Page 34 of Petty's Crime

His eyes narrow. “You certain about that? There’s no conflict with your obligations to the woman you married?”

“Britney knows the score. I’ve told her what I’m doing.” I don’t add that a fool could see she doesn’t like it, but something on my face must give me away.

He seems to consider my answer carefully. His brow creases. Then, using his seemingly mind-reading prez ability, waggles his fingers. “Give it to me straight, Petty.” When I don’t respond immediately, he encourages, “You and me, we’ve had our differences. I don’t mind admitting I had you in my sights for a while. But when push came to shove, you came through for Zeke, and that means a lot in my eyes. You might not see me as a natural confidant, but I am your prez. Don’t tell me what you think I want to hear, tell me what’s going on.”

I think for a moment. Prez handed me my ass when he could have taken my cut. And while I’m probably far from his favourite brother, since we’ve had it out, he’s not treated me different. I don’t feel like confiding in anyone else, so while I may keep some things to myself, I’ll give him an inkling of what I’m thinking.

I grimace. “Fuck knows what I’m doing, Prez. But Brit and I can’t immediately jump into playing happy families.”And God help me, I hope I never have to. “Getting out working? Well, time apart will give us a chance to learn about each other again without being smothering.”

He smirks. “The apartment a bit small?”

I nod. Yea, and there’s no handy bar where I can go blow off steam with my friends.

His head dips and rises. “Okay. Well, it’s for you to handle on that side. Just let me know if it becomes too much. I, for one, hope it works out. Britney made a good impression.” I suppress a snort. He doesn’t know her like I do. Again, though, as if he’s read my mind, he continues, “Like no one should step between a man and his wife, no one should interfere either way in a personal relationship. Just wanted you to know if it came to a vote, the brothers wouldn’t have much objection about her. It’s up to you whether you want to take that step or not. Whatever you decide, we’ll be behind you.”

When I give a grateful nod, he changes tack. “Tell me, what are your thoughts on the latest with RoseLyn?”

“The snakes?” The raise of his chin confirms that’s what he’s talking about. I rub my temples, then begin, “I’m worried, Prez. Her ex knows all about her snake phobia. If she’d gone back to that house alone, she would have freaked. She could have had a panic attack—”

“And possibly been bitten.” Red looks grim.

I nod and wince.

He taps his fingers against the desk. “I take it you’ve no longer got doubts it was the ex?”

As I move my head from one side to the other, I confirm, “I was an ass.” I admit I’d been playing devil’s advocate for the sake of it.

“You’re always a fuckin’ ass.” The statement’s without any mirth accompanying it. I shrug. I’ve given Red more than one reason to believe that I am. “While it’s good to have an open mind, everything, in my view, has always pointed to him. What I hate is that we’re no closer to finding the fucker.”

“And he always finds her.” My mouth twists.

Red steeples his hands and looks at me carefully. “You’ve got a look that suggests you’ve been thinking of something?”

I have. “He seems to know too much about her. Her address, the cars that she drives. With his track record, it probably won’t be long before he discovers her hotel unless we keep moving her.”

“I hear you, but how the fuck is he doing it?”

“Thought about that too, Prez.” I lean back, and cross my legs. “He was a lawyer, and I wondered if he had a friend in the cops.”

Red stiffens. “Helping him stay under the radar which is why they can’t find him—”

“Or even seem like they want to,” I interrupt.

“And that’s how he’s getting his info about her.” He looks interested. “I think you might have something there. I’ll get Keys and the Utah brothers seeing if they can come up with some connection.”

I hadn’t lied when I said I thought he’d be able to find where we’ve hidden her. He seems to only be one step behind the whole time. What worries me is if he gets the jump on us, on her. While I don’t worry about our ability to protect her, there’s always a risk. I wouldn’t want RoseLyn getting caught in any crossfire. “I’m not happy with RoseLyn staying in Vegas,” I tell him.

Red lifts his chin. “I concur. This bastard is always too close.” He rubs at his temples. “Crash and I have been thinking about laying a false trail for Saul to see if we can draw him out.” His hands move down to scratch at his beard. “It would be useful if we could sneak her out of town, and replace her with a decoy. In a pinch, Angel could pass like RoseLyn from a distance.”

Taking the offensive is what I’d prefer. “Her parents are in Texas. Perhaps she could go there.” I’ve no idea what footing she’s on with them. It’s not like she and I have friendly chats. She’s a job, nothing more than that. I’ve picked up that much from overhearing her speaking with her manager and that definitely-not-one-of-my-fans, Kylie.

“That could be far enough away.” He thinks for a moment. “Get her out and swap her with Angel. The more I think on it, the more I like that idea. As long as Angel doesn’t have to sing.” We both share a chuckle. Angel’s got a voice like a drowning cat. He rubs the side of his nose and grimaces. “We can’t afford to fuck this up. No plan is ever watertight. Though we’re stretched thin as it is, we can’t have anything happen to RoseLyn so someone has to go with her if she agrees to go to Texas. Won’t do our rep any good if RoseLyn ends up dead.”

I raise my chin acknowledging his very good point.

“To that end, I want both you and Cobra with RoseLyn tonight.”

Again I make a positive gesture with my head.

---