Page 126 of Jase
The moment Kody disappeared around the corner of the garage, I glanced to Rush, taking in his confidence. Eagerness collided with uneasiness as I checked out the number again. Like before, it was cloned, feeding my hope that he wasn’t at home where he could make the number even more secure.
I hit the button, putting it on speaker. Music and the hum of cars sounded in the distance. He had my fingers gripping tighter to the wheel.
“Hello.”
“It’s not every day you hear a corpse that can talk.”
“Ah, Vitor, how can I help you tonight?” I glanced at Rush. “Did you call to give your sympathies for my friend? Perhaps you wanted to offer to fix the damages to my penthouse. No, wait, I know. You need more advice on websites and hosting. Don’t tell me you’re having issues again.”
He got quiet, clearing his throat.
“You lucked out with the girls, but your friend’s unfortunate accident by those band of thugs was not my doing. Not according to the law. There’s no connection. That warehouse doesn’t even belong to me. It’s in foreclosure from a fishing company last I heard. And let’s say one of those men who were in the process of trying to cut out one of your friend’s ribs did mistakenly slip my name to authorities, it’s their word against mine. Do you think I got where I am because I make mistakes?”
Rush’s fist flexed in front of his mouth as he stayed quiet.
“No. I think you got where you are because you’ve had anyone who speaks out against you killed.What I thinkis your god complex has given you a sense of being indestructible. In reality you’re not. You’re going to fall, Vitor. You’re going to lose everything. The fact that you don’t take care of your problems yourself is going to prove me right.”
“Are you calling me a coward?”
“Words are just words. They’re meaningless unless you believe them. Do you feel like a coward?”
The music got louder as he seemed to gravitate towards another direction. He was outside, and he was either walking or pacing. If he wasn’t in the car yet coming after me, I was going to have to go after him which I preferred.
I put the SUV in drive, going around the turn to exit the garage. Enough time had passed that surely the FBI or anyone who might have been watching followed security out. With three SUVs on the move, that had to have gained enough attention to spark curiosity enough to trail behind.
Rush spun the laptop, bringing it close. The address had me nodding and turning right as I left the garage. The area Vitor was registering at was close to downtown. It wasn’t a good neighborhood. That could also be a benefit. I just hoped he stayed long enough for us to make it there.
“You’re awfully quiet. Are you not sure?”
“I am far from a coward. You’ll find out soon enough.”
The line went dead, and I hung up, dropping the phone into the cup holder. The weight of weapons strapped to me was a soulful serenade to my darker side. Lust-stained vengeance whispered invitations meant to tempt me. I’d been made for this moment.
“Great job, Rush. Any movement?”
He was staring down at the laptop as I increased speed.
“Not yet.” You know, he wasn’t thinking over your question when he got quiet. Vitor was talking to someone. I thought I heard a whisper in the background.”
“I was afraid of that.
“We need to get there, and fast. The airport isn’t part of our plans anymore. If he heads that way because he thinks we’re there, there’s no telling what will happen. I don’t like this damn plan. It’s too unstable.”
“He wouldn’t dare go to the airport now that I have so much law enforcement surrounding the girls. Besides, unstable is our best shot. You heard Agent Sullivan earlier when he was going over the information on Vitor. The guy is never alone. He and his men are always armed. Getting to him is damn near impossible. If we can’t take him out in the open, we can’t get to him anywhere. This is our best shot.”
I blew through a green light, slowing as the traffic increased.
“I’m not saying it’s impossible; I just don’t like it. I want this to work. Ineedit to work just as much as any of you.”
My stare cut over, catching his desperation.
“You know, you can talk to me.”
Rush’s face flashed different emotions. The hesitation was clear as he shrugged.
“I know this is a serious moment, but…It’s more than what happened to Rian. It’s what being in this constant frame of mind is doing to me. It’s everything altogether. You throw Tiffany in the mix, and…It’s just…My life was shitty before, but it was still mine. You know?” Before I could agree, he continued, the words flooding out fast and steady like a tsunami. “I mean, don’t get me wrong, I’ve loved having her live with us. She’s clean, she’s sweet. A bit bossy at times, but overall, a pleasure to be around.But Jase…I need my damn space back. I turn around, and whoosh, she’s there. She’s always asking personal questions. Always wanting to talk. I’m a private guy. Talking just isn’t my thing; that’s all Rian. She eats my food. She doesn’t even ask anymore. Example: I have these protein drinks for working out—gone before I can blink. She even steals my boxers sometimes to sleep in.We’re not dating, man.She has her own pajamas. Hell, I even bought her some so maybe she’d catch the hint. I just…we have to finish this tonight.I’m desperate here.My sex life used to be my release from the demons. What do I have now? Nothing! Nothing but this introduction back into a life I used to live for. I need—”
“I get it.”
