The Peer and the Puppet (When Rivals Play, #1) (45)

A freaking G Wagon.

The matte army green paint job had to be custom. It paired well with the dark tint and black rims, making it clear he knew me better than I would have given him credit.

I didn’t know what to say or do, so I lamely offered my father my hand to shake. He stared at it for a moment, and I could tell he was disappointed, maybe even sad, but then he took my hand and shook it.

“What do you think of me turning the keys to the Range Rover over to Four? You wouldn’t have to drive her to school, and she’d have more freedom.”

Freedom?

No, freedom was the last thing the troublemaker needed.

“I think the last time she got behind a wheel, she made it four hundred miles before you caught her. If she runs again, she won’t make finding her easy this time.”

“Ah…you might be right.” He handed me the keys and patted my back. “Try to keep it under a hundred, huh?”

I was aware of him watching me while I got a closer look. I was grinning ear to ear by the time I sunk into the black leather seat and admired the interior. My father had set me up with the Range Rover after I got my license because he said it was safer than anything I might wrap around a tree. I guess he still wasn’t taking chances, but the hefty price tag on the G Wagon told me he trusted me more than he had two years ago. I wanted to take it for a spin, so I hopped out to tell my father.

He simply waved me off and headed back inside. Something made me glance up before I could duck back inside. Four stood at one of the windows upstairs staring down at me with her arms crossed and a curious expression. I considered kidnapping her—I had a hunch she wouldn’t come willingly—and taking her for a drive so we could have that talk. Just as I was ready to give in to the urge, Jamie burst through the front door tugging a shirt on.

“Don’t even think about taking that beast for a spin without me.”

Jamie became a tornado once he climbed inside and started fiddling with buttons, and when I looked up again, she was gone. With a sigh, I dropped back into my new ride and tried not to burn rubber when I took off.

I guess some things just aren’t meant to be.




I was sitting across from Franklin Rees two days later while Vaughn was at football practice. I hadn’t told him I was meeting with his father because he’d insist on coming when his focus needed to stay on football. Getting drafted and being star quarterback was his dream, but Franklin fully expected his son to one day become his successor.

“I understand my son told you about your mother.” Being the leader of Thirteen who only knew him as Father had visibly aged Franklin. The fine lines spreading from temple to temple and thinning salt-and-pepper hair were evidence of that.

“As you should have…sir.”

Vaughn had discovered the truth behind my mother’s disappearance and hadn’t thought twice about incurring his father’s wrath when he shared it with me. We’d managed to keep my dealings with Exiled a secret until a few nights ago.

“Given this suicidal plan you have to get close to Fox, I’d say I made the right call.”

“I’ve been Exiled for eight months and hunting him for twelve. I’m obviously still breathing and even closer to Fox than you’ve ever been.”

“I didn’t say you weren’t smart—resourceful even—but what will you do if you’re caught, and there’s a gun to your head? I’ve witnessed the coldest of men unable to look death in the eye.”

“I won’t get caught.”

“You may be smart, but Fox is worse than ruthless. He doesn’t need a reason for his sins. He just needs the power to commit them.”

“Is this why you called me here? To talk me out of going after him? Excuse me if I have a hard time believing you actually care.”

“No, son. I called you here to offer my assistance, but I need you to look me in my eye and tell me that I can trust you.”

I frowned at a man whose own son didn’t trust him and he expected me to? “Why would I do that? I didn’t ask for your help.”

Franklin remained stoic as he made a quick phone call, requesting someone’s presence. Not even a minute later, the door behind me opened.

“You don’t want my help, kid, but you’re going to get it.” Before I could shove to my feet, I felt the cold muzzle of a gun pushed against the back of my skull. “Or I’ll make you disappear.”

I only had one card to play, so I played it. “Vaughn would never forgive you, and then he’ll never be Father.”

“He’ll never know. You and my son have been friends since before either of you even knew how to tie your shoes. I’ve gotten to know you very well without your or my son’s knowledge, so I’m willing to bet you didn’t tell him about our meeting.”

Fuck.

I knew Franklin would carry out his threat if pushed—you don’t earn the throne he sat on by making empty threats—but I wasn’t about to beg for my life like a fucking chump, so I sat very still and considered my only option.

“Who?”

Franklin nodded behind me to the gunman I’d yet to see, so I twisted in my seat and found myself staring into the smiling face of a ghost.

“Hello, Danny Boy.”

“Siko?”

“Thought I was dead, huh? Nah…Eddie and I set the whole thing up,” he boasted.