothers.Yes, brothers.Only one by blood but connected to both for life.

Oz stood and rounded his desk, walking toward the door just as they walked in.

“This is unexpected.” Oz said.

Rogue spread out his arms. “You called us in.”

“No, I didn’t.” Oz turned to Nash, who immediately shook his head.

“I didn’t know anything about a meeting.”

There was a knock on the doorframe. Ridge stood at the threshold but didn’t enter.

“Sal’s here. Cy is bringing him up.”

“How the fuck did Sal get here?” Rogue asked the same question Oz was thinking.

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