Page 60 of Red's Revenge

“Jacobs?” Why does that name sound familiar?

Then it hits me. His college roommate. The one who took the fall for him during the bar fight in his third year. Colton wouldn’t be a lawyer today if the guy hadn’t told the cops he hit the police chief’s son.

He shakes his head in confusion as he listens, and it annoys the fuck out of me that he didn’t put it on speaker. All I’m getting is a lot of one-way conversation.

“What?”

“Bruce, I’m not sure how you want me to help.”

“Ok.”

He pinches the bridge of his nose for the rest of the silent-on-his-side convo before he hangs up and then opens a text.

I snarl at him when I’ve lost my patience with the whole scenario.

“WELL?” He finally looks up at me from his phone.

“Bruce’s sister is missing.” He blackens the screen before I can see what was sent to him.

“Why call you?” He shrugs at me.

“I don’t know, but I aim to find out.” He makes this phone call on the speaker, and I hear our brother Kooper sigh in annoyance.

“Who’s dead?” Colton rolls his eyes.

“No one, but I need to speak to Abel.” I curse under my breath.

Colton laughs at my reaction, but he wasn’t there when the whole shit went down, and he only knows half the story.

Plausible deniability, he called it.

“Why you need that asshole when Lacey can do his job ten times over?” I arch an eyebrow cause he’s got a point.

“Kooper, please,” Colton sighs.

“Fine, but she’s going to be pissed that you went over her, which she’ll take out on me. Which means -,” Colt nods with a grin on his face.

“You’re going to take it out on me. Yes, I know.” He hangs up and turns in my direction again.

“Do I want to know?” He shakes his head.

“Why do I get the feeling that you ain’t riding up to Pasture Four with me this morning?” He pats Marigold’s nose.

“Sorry, girl.” I don’t like the tone in his voice.

“Cause no matter what Clay says, you’re not as stupid as you look.” I snort when he finally answers me.

“I’ll tell him that when I dump a bucket of cold water on him since he’ll be taking your place.” His phone rings again, but before he answers, I call after him.

“Whatever Bruce asked you to do, make sure you stay safe.” He nods, and then he’s gone.

I sigh as I ride along the fence to check for breaks. I decide to call Clayton to give him a heads-up, but when he doesn’t pick up and texts me instead, I frown.

Busy.

It’s barely dawn.

What do you want Red.

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