Page 100 of Brew
He plays all of this off like it’s nothing, but I know that isn’t true. Itisdangerous, no matter what he says.
I don’t know when I fall asleep, but the last time I checked the clock it was after two am. Exhaustion won out in the end.
When I jolt awake, I feel Brew’s arms reach for me as he spoons me. I turn my head.
“Brew?”
“Who else?” He kisses my forehead. “Go back to sleep.”
“Everything’s okay?”
“Everythin’ is perfect,Sparky.”
I don’t know if he’s just painting a pretty picture, but the main thing is, he’s back and he’s unharmed.
I yawn. “Did you get what you went for?”
He snuggles into my shoulder, and I close my eyes, unable to resist. He’s freshly showered. I can tell from the scent of his body wash on his skin, and the dampness of his hair. “I did.”
“Don’t leave me again,” I whisper.
“I’m almost there,” he tells me as I fall back into slumber. “Almost there.”
CHAPTER
THIRTY-FOUR
Brew
Everyone is in place, now that Willow is in charge as the Captain, there’s no question of our involvement, even though there are NOLA Rebels everywhere.
Having friends in high places has its benefits, thanks to Callaghan, and then there’s my brother; Haze may not be acting on his feelings for Willow, but I know he will. He never got over her, and he never moved on. By the looks of things, neither has she. I don’t know why the two of them don’t just bone and get it over with. It’s pathetic.
Not that I’m one to talk. I waited almost two years to even speak to Erica, in fear that I’d drive her away like I do most things. I don’t mean to, but this life has hardened me beyond belief.
In school, I was always the protector. Haze wasn’t as tough as he is now when we were kids, so whenever he was in trouble, or being picked on, I came to the rescue. He’s the youngest, so it was a rite of passage that I stepped in and helped as his older brother. ‘Helping’ usually resulted in the annihilation of whoever his tormentor was, and I regret nothing. Kids can becruel, but I wasn’t about to see my little brother being a victim. Hell no. Logan had stepped in as our father figure long before Dad left and drunk himself to death, so we have him to thank for using our fists the right way. These days, Logan likes to try and talk his way out of shit first, but Haze and me prefer to use pure brawn. Conversations can happen later; if they have any teeth left.
It didn’t excite me that I had to leave those assholes in the warehouse, but we have bigger fish to fry.
Cash and the Rebels intercepted a shipment of girls a few years back, when Haze and I were out of town, and that didn’t go over well. He doesn’t have to pander to me, but I know this is some kind of peace offering, and it’s soothing the beast just a little.
One surefire way to get to the main man himself is another step in the right direction.
Willow knows the drill. She’s not a dirty cop, but she hovers somewhere in the gray area. Now she’s Captain, she has a quota to fill. She gets how it works. In exchange for this bust, we agreed we would get Evans. He’s the one I want, and he better not get fucking shot in the meantime. Without him, I’ve no chance of getting to Ridgely. He can run, but he can’t hide. Chances are, a man like Ridgely has probably forgotten all about my vendetta. He’s been underground for years because he’s a wanted man, but that just makes the thrill of the chase that much sweeter.
I smirk when I think of what’s in store for him. I’ve planned out his murder a million times. If I don’t get to have my vengeance in this life, I fear I’ll never settle.
I know it’s wrong to involve Erica when I have to do this, but I’ve been upfront. Finding these bastards has been a big part of my life. I promised Valencia’s family, and I need to deliver on that promise. Just as I would in anything I do.
“Moving in,” Willow’s voice sounds through the earpiece. “We want Evans alive. I’m sure he’ll be easy enough to identify — as we know, most of these criminal assholes don’t get their hands dirty, they leave the dirty work to everyone else.”
Which is why it’s a miracle he’s even here. This shipment is an important drop. And heads are gonna roll a hundred percent when these girls don’t get delivered. And the museum curator? I guess he’s got some explaining to do. We’ll leave that up to Willow.
“That’s my girl,” Haze snickers by my side.
I side eye him. “If she’syourgirl, why don’t you do somethin’ about it? Goin’ on to me every day about Erica, but you won’t take your own advice.”
“I think we both know it’s not me who needs convincin’,” Haze mutters. “It’s just a matter of time, and my wife will be back in my arms.”
