Page 42 of Property of Woods

I should tell him to suck it up and deal with it, but my brother is the type that creates a storm, then cries when it rains, so I give him what cash I’ve got on me.

Grannie Mags is still pissed off at him for going to jail.She refused to visit him but stayed on my ass about making sure he had money on his books.He’s just like our old man and it bothers her more than she lets on.Our father was her greatest disappointment.Her biggest heartbreak.Last we heard about him he was in Florida living with his latest sugar momma.

As I’m walking toward the clubhouse, my cell buzzes with a call from Big Daddy on one of his burners.“What’s up?”

“How’s she doing?”

“Good.”

“No problems?”

“Everything’s gone fine.”

“That fucker is in the wind.Gwynee wants to talk to her.She close?”

“I’m about to check in.Give me ten.”

Big Daddy hangs up, and I check the bar for Jess.I don’t see her hanging around and Swift doesn’t think he’s seen her come out of her room.I knock on the door, but there’s no response, so I let myself in.

The room is empty, but the clothes she bought while out with my sister are still here.I find Madz out back watching Dover and Shaggy clean up from last night.

“Where’s Jessika?”

“Oh.”she purses her lips.“She went into town with Gabbie.”

“Gabbie?What the fuck for?”

She taps her chin.“I’m not sure.”

“When did they leave?”

“A few hours ago.”

“You got her number?”

“No, but Kiki probably does.”

“Where the fuck is she?”

“I don’t know.”

“What the fuck do you know?”I raise my voice and she shrinks back.I don’t mean to take my anger out on Madz she just happens to be the closest target.

“I’m sorry.I can call Kiki.”

“Yeah.Do that.Now.”

Madz pulls her phone out of her back pocket, and I try not to lose my fucking cool any further than I already have as she makes the call.

Fuck.I should’ve just stayed in my room with her.Did she play me?Fuck me and wait for the perfect time to take off?Nah.That’s not her.But what do I really know about her?

“She’s texting me her number.Do you want to just call her on my phone, so it’ll be faster?”

“Call her,” I bark.

The stupid cunt doesn’t answer.Fuck me.I should have given Jessika a phone so I could track her ass.

“I can drive to town and see if I can spot Gabbie’s car.”

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