Page 33 of Legacy of Lies
“Why are you doing this? You never mentioned issues with the Taggarts before.”
Hank curled a hand into a fist and propped it on the door handle. An eerie flash of uncontrolled rage twisted his features. “It’s none of your business. I have a score to settle with Garrison Taggart. He ruined something of mine. So I’ll ruin something else of his.”
“Huh?”
“I’ve been called to destroy them all, you know.”
“What in the world are you talking about?”
“In the world? It’s what’snotin the world that’s important. Get it?” He shook his shaggy head. “You wouldn’t understand. No one does. But the Great One knows.” After a big breath, his energy dropped from crazy back to surly. “But you? You’re nothing to me. Nothing in this town. No family, no respect. Your reputation as a thief still hangs on here. All you have is your job. Barely. So you’d better do as I say or that’ll be gone. Hell, I could accuse you of stealing my Kershaw knife collection. Bet the charge would stick, what with your history.”
“But I didn’t—”
“Guaranteed that law enforcement would find the collection here, too.” His ugly grin held the warmth of a jail cell.
She whispered, “I hear you.”
“Good. Now give me a kiss for old time’s sake.”
Rearing back, she tried to close the door. He shouldered into the entryway, grabbed her neck and jaw in a vice grip, and squeezed hard. Then he put his cold, damp lips on her forehead.
All while remaining calm. Damn him.
Then with a nasty smirk and a shove, he was gone.
She worked her jaw, sore where he’d clamped his fingers.
The threat was clear. She had a choice to make regarding Zach and also now about Garrison.
Keep her head down, pay off her loans, and get out of town.
Or take a stand and risk everything.
