Page 26 of The Consequences of Love and Vengeance

“You might be big, bad Jackson Andrews, but not even you have eyes everywhere.”

“For a cop, I question your street smarts sometimes, but then again I did shelter you.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?”

What the fuck?

Jackson usually isn’t this blunt—not with me at least. And yes, he did shelter me from too much. Probably another reason I became a cop.

“Every device they own has a GPS tracker on it. Both of their cars, a tracker. Carrie’s pendant that she never leaves home without is trackable. Caleb—”

“Are you flipping serious?” I cut him off.

“Fuck yes, I’m serious. You of all people know the sick fucks out there. I’m not about to sit around and let something happen to one of them. I give them freedom—a lot of it—but unbeknownst to them I still know exactly where they are. I take care of what’s mine. Always. Drop it.”

That’s a little much. Borderline on...

“Jackson?”

“What, Bri? I didn’t call to argue with you today.”

“Do you have a tracker on my car?”

“Yes.” He doesn’t even deny it. There is no falter in my brother’s voice.

“What the hell?”

“Do I need to repeat myself? What’s mine, Bri. Got it?”

No, I fucking do not. Oh, my God, he’s gone too far.

I take a deep breath. Why does any of this surprise me? How did I not know this already? And I’m supposed to be the cop.

“Is there anything else of mine that’s trackable?”

He better say no.

Silence.

“Jack!”

“You obviously don’t want to know the answer to that, so there is no point in answering you.”

“I can’t believe you. This is something Dad would do, not you.”

“Call it whatever you want. I don’t care. I love you too much.”

“And the money that miraculously appeared in my account on Tuesday? What’s that about?”

“I suppose other people love you too.”

“I’m going to kick your ass.”

Laughter erupts from the other side of the phone.

“Look, I just pulled into the high school. I’m here to pick up Carrie.” He chuckles. “I called to make sure you’re still alive. And to tell you, you should quit your job and move back home. I know you won’t, but it has to be said anyway.”

“So then I won’t give you a reply. I’m mad at you.”

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