Risk (Gentry Boys #2)(62)

He knew something was up. His sudden appearance was too much of a coincidence.

“What have you heard, Deck?”

My cousin sighed. “That you’re in over your head.”

I laughed but there was no humor in it. “Nah, not over my head. I might be losing my head actually. That’s all.”

Declan sat on the couch. “Why didn’t you call me?”

I sat next to him. “Who did call you?”

He didn’t answer the question. “You know much about this guy?”

“I’ve seen him fight. Name’s Jester.”

“I know.”

“Yeah? What else do you know?”

“That he did time up in the Kingman facility, that he runs with a pack of rabid dogs who seem to believe they are remnants of the Third Reich.” Declan paused. He removed a cigarette from his pocket but didn’t light it. “And that he’s killed more than a handful of men for fun and profit.”

I didn’t doubt Declan’s words at all. Even if I hadn’t seen Jester crush Emilio’s skull I knew my cousin had the answers to just about every question.

Deck flicked his lighter but still didn’t light the cigarette. He exhaled raggedly. “Wish I could get you out of this.”

I didn’t doubt that either. Declan may seem hard as nails but he had a soft spot for the three of us. Always had. Just like his dad.

“You sticking around for a while?” I asked him.

He nodded. “At least for a few days. I’ll see you through this, Creed.” He looked around again. “Think I’ll find a nicer place to sleep though. There are a few options I can choose from.” He grinned. “I just need to pick one.”

I stood up when he did. Deck slapped me on the shoulder. “I’m gonna go track down some rumors. I’ll be back later. In the meantime, try to keep your head together. No juice and no women.” He gave me a mischievous look and I wondered if there was any way in hell he could know about Truly. “They have a way of interfering with a man’s focus.”

Declan walked out of the apartment. A moment later I heard the engine of his bike gunning to life. I sat down again.

“He left?” Saylor asked. I hadn’t heard her come out of her room.

“Yeah, for now. He’ll be back.”

She nodded and went to the kitchen. She looked in the cabinets and then scowled when she didn’t find much there. I followed her.

“You went to him.”

Saylor leaned against the sink and nervously played with her hair. “Yes. I talked to Declan.” She shrugged. “I thought if anyone could help then he could.”

“So that’s where you girls went this morning? To Emblem?”

She dropped her hair and looked me in the eye. “Yes. I went to Emblem and I took Truly with me. This shit doesn’t just affect you.”

“I know that, Saylor.”

“She’s hurting.”

“I know that too.”

She closed her eyes and a lone tear trickled down her cheek. “I’m sorry, Creed. I’m sorry if I interfered. I just couldn’t stand sitting around and watching you march to your own doom.” She winced. “Sorry again. That was melodramatic.”

I was surprised. Saylor seemed honestly grieved by the idea of me getting hurt.

“You pal around with Chase,” I said quietly.

She raised her eyes. They were curious. “Yeah? So?”

“So we’ve had kind of a tough time, you and me. It seemed better if I just stayed out of your way. I figured I was just something you put up with, for Cord’s sake.”

She was shaking her head even before I finished talking.

“No,” she said immediately. “No, Creedence. You’re not just something just I put up with. You’re my family too.”

“Well, damn,” I said softly because I didn’t know how to answer the months of misunderstandings between us.

“You could win, right?” she said hopefully. “I mean look at you. You’re like a brick wall. And even if you don’t win it doesn’t mean…” She couldn’t finish her sentence. She bit her lip and stared at the floor.

“No,” I soothed her. “It doesn’t mean I’m not coming home.”

She gave me a watery smile and I grew thoughtful.

“You know, when I was growing up one of my favorite people on earth was my Uncle Chrome. I’d love to be that, the favorite uncle.”

Saylor laughed a little. “You might have to battle Chase for the honor.”

“Maybe it’s an honor we can share.”

“Yeah,” she smiled broadly. “I think it is.”

“Hey, Saylor? Will you help me with something?”

“Of course.”

“I need to do some shopping. I figure maybe I could find what I’m looking for on Craigslist.”

She seemed perplexed but still willing. “All right. Let me get my computer.”

I waited for her in the kitchen. I wasn’t big on grand gestures but there was just one I needed to tackle. I needed to do it before the lights could go out.





CHAPTER TWENTY FIVE


Truly



After leaving Creed I went straight to work. I tied an apron around my waist and I smiled pleasantly at the customers. But inside I was numb. I finally had to admit to myself just how much Creed Gentry meant to me. It should have been wonderful but instead it was terrible. I remembered feeling this way before. It was years ago, in a lonely hospital bed. I remembered staring at a calendar on the wall and hating it for all the days it contained. I didn’t want to face any more days. But life doesn’t give you that option. It just keeps going and if you have an ounce of spirit left in you then you do your damn best to get through it.