Page 177 of Dark Endures

“Your boyfriend is Waylon—”

“Waylon is my brother.”

The boss blinks. “You’re telling me that you called Maddox Locke and demanded money?”

“You told me to call my boyfriend. So I called him.”

“You’re supposed to be sleeping with Waylon—”

“EWWWW. Gross. I would never sleep with my brother, even if he’s a stepbrother. That’s so gross.”

“You hugged him in the park. You gave him money twice.”

“Again, Waylon is my brother. You were threatening to hurt him if he didn’t pay you. I was going to get the money to pay you off completely before you abducted me and brought me to the two-bit travel agency. Who even puts up pictures of aliens anymore? Seriously, Area 52, or whatever it’s called, is such a hoax.”

“You were going to pay?” The boss’ eyes open wide like he hit the jackpot.

“I was going to ask my friend for the money. Or my boyfriend. I wasn’t sure. Is it appropriate to ask the man you juststarted dating for three-quarters of a million dollars? See, I don’t think so, but he probably would. Like I told you, he’s sweet like that and super overprotective. If I were you, I’d really let me go. Maddox is a wonderful boyfriend.”

“Where have I heard that name before?” The boss starts to pace.

“He’s an urban legend.”

“Huh?” The boss turns to him.

“You know something people talk about because they aren’t real, but then sometimes they’re real.”

“I know what an urban legend is, you idiot. Who is Maddox Locke?”

“Oh, he’s this killer that protects any kid that comes to him. He’s supposed to have a million brothers and eyes everywhere. No one ever hurts one of his kids and lives to talk about it. Or so the legend goes.”

“You forgot his snakes. Maddox loves snakes. Did you know he has a whole room of danger noodles?”

The muscled guy laughs. “You’re funny. Danger noodles.” He shakes his head.

“Knuckles, pay attention,” the boss snaps.

“I am. You kidnapped Maddox Locke’s girlfriend, and he has a million venomous snakes. Am I missing anything?” Knuckles asks.

“Just that he’s probably going to kill you when he rescues me.”

Knuckles smiles. “Thank you.”

“No problem.” I turn my head back towards the boss. “This doesn’t really seem like a good plan. Especially for a businessman like yourself. Loan sharking is basically a business. Fine, it’s a teensy bit illegal, but have you seen what credit cards are charging in interest lately? That’s highway robbery.That’s why I refuse to use them. Once you’re in debt, it’s almost impossible to get out of it. Am I right?”

“You really are.” Knuckles nods.

“But I digress. Waiting for my now grumpy boyfriend, he really is sweet most of the time, to come find me sounds like a recipe for pain. A good businessman would know when the deal is falling apart and plan an exit accordingly.”

“An exit?” Rudy gulps.

“Yes. One where you untie me, then run out the door as fast as you can and hide.”

“I like her idea, boss.” Knuckles smiles at me.

“Thank you. I thought it was a pretty good idea myself.”

“You think I should run away from your boyfriend?” the boss repeats.

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