Page 120 of Warrior

He stops in front of Nathan Bradshaw.

The sheriff has never been my favorite person, but right now, I’d prefer he live to see another day. He’s in his uniform, although his hat is missing.

“Sheriff Bradshaw,” Ouranos says. “You seem to have deals with everyone in this town.”

Nathan straightens.

“Loyalty test,” Antonio breathes.

Great.

“Tell me. Who do you trust more? Kade Laurent or me?”

The sheriff eyes him, then shakes his head slowly. “Couldn’t say, sir.”

Ouranos laughs, then claps his hands. “Sir, I love that. Such respect already? What have I done to deserve such a thing?”

Bradshaw glances down at the blood speckled across his white shirt.

“Ah.Murderbends your will? Not money.” He looks pointedly up at Kade, still on the landing. “Money is attractive to you, isn’t it, Sheriff?”

He grunts.

“Well, let me tell you all something.” His gaze sharpens. “I will notpayyou to be on my side. You either are, or you won’t be leaving this room. And that applies to you all. Sterling Falls’ bold leaders and businessmen.”

I think I’m here by mistake. The only thing that keeps me focused is that Kade said to protect Antonio. And the older man was led into this room by the Cyclopes, which means he was rounded up.

He’s included in this.

Ouranos stares down the sheriff until the latter breaks it. His gaze drops to his feet, and he mumbles something too low for me to hear.

“Good,” Ouranos says. “Please know, Sheriff, that I don’t believe a word out of your mouth. But it’s no matter. There are always weak points.”

He nods, and a Cyclops shoves the sheriff’s sister forward by her hair. He pushes her toward Nathan, stopping just out of his reach.

“Now.” Ouranos holds his hand out for the gun again. “Who do you trust more? Me, or your sister?”

The sheriff blanches.

“Do you trust me not to kill her?” he continues. “Or do you trust that she’ll survive?”

“I—you,” he says.

“I want you to remember this moment when you consider going against me,” Ouranos says. “Nadine. An alderman. Alderwoman? I must say, I don’t know what’s politically correct. Correctness when in terms of politics doesn’t hold my interest.”

She nods, but her whole body trembles.

“Oh dear.” He rubs her upper arm. “Did that frighten you?”

She continues nodding.

“Ah. Sensitive soul.” He glances at her brother again. “I don’t think it would take much at all to make you scream. Gabriel?”

Gabriel appears at his shoulder.

“Perhaps Nadine could test out that new cocktail,” Ouranos suggests. “And then her brother would surely come to heel.”

“No—” Bradshaw takes a big step forward, only to be blocked. “No, I’ll listen. I agreed.”

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