Page 86 of Shattering Nash

Me.

She held up her hands in defense. “I told you, Zeke, I don’t have your stuff.”

His gaze hardened. “Well, somebody fucking does, don’t they?”

Charley was confused and had no idea what he meant. She shrugged and was about to ask, but Zeke silenced her, slamming his hand against the dumpster only inches from her head. She jolted then froze.

“You fucking lied to me!” His jaw squared. “Cody’s in rehab, right? You haven’t talked to him?”

She widened her eyes and slowly nodded. It was the truth. The officer said Cody wouldn’t be able to call for another few weeks, though he was improving. She wouldn’t be sharing that information with Zeke. He wouldn’t care.

“He doesn’t have phone privileges yet, Zeke.”

“Oh yeah? Then why the fuck has he called me four fucking times, Charley?”

What?That was impossible. She shook her head, and he gripped her jaw in a tight squeeze.

“Yeah, he’s pushing to meet up. Now, how the fuck is he gonna deliver my shit if he’s in rehab?”

None of it made sense.

“You know what I think? I think your brother is trying to set me up. Who’s he working with?”

Working with?

“Cops? Feds? Who, Charley? Answer me before I break your fucking jaw!”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about. He’s in…”

She never saw it coming and had no time to move. His fist landed directly on her temple sending the back of her head slamming into the metal. Pain shot through the left side of her face, and she squeezed her eyes shut. She’d never been hit before and felt the true magnitude of Zeke’s strength. Charley tried curling closer to the dumpster to catch her breath, but he grabbed her shoulder, shoving her back against the dumpster.

“Let’s fucking try this again. Who?” Zeke snapped.

She blinked open her eyes and everything was hazy, including him only a few inches away. She lifted her hand to her face, but he yanked it away, showing her no mercy.

“Who?” he shouted.

Charley was in an impossible situation. She had no idea how Zeke could’ve spoken to her brother. Officer Becker specifically said he couldn’t have any outside contact. None of this made sense. But one thing was evident. Zeke wasn’t letting her go without answers. She’d promised them she wouldn’t tell anyone about Cody’s deal, but she had no choice.

“I-I can find out.”

He eyed her suspiciously. “How?”

“Um, the officer from the night he was taken to rehab. I can ask him next time he calls.”

Zeke’s eyes went wild as he scanned her face. “Cody’s got cops looking in on him?”

Charley shrugged. “Yeah.”

Zeke’s lips twisted, and his gaze darkened. “Motherfucker! He’s an informant.” Zeke pushed her against the dumpster and paced around a few feet away. “Fucking asshole!” Zeke screamed through gritted teeth. His anger was escalating.

Informant? Cody? No.Right?

Zeke jerked his head and pointed at Charley. “Call the cop. Right fucking now!”

Charley shook her head, and he rushed toward her, gripping her throat.

“You’re gonna fucking call him.”

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