Page 26 of The Fall Guy

He shakes his head. “Not happening.”

I don’t hold back my smile as amusement tinkles my thoughts. I’d already known the answer before I asked but I wanted to see his reaction. “Never say never. What about a hand job then?”

“How do you do that?” He looks intensely into my eyes like he’s trying to read something I’m not willing to share.

Do what?” I ask innocently.

“We’re talking about something serious, and you lower the tone.”

“Oh, I’m serious.” Pulling back my lips I hide my smile.

“I know you are. But if I can’t trust my gang members, I’m totally screwed.” He briefly covers his eyes again, clearly frustrated.

“If you screw me, you won’t need them.” I raise a brow when our gazes align once more.

He climbs to his feet and offers me a hand up.

“I’ll keep that in mind.”

I’m not sure if he realises what he’s implied or he’s just trying to end the conversation, but my smile feels sinister.You have no idea how persistent I can be, Kaden.I’m a patient man, and a few more days without a release won’t kill me.

CHAPTER 12

KADEN

After Rio questionedhow much I can trust the cyclones, I’m a little more suspicious of everyone, except him. He’s already proven we can go a few rounds without killing each other.

After my morning shower, I make my way to the phone area so I can call my old roommate. Brad answers after the fourth ring, and I can hear loud music in the background.

“Clearly missing me,” I say jokingly. Life has moved on without me. I get it and I don’t feel bitter about it.

“I was wondering when you’d next call. How are you doing, man?” He excuses himself and moves away from the music.

“I’m living the dream.” Although I’m unnerved by my conversation with Rio I need this playfulness with Brad.

He chuckles. “Listen, I have some news on Rio Target or maybe it’s just a funny story. Get this for a profession: he’s an expensive hitman.” He laughs but it seems strained. “The guy is one of the best so be careful.” He’s trying to play this off as misinformation in case our call is recorded. I’m thankful for the information but he’s rubbish at talking in code.

“It’s okay. We’re friends of sorts, and I’d already figured out some of what he does and that he attracts trouble when it comescalling. I doubt he’s as bad as the stories people tell.” Okay so I’m not very good at talking in code either. Rio’s a Hitman. That’s a bold job title, but now he’s said it, it’s obvious. It’s less private investigator and more heavy lifting, although he must be good at it or he’d have more scars.

“Good, just watch your back with him and you won’t become a miscommunicated story.”

Loyalty from Brad is what I need when I’m struggling to trust anyone around me. “Thanks.”

“Anytime.”

“What do you know about Ernie and his crew on the inside? Do you think I can rely on them?” Brad has always been cool with me, so I hope he’ll keep it straight. Ernie might be part of the Cyclones but it’s a different world in here.

“Ernie. He’s as tough as old boots. The story in the newspaper said he took a bullet for his old man and went down for killing his wife. Apparently, she was sleeping with his best friend. Don’t double-cross him, and you’ll be fine.”

“Noted.” Even if I have to watch my back with the Cyclone gang, I already knew not to compromise my loyalty to them. Brad just confirmed it doesn’t matter what Rio’s said, I don’t want to get on the wrong side of the gang.

“Listen, I saw your brother’s bitch hanging around the other day. She said she was picking some things up for you, but I told her to get out.”

“Sonia?” I’m not sure why I needed that clarity. My brother only has one woman.

“Yes. She’s been looking for something. I’m just not sure what it was.”

Since I was sent down, not one member of my family has come to visit me or written back to me. Not even my own mother, and I’ve sent her a couple of notes.Fuck them.But whyis Sonia snooping in my things? “Thanks for the heads up. I’ll call you soon.”

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