Page 72 of Deadly Avarice
Billy’s pallid skin appeared pasty under the unforgiving florescent lights in the bathroom. “And the men I saw—did they get them too?”
My jaw was tight enough to crack teeth. “I’m sorry to say that no, we haven’t been able to locate them.” I really wanted a word or three with these assholes. But would they even roll on Boggs? It depended on their loyalty and what Boggs had on them. Boggs knew the system. He’d gotten where he was by giving up the goods on those he worked with. Knowing that, he would need to figure out a way to make sure the same thing didn’t happen to him.
Billy hung his head and let loose a heavy breath. His disappointment was clear. “I promise you they were there.”
“And I fully believe you.” The bogus call to the school proved that. “Come on, why don’t I take you home? I got permission from your dad.” I didn’t think Billy’s brain was in a good place for learning. Plus, I wanted to get him somewhere we could watch him better.
“Yeah, I think I’d like that,” Billy answered.
“Do you have a locker?”
Billy nodded.
“Is all your stuff in there, or did you leave some of it in class?”
Billy pointed to a book and spiral bound notebook on the back of the toilet. “I brought everything with me when I got called to the office. My coat and lunchbox are in my locker.”
“Let’s go get everything loaded up, and I’ll drive you home.” We headed out of the bathroom and thankfully into an empty hall. Classes were in session and all the students were inside, blissfully unaware of the fact that someone had just made a kidnapping attempt on one of their classmates.
We walked out of the school to the sounds of kids playing at recess. I had no idea if they were a part of Billy’s class or not. Regardless, he wouldn’t be playing any games today. With a hand on Billy’s shoulder, I led the way down the school steps. Billy’s tattered backpack hung over his shoulders. He had on the same tired coat he’d worn to the station just a few short days ago and the tennis shoes on his feet appeared equally well used, but just like the coat, they were functional.
“Was Papa mad?” Billy asked as we headed for the car. While Billy’s head was down, mine scoured the surrounding area. The street in front of the school was dotted with a few cars here and there. The trees lining the street had lost their leaves at least a month prior and their barren branches fingered into the sky.
“Not at you,” I promised. “Your dad’s worried, just as he should be. He’s also angry at the people who are threatening you. That’s also understandable and not your fault.”
Billy’s shoulders slumped. “Lucas said Boggs was scum.” Billy’s voice held a note of steel and anger. “Lucas was smarter than that. Why did he get mixed up with someone like Boggs?”
I shook my head and squeezed Billy’s shoulder. “I wish I had a good answer. All I can tell you is that people under the influence of drugs don’t make the best decisions.” That might just be the understatement of the year.
Billy scoffed and looked up long enough for me to see his eye roll.
“You’re right. They make terrible decisions.”
“You can say that again,” Billy agreed. “I just wish… I want Lucas back, but how he used to be…before.”
I didn’t need to ask whatbeforeBilly meant. I started to agree when movement caught my attention. My eyes immediately tracked to my right as my muscles stiffened. A middle-aged man with thinning hair and a slightly paunchy middle ambled toward us. His hands were stuffed into his pockets and his gaze was cast down at the sidewalk. His steps were unhurried and there was nothing obviously dangerous.
“Stay by my side, Billy,” I quietly urged.
“Trouble?” Billy asked, his tone hiding any fear lurking below.
“I’m not sure,” I answered honestly. There was something familiar about the man casually walking our way. “Probably not, but never hurts to be safe.” We were farther away from my vehicle than I’d like. I picked up the pace and Billy’s steps hurried along with me.
We’d barely gone two feet when the stranger’s words brought me up short. “You’ve given me a bit of trouble today, Billy. Perhaps you’re more like your brother than I thought.” A smirk resonated through his tone.
Billy inhaled and his small body quivered. My fingers tightened on his shoulder as my other hand itched to pull my sidearm. We were just a few feet from an elementary school and pulling my gun would be an option of last resort. My hesitation cost valuable time.
“I wouldn’t do that,” the man said with a tilt of his head toward the school. “It’s a dangerous place for bullets to go flying around, and I assure you, you’re currently outgunned.” He shifted his jacket, revealing his own weapon. “One of my men has the playground in his sights. One call from me and he starts firing.”
Shit.
“He’s not one of the guys from before,” Billy helpfully whispered.
If the artistic sketches were anything to go by, I completely agreed. However, this guy did look like someone else I’d seen a photo of. That picture was at least ten years old. Dustin Boggman hadn’t aged gracefully, that was for sure.
“Mr. Boggman,” I said by way of greeting.
Boggs’s lip twitched, and I wasn’t sure if it was attempting to frown or smirk. “Haven’t been called that in a long time. Boggs will do just fine.”
